New Classroom & Computer Lab Technologies

The Office of Technology Services (OTS) and its campus partners are continually exploring technologies that can be used in the classroom to support learning and teaching. Our approach is to identify faculty and student needs, and conduct small-scale pilots and select solutions that fit well into the campus infrastructure. Many factors need to be considered including:

• cost
• ease of use
• installation
• compatibility
• reliability
• scalability

Popular technology items requested by faculty and staff

Tablets, iPads and Other Mobile Devices in the Classroom

The Office of Technology Services (OTS) currently supports several different wireless technologies. The instructor workstations are built to work with many types of mobile devices.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

The Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) field is available at Towson University. OTS has a 360-degree camera available for loan to faculty and staff for short periods of time, an you can experiment and explore with the camera as a proof-of-concept. Check out the VR samples created using our camera (must use Google Chrome or a mobile device to view). 

Capture content using our 360-degree camera and watch it on YouTube or using a special app. When played on YouTube or an app on a smartphone or tablet with motion sensors (most have them), the view will change as you move your device, providing a full 360-degree view of the still image or video. The key to Virtual Reality is generating the scenery. Using the 360-degree camera enables generation of realistic VR content.

The Oculus Rift is a VR headset that connects to a PC and provides an immersive 3D experience. It's touch controllers mimic the feeling of natural hand gestures in the virtual environments. There is a large library of free and paid content available for the Rift. 

For information on any of the equipment listed or to request a loan, submit a TechHelp service request. 

Lecture Capture and Desktop Video Recording

Panopto is a software-based solution that can be used for:

• traditional in-classroom recording
• desktop recording
• field recording
• webcasting

Check with your department or search Virtual Tour of Campus Technology Equipped Classrooms for locations equipped to handle Panopto recording.

Video Conferencing

The Office of Technology Services (OTS) supports several different video conferencing systems. Before purchasing any video conferencing solutions please consult with your CCLT coordinator. 

Touch Screen Monitors for Classroom Instructor Computers

With this technology, you can annotate and mark up presentations using "digital ink." Instructors can export their documents with the markups for distribution. These are standard for new and renovated classrooms and upon departmental request for existing classrooms.

Interactive flat panel displays

Interactive big-screen displays can serve as the main or secondary display in the classroom. Some spaces have a dedicated computer and can be used indepent of the instructor workstation in the classroom. Interactive displays are useful as a collaborative screen for small student groups. Funding may be available through the Student Technology Fee Program.

Spotlight Presentation Remote

The Logitech Spotlight is a presentation remote designed to work in applications where a traditional laser pointer falls short, such as on flat panel displays. The remote functions as a typical PowerPoint “clicker” but also provides the ability to digitally highlight areas of the screen and vibrates to alert you when you are running out of time. More information and a video are available from Logitech. These devices are typically purchased by individual faculty members or departments and are not covered under Student Technology Fees.