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The smart classroom
is a classroom that is wired for the Internet and allows for a
wide variety of course delivery modes. Whereas, the overhead projector
and VCR were the technologies of the classroom ten years ago,
today a wired classroom features computer generated projection
on to a theatre like screen of images transmitted via satellite
and the internet from anywhere on earth.
In addition to computer technology we also now enjoy
laserdisc, CD-ROM and DVD technology, which allows us to store
high quality audio and digital video on a very small disc. The
storage capacity of these disks makes it possible to store information
for an entire course on one small CD producing an interactivity
unheard of ten years ago. This technology has allowed publishers
to produce highly interactive ancillary materials to accompany
textbooks. The visual and aural enhancement of the written word
improves the ability of visual and aural learners to grasp concepts
and information much easier. Technology has enabled pedagogical
improvements in delivering information to a variety of learning
styles.
Another advantage of the new web-based learning
environment is the ability to post syllabi and course material
on the web for easy and universal access. In addition, chat rooms
and bulletin boards allow for synchronous or asynchronous dialogues
between students and teachers. List serves allow for fast, efficient
communication to large groups with common interests. The time
will soon come that textbooks will be on a CD rather than in print
and a student's entire semester will be stored on a few CD's mixed
in with their favorite musical CD's and movie DVD's.
The smart classrooms of the future will have
wireless modems and students will have laptops on their desks
rather than books. This will facilitate note taking, following
lectures with text and images from the "book", and instant
access to web sites throughout the world.
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