Elevating Learning Environments

Jarrod McFarlane, Director, Classroom Technology & Support Solutions, Stony Brook University

Jarrod Mcfarlane is an audio-visual professional with over 15 years of management and director experience in a technology support/service desk environment. As director of classroom technology and support solutions, he is responsible for the teams that support the design, installation, repair, support, training, and maintenance of all general-purpose classrooms on the West, East, South, and Southampton campuses. Mcfarlane values his foundational imperatives of a frontline user-facing support operation: organization, standardization, customer service, quality control, and follow-through.

A Journey in Classroom Design and Support

My journey began as a support professional, eventually leading to my role as an assistant director in the learning space, where I collaborated with the engineering director responsible for classroom design and installation. Once the director transitioned from the university, I took on support and engineering responsibilities, consolidating them under one umbrella.

During my tenure, particularly at the onset of the pandemic, our primary directive was to hybridize all classrooms. We successfully achieved our goal of establishing classroom standards to create a seamless experience for both faculty and users. These standards outline what to expect in various classroom settings, including small classrooms, large lecture halls, and active learning spaces. This approach ensures consistency and clarity, enhancing the overall educational environment. For example, faculty can anticipate hybrid teaching technology in medium-sized classrooms and advanced audio-visual systems in lecture halls.

“Organizations need to actively explore and integrate emerging technologies before they become expected norms. This allows teams to pivot quickly and present viable options to leadership, empowering leadership with choices that can effectively guide the organization’s direction.”

Last year marked a significant milestone with the successful installation of computers in every classroom across more than 200 spaces. Each room now has a computer, device input connections, and cutting-edge laser projectors, as we transitioned to an all-laser system the previous year. This upgrade enhances the learning experience by providing modern technology that supports diverse teaching methods and fosters a more interactive environment.

Guiding Best Practices

My key responsibilities include directing the design, installation, and maintenance of classroom technology and managing our classroom support team, which focuses on documentation, training, and live support. Our engineering team handles most of design and installation work in-house and offer consultation services for departmental classrooms, while we provide the standards and guidance for the departmental rooms and directly support general assignment spaces.

Importance of Leadership in Educational Innovation

Fostering a culture of creativity is essential for the success of higher education institutions, and strong leadership is crucial in this process. Embracing new ideas can invigorate organizations, create collaborative environments, and generate cost savings. It all begins with a clear vision that integrates these concepts into the strategic plan and foundational principles. Leaders should cultivate an environment where failure is accepted, allowing employees to take risks without fear of wasted resources. Valuing research, testing, and implementation efforts while, incorporating diverse expertise can further drive progress.

Balancing Rigidity and Agility for Scalable Organizational Design

Establishing clear standards is essential, but maintaining flexibility is equally important. Organizations should prioritize scalable and modular designs that facilitate quick adaptations in today’s fast-paced environment. Systems that are not easily upgraded may fail to deliver value. To achieve this, all infrastructures, like cabling, should be digital and integrated into the network. Continuous scalability, flexibility, and modularity must be core principles supported by a focus on iterative upgrades.

Innovation is the key. Organizations need to actively explore and integrate emerging technologies before they become expected norms. This allows teams to pivot quickly and present viable options to leadership, empowering leadership with choices that can effectively guide the organization’s direction.