• Student , Campus

New loop systems shows only teething troubles

Black screens, stuttering audio: the new video loop systems installed in eight lecture theaters are not yet perfect, but according to staff members who've realized the loops, we're talking teething troubles here. Students are understanding. The initiators are excited about the innovation, which simplifies the interaction between teacher and student in separate rooms.

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'Every now and then the audio cuts out', 'the lecture room without teacher showed a black screen', 'the second room is a lot noisier', 'it's hard to ask questions', and 'you can't really read the notes'. There are several reasons for students to opt for the lecture theater where the teacher is. Still, the seem understanding enough. Monique Kuyck, head of Services, acknowledges there are still some issues. Teething troubles, as far as she's concerned. "The system was tested of course, but you only really notice issues once it's in actual use. Sometimes problems are easily fixed, but new parts are more challenging. I expect the teething troubles to be solved within a few weeks."

Because the older analog systems and wiring were extremely outdated, the Executive Borad decided in March to earmark one million euros for new systems in part of the lecture rooms in the Auditorium. In order to be able to offer education to the growing number of students, TU/e has decided to use extra rooms where there's no actual teacher, but instead a live connection to the lecturer. With the new system, teachers can see the students in the second hall, too. The students, in turn, can see the teacher as well as his sheets live on screen. Operators in the control room can zoom in on notes, for example. Another innovation is the teaching assistent in the second room: they collect questions and e-mail them to the teacher. At the end of the lecture, they can see what questions need answering. 

This summer, the control room was set up, the systems were secured, and fifteen teachers were prepared for this new approach to teaching. It's been a major operation, says Kuyck. So far, only the lower lecture rooms in the Auditorium have been fitted with the new system. Kuyck hopes that in 2015 the upper rooms and the Blauwe Zaal and Senaatszaal will also be equipped with the interactive loop systems. The idea is to train more teachers as well.

Next week, Cursor will report on how the new system works, and ask teachers, students, operators and teaching assistants about their experiences.

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