EMERGENT TECHNOLOGY WORK GROUP - ED TECH REVIEWS
DTen D7X Exploration
by Terry Holloway
Instructional Technologist
Lane Community College
June 29th, 2023
Exploration Intent
Evaluate the effectiveness of the DTEN D7X display for improving remote collaboration, enhancing engagement, and aligning with OCCDLA’s strategic initiatives.
Equipment Used:
Experiment:
Setup:
- Participants: Group of instructors and students representing different programs and departments who regularly engage in remote collaboration and online learning.
- DTEN D7X Setup: Install the DTEN D7X display on a mobile cart, connected to wifi and moved between 2 classrooms that didn’t have video conferencing capabilities.
- Collaboration Platform: Zoom (Zoom Rooms for Touch)
- Experimental Schedule: 3-month long experiment with multiple session types to allow participants to experience and evaluate the DTEN D7X display in different collaborative scenarios.
Results
Assessment of Remote Collaboration:
During the evaluation of remote collaboration, it was observed that participants utilizing the DTEN D7X display experienced a significant enhancement in audio quality compared to a control group employing standard video conferencing setups. The AI-assisted audio optimization and automatic noise reduction features of the DTEN D7X were highly effective in minimizing background noise and improving communication clarity. Additionally, the auto-framing and camera quality of the DTEN D7X display resulted in better visibility of participants, leading to increased engagement during virtual meetings. Overall, participants in the DTEN D7X group expressed higher satisfaction levels and deemed the remote collaboration experience more effective when compared to the control group.
Evaluation of Student Engagement:
Both instructors and students utilizing the DTEN D7X display reported an increase in student engagement, attributed to its interactive features and better overall presence in the classroom. The digital whiteboarding and annotation capabilities of the DTEN D7X helped facilitate active participation and encouraged idea sharing among both in-person and remote students, as well as contributing to more accessible content. Participants utilizing the DTEN D7X display exhibited a greater sense of involvement and enthusiasm compared to the control group, indicating a heightened level of student engagement and visibility when attending remotely in Zoom.
Assessment of Cross-disciplinary Collaboration
The introduction of DTEN D7X displays across multiple classrooms and meeting spaces promoted cross-disciplinary collaboration and facilitated knowledge sharing. Participants from diverse programs and departments reported increased opportunities for collaboration and a better access to different perspectives. The DTEN D7X displays proved instrumental in fostering effective communication and exchange of ideas, enabling participants to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects and initiatives both in-person and remotely.
Challenges
Tech Support: One potential challenge could be the need for adequate technical support and training to ensure effective utilization of the display’s features and functionalities. As with any new technology, there may be a learning curve for both instructors and students in maximizing the benefits of the DTEN D7X display.
Network/Internet: Depending on the network infrastructure and internet connectivity of the participants, there may be instances where the display experiences disruptions or lag in transmitting audio, video, or interactive features. These connectivity challenges could hinder the seamless flow of communication and engagement during virtual meetings or classes. To mitigate this challenge, it would be essential to ensure stable and reliable internet connections, invest in robust network infrastructure, and provide guidelines or troubleshooting resources to address connectivity issues promptly.
Microphone limitations: In larger classrooms or meeting spaces, where participants may be situated farther away from the display, the microphone’s reach might become insufficient to capture audio clearly. This limitation could result in reduced audio quality or difficulty in hearing participants located at a distance from the display. To address this challenge, alternative audio solutions or supplementary microphones with extended range could be considered.
Summary
In summary, the results indicate that the DTEN D7X display successfully improved remote collaboration, enhanced student engagement, and promoted cross-disciplinary collaboration. The features and functionalities of the DTEN D7X were perceived as effective in facilitating communication, capturing and sharing ideas, and creating an interactive virtual learning environment. These positive outcomes suggest that the DTEN D7X display can serve as a valuable tool for remote collaboration and online learning initiatives.
2021-23 ED TECH REVIEWS
TECHNOLOGY EXPLORATION
Do you have an emergent technology you would like to explore? Submit your nomination for a technology evaluation by the OCCDLA Emergent Technology Workgroup.
The OCCDLA Emergent Tech Work Group receives nominations for instructional technology review from work group members and our nomination form, available to all instructors and administrative staff of all Oregon Community Colleges.
Questions?
For questions about the Emergent Technology Work Group:
Administrative Contact:
Monica Marlo
Portland Community College
monica.martinezgallagher@pcc.edu