Strong Enagement in the Academic Mission

Completed Technology Enhanced Classroom Upgrades
During the summer months of 2010, 78 Pace University classrooms were upgraded with a projector, screen  and a computer with a DVD drive.   In addition, a total of 23 classrooms have been equipped with more advanced audio-visual systems containing full control systems, annotation capability and PC-equipped podiums.  At the downtown NYC campus, Lecture Halls West and South were renovated and state-of-the-art audio-visual systems were installed containing dual projection, annotation capability, high-end audio, PC-equipped podiums, and lighting control systems. Please click here to view the list of classrooms.

Upgraded Three Videoconferencing Classrooms
During Spring Break, the Video Conference classrooms in Pace Plaza, Pleasantville, and White Plains were renovated.  Renovations included a complete replacement of all equipment (some over ten years old) comprised of cameras, microphones, displays, and CODECS (equipment used to ‘transmit’ voice and video over the network).  The system installed is a state-of-the-art, high definition system which provides expanded functionality for faculty and staff using the rooms.  A robust training program is being offered to faculty using the rooms.

Completed a Successful Lecture Capture  Pilot Study (ECHO360)
The University successfully piloted a lecture capture system which automatically, affordably, and reliably captures lectures which can then be viewed on demand on a number of devices (PCs, PDAs, etc).  The lecture capture capability was used by over 25 classes and showed active use by the students.  For the Fall 2010 semester, the technology will be available in all Pace classrooms and for any faculty member who wants to install the software on their personal laptops.  During the spring and summer semesters, over 200 podcasts and vodcasts (video) were created logging over 9500 views.

Completed a Successful Mobile Classroom Pilot
In collaboration with the Library, a mobile classroom pilot on the downtown New York City campus was launched in the spring providing laptops for use during class. An easy-to-use cart outfitted with 32 netbooks was made available for delivery to classrooms.  When the laptops are not scheduled for an extended period of time, they are added to the loaner pool in the Library for circulation.  As a result of the success of this program, a mobile classroom cart will be made available on the Pleasantville campus for the start of the fall semester.

Began the ePortfolio Project
In collaboration with a group of faculty and instructional technology staff, an open-source electronic portfolio system was implemented in the spring semester.  The system was used by a number of classes and was a great success. Throughout late-spring and summer, academic and ITS staff made presentations about Pace’s ePortfolio successes at a number of regional and national conferences.  ePortfolio will move into full production at the beginning of the fall semester.

Installed a High Performance Computing Cluster
We have put into production a High Performance Computing Cluster for use by faculty for their research.  It was donated to us by a computer animation company called Blue Sky Studios.  A faculty governance committee is being formed in collaboration with the Deans and our goal is to also have this cluster used by undergraduate and graduate students for whom this will be a unique learning opportunity.

Expanded Universal Printing
Pace was recognized in a national white paper for its cutting-edge and environmentally-friendly universal print solution.  This initiative was expanded to include the Law School,  the Lienhard School of Nursing, CTLT and the Writing Center.  The solution offers print-from-anywhere and pickup-anywhere convenience to the students.

Participated in Two Thinkfinity Grant Proposals
ITS participated with Prof Pappenheimer (Dyson) and his group on a Data Visualization project in visualizing network flow data in interesting ways and also with Prof. Murthy (Seidenberg) and his students in terms of hands-on network security analysis.