CAMPUS

News for NMU Employees

Jamrich Technology Finalist for National Award

NMU’s use of wireless display technology throughout Jamrich Hall was one of five finalists in the “campus impact” category of the national AMX Innovation Awards. The awards ceremony was held Monday in Orlando at UBTech, the annual University Business conference focused on technology innovation and leadership in higher education. Eric Smith (Broadcast and AV Services) and Dave Maki (IT and Technical Services) attended.

NMU did not win the category, but Smith said Jamrich Hall represents arguably one of the most innovative uses of wireless display technology, which complements traditional hardware-based switching and control systems. Faculty can display documents, photos, audio and video content at any time and in any room.

“Other institutions are doing wireless display, but no one has tied it into the network infrastructure like NMU and few have integrated it into an entire building,” he said. “We turned every classroom in Jamrich into a wireless, interactive, collaborative classroom. That’s somewhat unique. Even in the large auditorium, if you want to project something from your smart phone or computer onto one of the large screens, you can do that. Some faculty are incorporating it to a large degree into their teaching, others are not. But the capability is available for all of those who choose to add that element to their instruction.”

The AMX Innovation Awards celebrate institutions for their inventive use of audio-visual and IT technology in four categories: campus impact, active learning classroom, non-traditional learning spaces and beyond learning spaces. Each winner receives $25,000 in AMX hardware and software for its campus and will be recognized in University Business magazine.