Professors like Fred Preston of sociology (pictured below in Hendrix Education Auditorium in 1977) encourage classroom interactions with the aid of computer technology today. “I think students have come to expect that technology will be part of the lectures — though they’re sometimes surprised when a gray-beard like me uses computer teaching tools,” says Preston, who is now co-director of sociology’s graduate programs.
A national survey of more than 60,000 students conducted last year shows a correlation between the use of technology in the classroom and student engagement. Wireless connectivity in the College of Education facilities enables students to use laptops for classroom projects and tests.
More than 70 of UNLV’s 160 general-purpose classrooms are “technology enhanced” with a lectern/control station, updated audio equipment, and cameras that display everything from papers with fine print to curcuit boards. The office of information technology hopes to upgrade the remaining classrooms — at a cost of $40,000 per room — over the next four years.
