Monroe Utilizes Video Technology to Enhance Classroom Experience and Connect Overseas
Bronx, NY (PRWEB) December 06, 2013 -- Higher education is constantly evolving, thanks to continued advancements in classroom technology. As an institution that believes in the value of convenience as part of a quality education, Monroe College knows the importance of embracing new technology to ensure the best possible classroom experience for its students.
A recent and successful venture into classroom technology has been a video conferencing feature, which has primarily been used in Monroe's MBA classes. Because these classes focus on specialized subject matter at a higher level, they tend to be a bit smaller.
“Using the video technology benefits the students because we would not be able to run these smaller classes - which typically have 5 to 10 students - at each campus without the use of this equipment, which would delay students’ completion of their MBA degree,” explains Dr. Roberta Harris, Dean of the King Graduate School at Monroe’s New Rochelle campus. “The students in each location can engage in classroom discussions, team activities and presentations from campuses concurrently using this equipment.”
Lester Borden, one of Monroe’s first professors to embrace this new technology, is able to teach simultaneously at both the New Rochelle and Bronx campuses. “It’s a huge benefit to the students. It enables them to cut down on travel time so that they optimize their time in the classroom. We can share files and conversations across campuses. It’s a great technology.”
Each week, classes are conducted from the classrooms with video conferencing capabilities in the New Rochelle and Bronx campuses. Once the audio and video connections take place, the instructor connects a laptop to the video conferencing equipment which allows the use of PowerPoint, the internet, DVD player for videos, and conversation between the two campuses. The instructor also alternates which campus they will teach at “live,” enabling the students at both campuses to have face-to-face interaction.
Monroe hopes to bring this technology to its St. Lucia campus as well, connecting all three campuses simultaneously.
“We hope to implement the same conferencing capabilities in St. Lucia by the fall of 2015,” explains Dr. Harris. “This will help to create a cohesive feel for both our local and overseas students.”
“I have taught both undergrad and grad school courses for six years. I have found that the students really benefit from and enjoy learning this way,” comments Professor Borden. “It's a combination of the tried-and-true teaching methods and the future of college learning.”
Katharine Rose, STARKMAN, +1 (212) 252-8545, [email protected]
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