The Mathematics Building at the University of Newcastle Callaghan campus
The Mathematics Building at the University of Newcastle Callaghan campus underwent a complete transformation over the course of 2018 and 2019. The building was in desperate need of a facelift with its long rows of uncomfortable wooden benches for the students and old blackboards used with chalk by the lecturers.
Konnectus helped bring the teaching spaces in the mathematics building into the 21st century by following a two-phase process. Step 1 was to identify and document the ideal requirements for the different lecture theatres and tutorial rooms. To do this we worked collaboratively with the architect Geyer and conducted various workshops with university stakeholder groups including end users, leadership, and AV/IT support. The process uncovered some new ways of teaching and workflows that needed to be implemented, which in turn required specific AV technology solutions that were new for the University.
Step 2 was to work closely once again with Geyer and the University stakeholders to develop the right AV technology solutions for each space and ensure all the equipment was seamlessly integrated into the new and existing built environments.
One of the lecture theatres was designed with fourteen small collaboration tables to enable small groups of 3-4 students to work together in teams. The technology in the room enables flexible video content sharing between each of the tables’ LCD monitors, as well as to the main projection screen in the room.
Another lecture theatre includes a large wall mounted touch LCD screen with back end “Cruiser” software solution that enables the lecturer to write the math equations and solutions on unlimited digital space. Two large supporting projection screens are also available for all students to clearly read the lecturer’s work.