Embracing Classroom Technology to Support a Hybrid Model

Jarrod McFarlane, Director, Classroom Technology, Stony Brook University

What are some of the newer things that you are working on, and how do you see the challenges that institutions are facing right now in terms of technology implementation?

Today, organizations are focused on implementing a hybrid work culture. The major challenge for us is how we enhance or integrate hybrid technology into the classroom space for remote students. Cost is another consideration. We need to look closely at what fits into the university's plan and how it is being prioritized. Universities must provide courses, classes, and other opportunities to remote students to grow the student base.

How the university collaborates to achieve that goal is important. Everyone must be on the same page with the hybrid, recorded, asynchronous technology strategy that has been put in place to expand the number of students.

First, we need buy-in from faculty. We need to consider:

• What are their goals?

• What are they willing to alter about the way they teach

• How are they willing to adapt?

Second, we need to consider student needs.

• What are their expectations?

• Are the incoming students typical learners or non-traditional?

• How do they anticipate services that the university offers?

Additionally, courses must be delivered globally, not just locally.

“We need to look closely at what fits into the university's plan and how it is being prioritized. Universities must be able to provide courses, classes, and other opportunities to remote students to grow their student base”

There is no one-size-fits-all or perfect solution, which presents a difficulty for the sector. Every institution is either working on finding the best solution or watching what other institutions are doing to determine their path forward.

What is your advice to fellow peers and colleagues who are embarking on a similar technological journey?

Put your attention on alignment and get buy-in. Nothing happens without adherence to the university's strategic plan and garnering support from professors, campus administrators, and campus financial leaders. The path to advancement is limited without their support.

Buy-in at the top levels (president, provost, president's council, CFO, COO, and deans) is necessary to ensure IT governance, which keeps a close check on expenditure and budgeting.

What are some of the technological trends that will dominate the classroom technology space for the next 18 months?

One trend you’ll see is the adoption of tools that strengthen and streamline the remote learning experience for professors and students. It may be synchronous remote learning, accessing recordings, or streaming. These tools, including software, hardware, or software as a service, are in demand. As classroom technology experts, our role is to embrace and integrate these technologies to create a seamless classroom experience for our users.

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