A new audiovisual system is among a series of technology projects already making a difference in Utica Community Schools classrooms.
The system – comprised of new projection, camera and voice amplification equipment – was installed at all secondary schools last year, courtesy of the 2023 Safety and Success Bond Issue. Installation is beginning this summer at elementary schools.
At Davis Junior High School, teacher Kelly Battle has been using the system to communicate daily assignments, display classroom work, review material, share videos and provide a calm screen when students need down time.
The technology is “a gamer changer in the classroom,” Battle said.
“The projector is an essential tool for my teaching,” she said. “The projector allows me to make my classroom much more interactive and engaging for my students. I am able to easily model for students using the projector tools and activate student learning using various media sources.”
Superintendent Robert S. Monroe said the improvements are another example of how the $550 million bond issue is transforming UCS classrooms.
“The AV system is another tool our teachers can use to spur innovation in their classrooms and drive student achievement,” he said. “In addition to supporting our learners, the system has critical safety features that can be the difference in an emergency situation.”
The classroom system has three components: a projection system, document camera and lanyard microphone teachers can use to amplifier their voice or use to create an alert in the main office in an emergency situation.
The projector is mounted in the front of the classroom and projects a large image on the whiteboard.
Teachers have two interactive pens that can be used to annotate on top of any projected image. The pens can also be used to control the computer being displayed on the projector. The projector also features wireless display, which allows the teacher or students to display their laptop from anywhere in the classroom.
The camera system is connected to the projector, which allows the teacher to show students paper documents, books, or physical objects on the projector display.
In addition, the AV system features an amplifier and several ceiling-mounted speakers that teachers use through a lanyard microphone.
The sound system is also integrated with the building’s PA system, allowing the teacher to initiate a PA call in an emergency situation that will sound an alarm in the office and highlight the affected classroom.
It is one of several technology projects taking place this summer, courtesy of the bond issue and grant funding.
Other technology upgrades this sumer include:
- The purchase of more than 10,000 new laptops and 2,000 new iPads
- More than 100 new Computer Aided Design workstations to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
- Installation of technology in the reconstructed DeKeyser Elementary, including data network, wireless access points, new telephone system, security cameras, door card readers, and classroom AV systems
