CCE Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Computing Technology in Education (DCTE)

Department

Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences

Advisor

Gertrude W Abramson

Committee Member

Maxine S Cohen

Committee Member

Timothy J Ellis

Keywords

Community College, Electronic Classroom, Faculty Satisfaction, Instructional Effectiveness, Smart Classroom, Student Satisfaction

Abstract

Numerous designs, practices, stakeholders, and technology options make it difficult for higher education institutions to find direction and established standards for classroom construction and remodeling projects. Different models of technology-enhanced classrooms are being adopted as various managers, integrators, and architects develop new classroom spaces. A planning process, standardized classroom model, and effective support structure will be valuable elements in meeting the needs of faculty and students.

The goal was to establish a best practices classroom model to meet the needs of community college faculty, students, and technology support personnel. Information collected from community colleges was used to determine the state of installed classroom technology that includes standard practices, policies and procedures, stakeholder involvement, ongoing budget and equipment replacement, and technical support. Community college faculty and students provided data related to the effectiveness of and their satisfaction with different technology classroom models.

A case study approach was employed. The cases included two different electronic classroom models (Model 1: remodel of rooms in existing buildings in 2004 and Model 2: new building construction in 1995). Data were collected from faculty and students related to the effectiveness of and their satisfaction with the particular environment. Background information on classroom design, standards, technology integration, and support was gathered from other community colleges to be included as part of the foundation provided by the review of literature. These data, together with the local data, were used to develop a classroom standards document. Faculty and student data were used to determine the effectiveness of the technology components, room and system design, and overall integration of technology in the electronic classroom.

Faculty and students reported a high level of satisfaction with the electronic classrooms as well as a perceived high level of instructional effectiveness. Some design considerations related to screen placement and lighting control were raised by both populations. There were no other significant differences between the two classroom models used in the investigation. Faculty and student preferences were incorporated into the classroom standards document developed at the conclusion of the research. Community college instructional support personnel reported a fairly consistent basic model for their electronic classrooms. The use of any form of standards document was rare. A team approach to planning, design, installation and support was widely used.

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