General Technology Standards
The information on this page is designed to establish standards for installation, support and define technologies installed in learning spaces at the University of Kansas. These standards will create environments which are easier and less expensive to support over time, while keeping technology current throughout classrooms across campus. According to these standards, no classroom on campus shall remain static for more than three years without being considered for a technology upgrade. Classroom standards also ensure that all faculty will know what technologies to expect in a classroom, no matter the building or location.
While this document should be used as a standards guide, IT Classroom Technology will specifically decide what technologies will be installed in learning spaces at KU, after careful consideration and survey of the learning environment. Purchase and installation of equipment without consultation with Classroom Technology could result in potential cost over-runs, duplicate technology and a deficiency of support for equipment.
Services Provided by IT Classroom Technology
Information Technology - Classroom Technology unit handles all aspects of classroom technology, including:
- Perform on-site visit and information gathering
- Determining the technological needs of the learning environment
- Recommendations of solutions for purchase
- Purchase of equipment
- Installation of equipment
- Supervise vendor installations
- On-site support for classroom technology (immediate and remote support)
All projects should be requested through ServiceNow tickets created by the KU IT Customer Service Center. Contact the IT Customer Service Center at itcsc@ku.edu or call 785-864-8080. IT Classroom Technology will work on these requests through an internal work process.
IT Classroom Technology coordinates with other KU departments on individual functions associated with classroom upgrades, including:
- Construction
- Electrical
- Custodial maintenance
- General Maintenance
- Replacement of general classroom supplies (dry erase markers, etc.)
Support for Classrooms
IT Classroom Technology and the local Technical Service Center is responsible for the up-front and on-going support of the technology in the learning environment. Installation of technology will be handled by or contracted through Classroom Technology, Network Construction, and Design Construction Management (DCM).
Remote assistance can be provided (where applicable) through the Extron control system, (Global Viewer) which will allow staff to remotely control:
- Power to certain equipment
- Switching, content selection for display
- Monitor room operations, live status
- Gather metrics for logging and equipment maintenance (projector lamp replacement)
Individual Technology Service Centers (TSC) can be set up with access to their specific learning spaces on the Global Viewer system.
Immediate on-site assistance is provided via a tiered level of support beginning with the local TSC. Trouble calls and tickets are escalated to IT Classroom Technology Support and then to outside contractors as necessary. Visit tsc.ku.edu for a complete list of TSCs.
IT Classroom Technology provides Tier 2 support from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and by special request outside of those hours. IT Classroom Technology will strive to have staff present within ten minutes to handle any issues. Some larger auditoriums are staffed during academic hours, and are able to assist faculty with any technology issues.
The desktop computer(s) in the classroom are supported by IT Public Computing and IT Classroom Technology. Support for these computers include:
- Installation and configuration of requested software
- One-on-one support for instructors using classrooms
- Hardware replacement every three to five years
- Provisions for requested ADA needs
External Devices
External devices other than USB memory or external hard drives, need to be vetted and approved by KU IT. Please contact support to ensure that the external device which is intended for use will not conflict with any of the technologies installed in the learning space. This includes, for example, wireless devices such as Apple TV.
Wireless Audio/Video Connectivity in Learning Spaces
Wireless Audio/Video devices must be approved for use by KU IT before implementation. Wireless devices may not be set up outside of the Jayhawk wireless network and must fall within the approved 5 GHZ range. All devices must be networked and may not be set up as individual wireless access points (WAP). KU IT has approved the following for use:
- Extron Share Link – Networked version
- Crestron Air Media – Networked version
- Barco Click Share
- Apple TV
Accessibility
Special technology considerations may be requested. Classroom Technology will handle these requests on a one-on-one basis, as necessary and in collaboration with the Academic Achievement and Access Center.
Learning spaces will be configured with assistive listening systems as determined by IT Classroom Technology and the Academic Achievement and Access Center. Technologies currently supported are:
- Listen FM systems
- Contacta Induction Loop
Visit listentech.com » for more information.
Digital Signage
KU IT provides an enterprise solution for Digital Signage with Visix.
Visit KU Digital Signage for more information.
Life Cycle Funding
The life cycle on standard technology is three to five years. Departments need to plan for and budget replacement of standard technologies (such as projectors) and should be prepared to replace most standard equipment within this three-to-five year timeframe. IT Classroom Technology will provide consultation on your classroom equipment and needs.An evaluation of equipment after three years is necessary to determine if the equipment in the learning space needs to be replaced due to technological advancements. Please contact IT Classroom Technology to setup a consultation appointment and begin the process of refreshing the technology in your spaces.
Classroom Construction Standards
Standards on construction and physical space are determined by KU Design & Construction Management, a department that works closely with IT Classroom Technology.
Classroom Technology staff adhere to the best practices of Certified Technology Specialists (CTS), for creating, operating, and servicing AV solutions, and Conducting AV management activities which provide for the best audiovisual resolutions of the client’s need, both on time and within budget. For more information about CTS, visit: http://www.infocomm.org/cts »
