At the University of Victoria, there are approximately 185 “general-use, universally-bookable, academic teaching spaces” (including 12 large lecture theaters). All of these spaces have some form of audio-visual teaching technology of varying ages that routinely needs to be upgraded.
Since the Spring of 2014, Andrew Finlay and other members of University Systems have been responsible for transforming 101 classrooms and 4 large lecture theaters around campus from operating with obsolete analogue video display technology to high-definition digital technology! Some of these include the David Lam Auditorium in MacLaurin and the lecture theater in the David Strong Building. Not only do these upgrades help to maintain technical currency here on the UVic campus, but they allow for increased functionality. The upgrades included the removal of analog end-of-life VCRs, which were replaced with high definition (1080p) projection and modern control systems that can be remotely controlled.
The two graphs below demonstrate the technology state prior to the instigation of this rejuvenation process (left) and the current state (right):
In addition to providing more modern equipment in classrooms, the most recent project in this process strategically acquired spare equipment in order to prevent negative impact on academic teaching in the event of technology failures or vandalism.
Thanks to Andrew Finlay and his team, students at the University of Victoria can maximize their educational experience by learning in an environment with modern technology.