Instructional Facilities Overview
Assignment of Classrooms
The Facilities Resources Committee determines how all of the physical facilities, including instructional space, will be used at the University. Certain instructional facilities are designated to be scheduled by the Office of the University Registrar, while academic colleges schedule other instructional facilities. Refer to policy AD62.
Priority Use of Classrooms
Selected general purpose classrooms at University Park campus have been designated by the Facility Resources Committee for "priority" scheduling. The identified academic department will have first opportunity to schedule courses in priority general purpose classrooms. Requests for priority scheduling must be submitted during the first phase of the Course Offering Process.
General Purpose Classrooms
The Office of University Registrar schedules general purpose classrooms. Any academic course may be scheduled in a general purpose classroom, with specific scheduling requirements governed by best matching the room size with the class size. Decisions regarding placement of instructional or non-instructional events into general purpose classrooms rest with the Registrar's office.
Technology Classrooms
Selected general purpose classrooms have been equipped with advanced multimedia and information technology equipment. Four categories of technology classrooms have been defined: Instructor Technology; Projector-only Technology; Student Technology; and Video Conferencing. In addition, the Willard Building at University Park campus allows for the scheduling and delivery of portable computer technology in designated rooms.
Instructor Technology Classrooms (ITEC)
Courses where the instructor requires technology to support the delivery of instruction, and where the technology is used on a regular basis, are given scheduling priority for these rooms. The following technology features generally apply to each room with installed technology:
- Internet connection
- Instructor podium with a Windows-supported computer, a MacIntosh computer, or both (standard desktop software)
- Plug-in capability for instructor-supplied computer
- CD-ROM
- Remote/wireless mouse
- Ceiling mounted video/data projector
- Microphone
- Audio system for multimedia presentation
- Room lighting controls
- VHS/DVD Combo Unit
- Telephone
There are over 240 general purpose classrooms at University Park currently defined as Instructor Technology Classrooms. These classrooms are fully described on the General Purpose Classroom Search, with the technology code = ITEC.
Projector-only Technology Classrooms (PTEC)
Courses where the instructor requires a projector for use with an instructor-provided laptop to support the delivery of instruction, and where the technology is used on a regular basis, are given scheduling priority for these rooms. The following technology features generally apply to each room with installed technology:
- Internet connection
- Plug-in capability for instructor-supplied computer
- Ceiling mounted video/data projector
- Microphone
- Audio system for multimedia presentation
- Room lighting controls
Student Technology Classrooms (STEC)
Courses where students are required to use computers during the class and where these computers are used on a regular basis are given scheduling priority for these rooms. The following list of technology features generally apply to each room designated as a student technology station classroom:
- All features described in Instructor Technology Classrooms.
- Student stations with a MacIntosh, Linux, or WIndows operating system.
- Room layouts vary, with some rooms offering individual student stations and others offering collaborative student stations.
There are over 30 general purpose classrooms at University Park currently defined as Student Technology Classrooms. These classrooms are fully described on the General Purpose Classroom Search, with the technology code = STEC.
Video Conferencing Classrooms (VTEC)
These rooms are available for scheduling any course offered by any academic department that requires the use of video conferencing on a regular basis. Because of the special nature of these rooms, certain restrictions apply. Instructor training is required and can be arranged by e-mailing techclass@psu.edu. Fees may apply for non-credit instruction activities.
There are a very limited number of general purpose classrooms currently defined as Video Conference Classrooms. These classrooms are fully described on the General Purpose Classroom Search, with the technology code = VTEC.
Classroom Buildings at University Park that Support Portable Technology
Courses where the instructor occasionally requires technology to support the delivery of instruction can be scheduled into the Willard Building at University Park. This building has portable technology units that may be moved into classrooms. The course instructor is responsible for scheduling this equipment by contacting Media and Technology Support Services, 865-5400.
The following technology features generally apply to each portable technology unit. Course instructors should discuss specific needs with Media and Technology Support Services staff.
- A Windows-supported computer or a Macintosh computer (standard desktop software)
- Plug-in capability for instructor supplied computer
- CD-ROM
- Remote/wireless mouse
- Video/data projector
- Audio system for multimedia presentation
- VHS recorder/player
Classroom Laboratories
Rooms designated by special features, equipment or purpose are scheduled by the specific departments.