On November 25, I had the pleasure of watching a demo of some new smart classroom equipment recently set up in Barnes 219. Sean and Randy worked with Professor Stephanie Dicenzo and Paraprofessional Sam Kersten in Physics to explain how the new equipment they installed functions.
Randy explains how to turn on the equipment from the smart cart located under the counter as Sam Kersten and Stephanie DiCenzo look on. Sean lends his support as well.
Randy demonstrates how the document camera works. The images on the screen depict the item just as it looks in real life!
In addition to the document camera, a new projector that can move to be able to display an image or movies on more than one wall was installed (only one at a time, but the moving projector allows the professors to have flexibility on where to project and also show calculations on the blackboard or something on the document camera at the same time). Here’s the video to watch it move from one wall to another:
The new projector required a special ceiling mount and instead of purchasing one at a very high cost, Randy crafted one at a considerable cost savings. Here’s the look of the new mount:
The projector’s ceiling mount that was designed and built by Randy.
This was not the only time Randy put his ingenuity and fabrication skills to work. He also built a counterweight contraption for a TV in the men’s hockey locker room at the World Arena. The coach wanted the ability to move the TV up and out of the way once their film reviews were complete. The problem was that the device built for such a thing was not rated to lift such a heavy TV and even if it had been, it would not have fit into the tight, awkward space that was available for it. Once again, Randy designed and built just the right equipment to get the job done.
Randy’s initial concept for the device.
The contraption itself…note the tight space around the duct work.
The final product. The TV moves as it should with no evidence of the really nifty device that makes it run. Don’t worry, Randy…we all know it is there!
Thank you, Randy, for your fabulous design and building work…not only did you find solutions to some sticky problems, you also saved the college money! And thanks to both you and Sean for doing an amazing job with smart classroom installation and demo for the Physics folks. It was wonderful to get to see you in action and understand a little more about what you do!
Thanks, too, Randy, for the pictures at the World Arena!
And to celebrate these jobs well-done, Sean showed off with his own version of the happy dance:
Way to “bust a move,” Sean! You help put the fun in ITS:Fun!
ITS:Always fun, never boring
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Petro
