SoC IT provides classroom and instructional technology support to accommodate the unique needs of our faculty, in addition to consultations on special projects such as flipped classrooms, hybrid learning, lecture capture, and video production. Below is a summary of the services provided, however, we can customize a solution for your specific project as well. You can request a consultation or any of the services below by entering a service request or emailing soc-it@northwestern.edu.
Learning Technology Support and Instructional Design
SoC IT has two in-house Canvas administrators and instructional technology experts to support faculty and Staff in the School of Communication with:
- Curriculum and Course Design for Canvas (Northwestern’s Learning Management System)
- Canvas Guides for troubleshooting support
- Canvas Resource Hub provides tools to enhance courses
- Converting courses to an online format or transitioning to hybrid/blended learning
- Flipping a classroom
- Media production and implementation to enhance online courses
- Videoconferencing with tools such as Zoom or Panopto (more Zoom guides available on Canvas)
- Selection, implementation, and training for instructional technology tools. Examples include:
- Canvas-based tools such as TurnItIn and Studio
- Classroom-based tools such as student response systems (clickers), and SMART/interactive touchscreens
- NUIT Teaching and Learning instructor training
- NUIT Teaching and Learning Resources provide a quick index of online tools
- On-Demand training via SOC-IT tickets or NUIT seminars
Classrooms
The School of Communication operates several buildings across the Evanston and Chicago campuses, each with different layouts and technological capabilities. All classrooms are “Technology Enhanced” (also known as “Smart Classrooms”) that are augmented with a variety of technological tools that can enhance the learning and teaching environment. Most commonly, these classrooms will offer Crestron-based touchpanel control systems, projectors or large LCD panels, laptop hookups, document cameras, DVD/Blu-ray players, and program audio systems. Most rooms in the School of Communication also contain resident computers, interactive whiteboards or tablets, cameras and microphones for videoconferencing, and wireless presentation systems (such as SolsticePod or AirMedia).
Other features in some SoC classrooms include:
- Active Learning: these classrooms are designed to foster interactive, flexible, student-centered learning experiences. Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) feature multiple white boards and mobile furniture. The technology in these classrooms is designed to facilitate group work, allow students to easily present and collaborate with peers, encourage instructors to interactively coach students during activities, and provide new options for student interaction and class structure.
- Lecture Capture: Classes, lectures, and presentations can be recorded either through built-in camera and microphone systems in the classroom, or using portable equipment owned by SoC. These recordings can then be published online to Canvas or other sources as required.
- Videoconferencing: Conferencing technologies allow you to conduct meetings and classes with a variety of collaboration tools. Platforms supported by SoC IT and Northwestern IT can provide synchronous video, audio, and desktop sharing for multiple participants.
OneSheet technology guides for setup and troubleshooting are available in every classroom.
Support
SoC IT provides user support and facility maintenance for all classrooms operated by the School of Communication. Support can be requested via ITSM, or in emergency situations, by calling 7-8878. The classroom support line is staffed 8:30AM – 5:00PM Monday through Friday during academic quarters and is based out of Frances Searle 1-168.