Wireless Projection Has Arrived

March 6, 2019
Faculty and students no longer need to plug in to project in select classrooms

In response to faculty feedback, Information Services has implemented wireless projection in dozens of classrooms across campus. Wireless projection allows faculty or students to project their computer, tablet, or smartphone in a classroom. The technology has also been set up in several conference rooms on campus, benefitting staff as well. In addition to simplifying the ability to project from your device, wireless projection, also known as Solstice Pods, allows for multiple devices to project at once, enabling group work.

Dr. Kathy Hoke, chair of Mathematics and Computer Science says, “Chip Hoke and I team-teach SMART calculus. It is a 2-semester course—students take Calculus I in the fall and Calculus II in the spring. On some days, the students bring their data to class and work on the analysis and connection to calculus in lab groups.  They project their data and analysis onto the boards and then Chip and I can see at a glance whether each group is on the right track, need help, etc.  If we want to make a point to the whole class, we can focus everyone on one group’s work.”

Students collaborate using Solstice pods

Dr. Ben Broening, Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences and professor of Music says, “We use the Solstice pods in the Music Technology Lab. I use them to share application windows in my computer with class and to share student screens with the class when we’re reviewing student solutions. I’ve also used them in one-on-one sessions with students and tutorials so I can show how to do something while they still have control of their computer and can follow the steps I am taking. I really like it – fast to setup and flexible.”

Dr. Kristine Nolin, associate professor of Chemistry, agrees. “Love the flexibility of the wireless projectors! In Gottwald A-201, we have six projectors, which is fabulous for small group work.”

A list of classrooms with wireless projection capabilities is available on the Classroom Master Plan website. Assistant Vice President for Telecommunications, Multimedia Support, and User Services Doug West says, “As we look forward to 2019 project commitments, we would expect to deploy pods in all of the classrooms and meeting rooms that are part of planned renovations, and the TMSS group will continue to include new pods in their classroom technology refresh projects. Current plans include the installation of the wireless pods in all classrooms in the Carol Weinstein International Center over spring break, and the Law School classrooms over the summer.”

West adds, “It is also important that the rollout of wireless presentation solutions in our classroom spaces is intended to be an augment to existing wired solutions. We will continue to provide a wired digital input for those users that wish to connect directly to the video distribution equipment with their HDMI cord or adapter. The Solstice Pod has certainly emerged as a very popular option for sharing presentation/content, but the wired connection will remain for the foreseeable future.”