Fall 2014 Classroom FeedbackSurvey Result Highlights

Educational Technology ServicesClassroom Technology Support Services

Background

Classroom Technology Support Services traditionally sends out an end-of-semester survey to instructors. We’ve been doing so since Spring 2011.

The feedback provided by instructors helps us make decisions around adding/removing technologies to meet the needs in the General Assignment (GA) classrooms. For example, installing Mac adaptors to the existing VGA cables in all of GA classrooms was not a small expense, but survey feedback told us how important it was to the classroom experience, so we made it a priority.

The Fall 2014 survey was sent on 12/03/2014 to instructors who are listed as “instructor of record” on the course schedule list.

Document Camera Usage & InterestCurrently Using 7%

Interested in using 49%

Starting in 2013, ETS began a systematic deployment of document cameras in the larger classrooms. Based on responses to this questions, we are planning to do more to help instructors understand the capabilities of the document cameras and how to use them. In the meantime, please check out our introductory video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_O6eJNhQEY

And to learn more about where document cameras are installed or how to request one in your classroom next semester (or just to try it out.), please visit this page at:

https://ets.berkeley.edu/equipment/document-camera

Finally, to schedule a one-on-one orientation with a member of the CTS staff, please contact us at:

510-643-8637 or avsupport@media.berkeley.edu

Video Adapter usage in classroomsHDMI adapters (incl. HDMI, Mini HDMI, Micro HDMI) 6%

Special Mini-Displayport adapter for PC 1%

Older generation of Mac adapters 1%

iPad (incl. 30-pin, lightning) 1%

Use adapter provided in classroom or does not need one 91%

This question asked about the range of computer display adapters that instructors are using. Currently ETS provides a cable connected to the AV system in each equipped classroom. In the majority of rooms it’s a VGA cable (for PC) with a Mini-Displayport adapter (for Mac).

Meanwhile, cable and adapter needs are changing. VGA is becoming an outdated technology for video. Many new model computers don’t even come with VGA output. ETS is actively bringing support for the newer High Definition (HD) technology to the classrooms. Check out our progress at:

http://ets.berkeley.edu/article/welcome-new-hd-classroom

Not sure if you need an adapter in order to connect to the projection system in the classrooms? Schedule an Equipment Consultation with us at:

http://ets.berkeley.edu/form/classroom-orientation-request

46% of the respondees indicated that they are content with the typical AV set-up provided in the classroom (This Standard Technology consists of installed projector(s) or monitor image(s) with standard device inputs and a Blu-ray DVD player. The set-up is accompanied by some chalkboard or whiteboard space.)

About 32% of the responses indicate that they want to use Advance Technology or Active Learning configurations. (These consist of all the Standard Technology along with a document camera, microphones, other advance controls, mobile furniture, portable writing surfaces...etc.)

Ideal Classroom Type

Top 5 classroom attributes that are most important to instructors

No. 5Interactive whiteboard (e.g., Smartboard)

No. 4Ability to display more than one source at

a time

No. 3Moveable tables and chairs

No. 2Lots of chalkboard/whiteboard surfaces

No. 1Single large projection screen

Most important Classroom attributes

We note that the top two attributes ‒ screens and writing surfaces ‒ often end up in competition when instructors want to use both at the same time. In response, ETS and the Office of the Registrar have been designing new and renovated rooms in ways that try to maximize both. We encourage you to visit our website to check out in advance the classroom(s) to which you are assigned:

http://ets.berkeley.edu/classrooms-buildings

Single large projector screen 1

Lots of chalkboard/whiteboard surface 2

Movable table and chairs 3

Display more than one source at a time 4

Interactive whiteboard (e.g., Smartboard) 5

Microphone 6

Multiple screen display 7

Small portable boards (e.g., huddle boards) for student group work 8

Screencast/Webcast capability 9

Video conferencing capability 10

Looking for Support?114 responses stated that during the semester they experienced some issue that caused them to lose some class time.

53% of the respondents contacted ETS for support (via walk-in, phone, email, or online form)

8% contacted Classroom Central Hotline or their departmental support staff

39% did not report the issue

We always want to hear from instructors about any issue no matter how small. ETS will be looking for ways to make that communication even easier. Our new website, which is coming summer of 2015, should help.

Common AV IssuesSome survey respondents reported the technology issues they experienced in the classroom:

● VGA cable or Mac adapter not working● Microphone not working or spare batteries not available● Needing different adapter ● Needing assistance controlling DVD/VHS or the remote was missing altogether

ETS is continually working to improve our service in the classrooms. These survey responses are a reminder of areas that need extra attention. ETS monitors the AV systems in the rooms remotely, and our staff performs classroom checks regularly during the day. However with over 200 classrooms, some problems occur before we can catch them. For issues reported from the classroom by users we strive to provide the fastest response we can.

If an issue ever arises during class time, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 510-643-8637; we can provide support via the phone or dispatch a technician to your classroom and provide support on location.

If you are not sure how to operate classroom technology equipment or have any concerns, please contact us at 510-643-8637 or avsupport@media.berkeley.edu .

Common Issues - Partner RelatedThe survey asked about non-AV issues as well. Among the issues reported by respondents were the following:

● Classroom readiness: Missing whiteboard markers, trash or spill, broken seats, broken lights● Facilities issues: External noise (e.g., gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and construction

near classrooms), temperature extremes● Infrastructure: Connection problems with Airbears, Airbears2, or wired internet, not enough

electrical power outlets, inadequate ventilation, lighting design and lighting control issues

Problems with classroom environment are taken very seriously. Support of the general assignment (GA) classrooms involves a partnership between the Office of the Registrar, ETS, and Facilities Services. The three units work closely to coordinate their activities in day-to-day maintenance as well as longer-term undertakings like renovation or new GA classroom construction. As members of the Classroom Study Group convened by the Registrar, representatives of all three units meet monthly to review and discuss classroom issues. Representative from all three units report out to campus leadership quarterly at the Campus Committee on Classroom Policy and Management (CCCPM).

The specific responses to this survey question will be reviewed by the Classroom Study Group. As needed, issues that might then best be addressed as policy or budgetary matters will be brought to the CCCPM.

Overall Satisfaction with Classroom Technology Support TeamSatisfied 82%

Neutral 12%

Dissatisfied 4%

N/A 2%

Other Satisfaction Results (out of 229 responses)

Internet connection in your classroomsSatisfied 49%Neutral 20%Dissatisfied 16%N/A 15%

Physical attributes of the classroom Satisfied 47%Neutral 28%Dissatisfied 25%N/A 0%

Importance of having a clock in the classroomImportant 57%Neutral 22%Not Important 21%

Spring 2015 Semester Survey

For the Spring 2015 semester survey, we are making some changes based on your feedback:● We are limiting the survey to 17 questions, or approximately 10~12 minutes to complete

the survey● Instead of directing respondents to a third party website, we will be using UC Berkeley’s

bConnected suite for the survey. Specifically, we will use the Google Survey App

We hope you’ll find time to take the Spring 2015 survey and once again share your experience using the general assignment classrooms. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly to let us know how we can assist you better in the future.

SPRING 2015 CTS SURVEY Link

Thank you,

Classroom Technology Support Team, Educational Technology Services, UC Berkeley

For any questions or concerns, please contact us at:avsupport@media.berkeley.edu

510-643-8637

Thank you for taking the time to complete last semester’s survey and for sharing your insights with us!

We look forward to hearing back from you again soon.