8. Technology

What learning technology is available to me? Is there support available?

The classrooms are typically equipped with computers, data projectors, sound systems, and other related A/V equipment. There are also options to connect your laptop to the equipment. General information about this kind of equipment is listed on myUPEI. For more detailed information for specific rooms, check the Live 25 system. Note that non-standard A/V equipment (e.g., microphone, digital recorders) needs to be booked in advance for classroom use. You should place a standing order for equipment that you plan to use regularly.

Technical support for these systems is provided by ITSS. We recommend that you give yourself a quick introduction to the equipment in your classroom before the term starts, especially if you will be teaching in a large lecture hall. If you have technical problems during your class, you can call ITSS at 902.566.0465 for assistance.

In addition to these built-in technologies, there are many others you can use, such as the Moodle learning management system, Blackboard Collaborate, Google Meet, student response systems like iclickers, online homework systems, or educational streaming media such as videos. For all these options, keep in mind that any technology you might want to use should be integrated into your course in a pedagogically meaningful way so that it supports student learning.

The Teaching and Learning Centre supports instructors with a wide range of issues related to the use of Moodle, Collaborate Class, and Google Meet. Contact your liaison librarian to review resources for your courses and how they can be integrated into your curriculum.

What do I need to do if I want to use clicker technology?

Before getting started, you should find out if your students are already using separate clicker devices in one or more of their other classes, i.e., if they already own a clicker or are required to buy one for another class. If your students require the clicker for only one course, you may want to reconsider requiring clickers that they have to purchase.

You may want to consider using a smartphone app instead. Other options include using extensions such as Slides Poll or Poll Everywhere for Google Slides, or Google Slides Q&A. If you are using  Collaborate Class, you can utilize Polls for feedback, and if you have a Zoom Pro account, there is a poll option available within the platform.