Six classrooms in Metz Hall have been fitted with state-of-the-art technology upgrades in a campus project funded through a $2.2 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

These rooms have been enhanced with LED projectors, ceiling speakers and microphones, along with wireless display adapters. The Connecting Minority Communities grant will fund technology upgrades for additional classrooms in Metz, Main, the Sueltenfuss Library, Pacelli Hall and the Fine Arts and Humanity Building.

The upgraded rooms in Metz feature 75-inch Secondary LCD Samsung displays, electric height adjustable teaching podiums, room cameras and document cameras.

“The new technology will allow remote and distance learning students to see and interact with classmates and instructors, creating a sense of inclusion and community,” said Vanessa Clark, PhD, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems. “Reducing equity gaps that tend to exist between remote and in-person students.”

Project Manager and Director of User Experience at OLLU, Al Ramirez, says he hopes the project will be completed by the start of the spring semester.