Furniture, spacing, capacity, lighting, and audio/visual systems: these are just some of the many considerations LSA Technology Services takes into account when planning construction or renovations of classrooms. Prior to the pandemic, LSA had room for improvement to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. We are proud to announce that now all of our classrooms meet ADA requirements based on room capacity, furniture layout and spacing, and audio and visual accommodations. While we consider this a positive step forward, we strive to exceed requirements where we can create learning spaces that align with LSA values and are gathering feedback from the community to make our classrooms as inclusive and welcoming as possible.
This is an area of expertise for Dr. Monika Dressler, the Director of Academic Technology Services, a group within LSA Technology Services that includes engineering designers, technology strategists, learning and teaching consultants, and more. “A lot of people see the groups I oversee and wonder how those groups are related. With everyone in my group, we are holistically thinking about learning spaces: How does the space impact the faculty members’ and students’ experience and learning? How are activities more successful in a space where you have everything you want?” said Dressler.
In practice, this means that a lot of the work revolves around accessibility for both students and instructors. An example of how LSA Technology Services works to make classrooms more inclusive can be found in the requirements to provide a form of assisted listening. Dressler and her team collaborate with Services for Students with Disabilities for their expertise. A suggested solution could be as simple as a headphone set that taps directly into the radio signal from the instructor’s microphone, but Dressler’s group collects feedback and pushes for a better, more equitable solution.
“People shouldn’t be forced to reveal their disability by wearing a headset,” explained Dressler.
By using modern technology, LSA Technology Services can help students connect to the radio signal using their phones so they can use their preferred bluetooth device for assisted listening.
“The notion of inclusion when thinking about classroom design is that we want to push ourselves to be able to include everyone, including those with mobility, hearing, and vision impairments, to make life better for everyone.” said Dressler, “When we make these changes to classrooms, it is improving the teaching and learning experience for everyone.”
Inclusion is a value that carries over to all of the groups in LSA Technology Services. In addition to assisted listening, below are highlights of some of the most impactful changes:
ADA Compliance: Every LSA classroom meets updated ADA requirements. LSA Technology Services in partnership with LSA Facilities worked on updates including decreasing room capacities, moving/replacing furniture, and in some cases, even repouring concrete floors to meet updated incline requirements for individuals with mobility impairments.
Audio updates: Additional and upgraded audio equipment has been added to help individuals with hearing impairment and support lecture capture. Each classroom has a lavalier mic for the instructor and ceiling microphone for lecture capture. LSA Technology Services is continuing to add additional equipment like handheld mics, audio receivers, and catchbox mics. Read more about the updated microphone system.
Lecture Capture: LSA Technology Services administers lecture capture which makes it easier for instructors to record and share their lectures. Support for lecture capture enables students to access or revisit materials at their own pace. Supporting quality lecture capture ensures that the online experience is equitable for people with different abilities.
Height-adjustable furniture: Many spaces were upgraded to include height-adjustable podiums, desks, and tables to accommodate people using mobility devices and people of differing heights. Everyone should be able to present in or attend a classroom with height-appropriate, ergonomic furniture. Height-adjustable tables can also help students who have difficulty sitting for long periods of time or promote movement that can help students focus.
Transcription and captioning services: Normalization of new technology like Zoom allows us to use remote transcription services that can help students with hearing impairments. LSA Technology Services can also work with instructors to set up captioning for lecture capture, Zoom, and other video conferencing.
Replacing light fixtures: Collaborating with facilities, the College of LSA is updating lighting in the classrooms, attempting to minimize the use of fluorescent light. Fluorescent light can negatively affect people with processing disabilities or people who are prone to headaches or migraines.
Central Campus Classroom Building (CCCB): The newly constructed CCCB is a model of the experience we strive to create in every classroom. The high-quality audio and video equipment makes it easy for students with disabilities to access information. A lot of the furniture is height-adjustable and room arrangements are flexible to accommodate people with mobility impairments.
Room Maintenance: LSA Technology Services staff is dedicated to making sure classroom equipment is updated and functioning. If issues arise with equipment during a class session, the Technical Assistance Group can arrive to help in minutes.
Support Services: If you need specific accommodations for a class or event, you can reach out to LSA Technology Services in advance and we can work with you to provide the best recommendations. We also offer training for individuals to understand how to utilize the technology in the classrooms. Contact LSA Technology Services for more information.
LSA Technology Services is excited about the updates we have made, while remaining motivated to push for improvements in the future. With constantly changing technology and situations accelerated due to the pandemic, there will always be ways to improve the accessibility of our classrooms.
“I want people to know that we want their feedback and input. We’re not going to know everything unless we get their feedback. If we can create an environment where people feel super comfortable giving feedback, then we can continue to learn and grow from that.” said Dressler.
If you have feedback on any way we can improve your experience in the classroom, please reach out to LSA Technology Services.
