In order to ensure a classroom meets the needs of the faculty who use it, ITS has divided the TECs up into four different "Tiers". This enables faculty to request a TEC from the Registrar's office by tier so they get the technology they need, but not equipment they don't need.
The tiers are defined below:
| Tier 0 Classrooms |
A Tier 0 classroom is a bare bones TEC. It has a data projector mounted in the ceiling projecting on a motorized screen and a place to plug in a laptop and an A/V source such as a VCR. There is no cabinet or installed computer. Most Tier 0s have sound amplification with the volume being controlled by the projector remote. Drew Faculty can request a laptop loaner from the Faculty Lab at x3942.
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| Tier 1 Classrooms |
A Tier 1 classroom is the original TEC maintained by ITS. They used to be the most common type of classroom, but Tier 3 classrooms have recently become quite popular and have become the predominant type of classroom available. They have a cabinet which contains a networked desktop PC, a VCR/DVD, and a sound system. The data projector is installed overhead. There is an electric screen mounted at the front of the room. The projector and VCR/DVD are both controlled with a hand-held remote controls.
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| Tier 2 Classrooms |
A Tier 2 classroom incorporates a basic control system into the equipment described above in the Tier 1 classroom. It has a cabinet which contains a networked desktop PC, a VCR/DVD, and a sound system. The data projector is installed overhead. There is an electric screen mounted at the front of the room. The projector and A/V equipment are controlled with a push-button panel mounted on top of the cabinet. This allows faculty to control the system without having to bend over or fuss with remote controls.
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| Tier 3 Classrooms |
A Tier 3 classroom is the most common type of classroom available, and incorporates an advanced Crestron touch screen control system into the room. It has a cabinet which contains a networked desktop PC, a VCR/DVD, and a sound system. The data projector is installed overhead. There is an electric screen mounted at the front of the room. The projector, A/V equipment, and screen are controlled with a touch panel screen mounted on top of the cabinet. This allows faculty to manage the system with easily understandable control screens.
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In addition to the four basic tiers, there are two special classification categories that can be applied to any individual classroom, regardless of its tier.
| N |
A classroom designated with an "N" means the room has wired networking available. It indicates that there is one network jack per seat for students to connect their laptops. While all TECs are covered by wireless, wired networking is a much more stable and robust solution.
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S |
| A room designated as an "S" room has something special about the room. In other words, there is something in that classroom that isn't covered in the normal tier structure. This is most often a special piece of equipment that adds unique functionality to the room, such as a document camera or a Smart Board. |
