“The Convertible Podium: A rich media teaching tool for next-generation classrooms” by Back, Lertsithichai, Chiu, Foote, Kimber, et al. …
Conference:
Type:
Title:
- The Convertible Podium: A rich media teaching tool for next-generation classrooms
Presenter(s)/Author(s):
Abstract:
The Convertible Podium is a central control station for rich media in next-generation classrooms. It integrates flexible control systems for multimedia software and hardware, and is designed for use in classrooms with multiple screens, multiple media sources and multiple distribution channels. The built-in custom electronics and unique convertible podium frame allows intuitive conversion between use modes (either manual or automatic). The at-a-touch sound and light control system gives control over the classroom environment. Presentations can be pre-authored for effective performance, and quickly altered on the fly. The counter-weighted and motorized conversion system allows one person to change modes simply by lifting the top of the Podium to the correct position for each mode.
The Podium is lightweight, mobile, and wireless, and features an onboard 21″ LCD display, document cameras and other capture devices, tangible controls for hardware and software, and also possesses embedded RFID sensing for automatic data retrieval and file management. It is designed to ease the tasks involved in authoring and presenting in a rich media classroom, as well as supporting remote telepresence and integration with other mobile devices.
Acknowledgements:
The authors gratefully acknowledge the help and influence of our colleagues at the Fuji Xerox Palo Alto Lab (FXPAL). We would also like to thank the PARC machine shop for help in the construction of the Podium.
