With web-conferencing, online teaching, and working remotely being the new norm, many CLAS units are interested in adding to already existing conference room A/V equipment to adapt to the current remote collaboration environment we now encounter. In other instances, individual faculty members are looking to purchase technology to assist with remote teaching opportunities from home or office. CLAS IT has been in open collaboration with UFIT and AT Learning Spaces Support Teams on the various solutions deployed in the converted telepresence classrooms and studio spaces across UF since early spring. This partnership has provided us insights into the challenges and successes of the many telepresence deployments around campus and we want to remind you that we are a resource you can utilize to help you conceptualize and implement yours.
A few things to consider:
- Web conferencing hardware is in high demand globally and supply chains are disrupted. As a result, availability of hardware technology for remote collaboration is extremely limited.
- Mobile workforce technology, such as laptops, webcams and tablets are taking weeks, or months in some instances, to arrive. In addition, delivery timelines have often been changed without notice.
- COVID-related challenges in staffing continue to cause installation and configuration delays.
We have helped a few units in our college convert unused, smaller teaching spaces, or department conference rooms with the necessary technology for remote instruction. We have also spoken with many other units to identify possible solutions within their budget and if the technology is currently available for purchase. The technology needed to augment each space is unique and we are here to help you find a practical solution.
If you are interested in exploring options to convert a space within your unit into a telepresence studio or classroom, please contact CLAS IT to schedule a consultation.