New Mediated Classrooms for Fall 2006

Issue 35, Winter 2006

by Larry Gilbert

As the classroom scheduling process for next year rapidly approaches, keep in mind that as many as twenty-eight newly mediated classrooms will be available for your use. Beginning this winter quarter, the following thirteen newly renovated classrooms in Bond Hall are available for scheduling with Level 4 teaching technology:

All of the above classrooms now have Level 4 teaching technologies that include an electronic podium, computer, ceiling projector for group display, document camera, and classroom response system. All of the rooms listed have also received new lighting, carpeting, acoustic treatment, board lights, and instructional boards.

Those faculty members who teach large lecture classes will be happy to know that Western’s only lecture hall without Level 4 mediation (Fraser 2) will be completely renovated and mediated by Fall, 2006. In addition, you can count on most of the following fourteen smaller classrooms being renovated and mediated at Level 4 by Fall of next year:

Finally, if you are currently using any of the Haggard Hall lecture halls or Science Lecture 130, you can plan for minor renovations and the addition of a new electronic podium in each of those facilities. Please do keep in mind that a few of the above classrooms may need to be eliminated from the list, depending on success with bidding out these renovations.

Be Sure To Define Your Personal Classroom Needs

It’s critical that all faculty members let the Registrar know exactly the type of classroom they need at the time next year’s classroom schedule is formed during. When the Timetable call comes out this spring, be sure to define not only the size of classroom you need, but also whether you need a Level 4 or Level 3 classroom (i.e. computer, computer display, and document camera). You can even define whether you prefer markerboards or chalkboards in your classroom.

Following completion of the above classroom renovations over the coming summer, 85% of Western’s classrooms with 31+ seats will be mediated at Level 4. That makes it easier than ever to get assigned to an appropriate mediated room – but only if you’re sure your needs are communicated to the Registrar in a timely manner. See the related article on the availability of new collaborative teaching space in BH 419, if you are interested in integrating group processes into your teaching.

Let us know what you think of the newly available Bond Hall classrooms. We’re always looking for further input on classroom enhancements that will best meet faculty needs. Feel free to call Larry Gilbert at 650-2272 at any time with comments or questions.