Designing
Smart Podiums
Robert Capozello, INCE, Polysonics Corp.
Mark Goldberg, Georgetown University
I. Characteristics of a smart podium?
A. What is a smart podium; how is it used in the classroom?
B. What is typically incorporated into a smart podium?
- Computer and monitor
- VCRs (record/playback)
- Monitor and TV tuner
- CD and DVD players
- Document visualizer
- Hearing impaired transmission system
- Sound amplification and recording system
- Ceiling mounted projector
- Control system
II. Should I engage a media consultant to design the smart podium?
III. What control system is essential for a user friendly smart podium?
A. Primary control systems:
- Creston
- AMX
- Other
B. How do you operate the control systems?
- Touchpanel (wired or wireless)
- Multi-button remote
- Other
C. Are control systems faculty proof?
D. Benefits of third party performing configuration of control system.
IV. Vendor catalog furniture vs. custom furniture.
A. Cost
B. Size, weight and portability of smart podiums
- Line of sight problems
- Moving smart podiums
a. Integrity of wire connections- Connection to media equipment
a. Floor box
b. Wall box
V. Difference between a smart podium and wall mounted systems.
A. What might be mounted in podium?
B. What might be mounted in the wall closet?
C. What might be routed through a media center?
VI. Centralization of smart podium operation (through media center) vs. decentralization.
A. Benefits of staffed media center
B. Benefits of decentralized system
VII. Environmental issues and the smart podium:
A. Lighting
B. Acoustics (and HVAC noise)
C. Windows
D. Room temperature and HVAC noise
VIII. Sound amplification, recording and the smart podium
A. Sound pick-up area
- Presenter
- Students
IX. Teaching styles and the smart podium.
A. Incorporate computers in class presentations
B. Incorporate Power Point; videos, DVDs, etc. in class presentations