Page 24 - 2019_Issue1_Rosendin Newsletter
P. 24

Reprint Community Impact Newspaper
                                                                                                                                   By Taylor Jackson Buchanan





















                                                                                                        Photo Stev
                                                                                                               Photo Steve Zylius / UCIe Zylius / UCI

        instructor at the front of the class   At UCI, the technology was spread out   are built to turn and connect which
        can pull up any group’s learning pod   into smaller learning modules to help   provides quick group breakouts.
        content at any time to ensure the     keep the students more engaged and    The rooms are also designed to conceal
        students are working effectively and   facilitate collaboration.            technology in order to avoid distraction
        offer assistance as needed.                                                 and provide a pleasing aesthetic.
        The instructor also has the ability to   As the great philosopher Mr. Spicoli
        override the pod and present their own   once said, “Mr. Hand. If I’m here and   BUILDING DESIGN
        content, or a different group’s content,   you’re here, doesn’t that make it our   The smart classroom technology was
        to any pod in the room.               time?”                                only part of the equation. The entire
                                                                                    building is designed with a focus
        We are essentially tending towards a   DIGITAL MATRIX                       on collaboration to promote active
        decentralized learning environment    In rooms with learning pods, a digital   learning including:
        where the instructor presides over    matrix was used to allow every pod to    •  Power and WiFi provided                  Rosendin's Texas Division Office
        numerous “mini-classrooms” and        be routed to every other pod.               throughout open spaces in the
        is able to use technology as a force                                              building.
        multiplier in teaching.               WIRELESS GATEWAY                         •  Corridors and common areas               Relocating to Pflugerville
                                              Each pod also came with a wireless          feature group tables, benches,
        How do you create                     gateway to allow students to share          and standing collaboration areas.

        an active learning                    content wirelessly to their local        •  Seating and group areas in
                                                                                          outdoor spaces for students
                                              displays.
        environment (aka, a smart                                                         to work and enjoy southern                   ighty-four high-paying jobs-—with a minimum average   March 20. As part of the agreement, the PCDC will offer a
                                                                                                                                       wage of $75,000-—are on the horizon for Pflugerville.
                                                                                                                                                                                          $2,000 grant for each new primary job, up to $20,000 for
        classroom)?                           CONTROL                                     California’s perfect weather.           ERosendin Electric, an electrical contract company, plans  three years, according to the release.
        By this point, I am sure you are all very   In a smart classroom, each student                                             to relocate regional facilities in Texas and California to a   “The opportunity to work in conjunction with the PCDC
        eager to learn how Rosendin helped    has control of their pod through basic   Conclusion                                  50,000-square-foot facility in the Springbrook Corporate   has been an added bonus,” Colley said. “It is exciting when
        to implement smart classrooms using   keypads. The instructor is given a large   As technology progresses at faster        Center at 1033 New Meister Lane, Pflugerville, Amy     a community demonstrates the welcoming attitude we
        audiovisual technology. Let’s get into it.  touch panel with override controls and   and faster rates, the speed at which
                                              the ability to route their content to the   we learn will need to keep pace          Madison, executive director of the Pflugerville Community   continually experience from their staff.”
        Typically, the technology in a classroom   students or highlight specific students   and become more effective. As an      Development Corp., told Community Impact Newspaper on   The deal is contingent on Rosendin relocating or hiring
                                                                                                                                   March 21. The move is a $3 million capital investment for
                                                                                                                                                                                          54 employees in year one and creating 10 new jobs in
        is concentrated at the presenter’s    and share their content to the rest of   industry, active learning is a significant   Rosendin.                                             years two through four. To be eligible for the PCDC’s full
        location giving the teacher an active   the class.                          opportunity for us that should not                                                                    incentive-—which amounts to $60,000-—Rosendin must
        role and the students a passive role as                                     be ignored. Colleges and universities          “Pflugerville was a natural fit for Rosendin; not only is it a   retain the jobs created each year, in addition to the 54
        listeners.                            WHITEBOARDS                           have a lot to gain by including active
                                              Many rooms also have digital and      learning as part of their offerings. With      great location in proximity to Austin with ease of access to   relocated or newly hired jobs.
                                              standard whiteboards interspersed to                                                 major highways and two airports, but it also supports our
        This works well in a lecture                                                tuition fees at an all-time high, these        goal of attracting the best and brightest,” Rosendin Director   “We’re thrilled to retain Rosendin’s regional headquarters
        environment, but not so great for active   further promote collaboration.   institutions will need to provide more         of Texas Operations John Colley said in a March 21 release.  and be the home to their relocation,” Madison said.
        learning.                                                                   value to justify the cost and attract
                                              INTERIOR DESIGN                       new students in an economy where                                                                      “With an average wage of $75,000, this represents real
                                              From the video, you can see the desks   alternative education is on the rise.        The Pflugerville Community Development Corp., or PCDC,   opportunities for people in Pflugerville.”
                                                                                                                                   board of directors approved a 7-year deal with the company


        24    The Feeder | Issue 1, 2019                                                                                                                                                                           Issue 1, 2019 | The Feeder    25
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