Connecting in the Cloud

The Connecting in the Cloud series is an opportunity to come together in an informal, online setting to discuss challenges you're facing everyday. Registered members will participate in a facilitated brainstorming session around a specified topic, similar to an interest group but without the geographical challenges.


Upcoming Events

Stay tuned as we work to schedule out our next slate of discussions and training topics. More details to come.

Past Events

February 21st - Instructional Design Interest Group
Universal Design for Learning and ChatGPT - Changing the Way Teachers Teach
 
Over the past few years, either deliberately or by necessity, faculty have looked at their course goals, source material, assessments and methods for teaching and made changes to improve the learning experience for their students. Join us as we talk about Universal Design for Learning, Accessible Course Design, and the kind of accommodations that are now part of the higher education vocabulary. How have we seen this in practice at our own schools, and what hardware, software or even attitudinal shifts have been adopted?
 
If time permits, let's also talk about ChatGPT - an AI chatbot launched in November 2022 which communicates in a way that emulates real human language when given a prompt. This has worried many professors with the possibility of students using it to cheat. Are we in for another sea change in teaching? There are now many conversations about what kind of assessments to give students, flipping assignments, and instead of fearing AI, to use it as a tool like the graphing calculator or Google Translate before it. What does ChatGPT look like and what kind of implications are there for potentially incorrect or biased outputs? What should we be preparing for and be on the look out for? Many "AI detectors" to be sure, but also different kinds of activities and assignments in classes, as well as ideas for protocols to handle academic integrity violations at both the course/syllabus level and at the University level. Are we about to see a revolution in thinking about what the classroom is for? Will faculty become more explicit about their broader goals than just knowing the material but for their students to become analytical thinkers, better communicators and to develop an appreciation for learning itself?
WATCH NOW


December 15th - Leadership Interest Group
It's December and that means everyone's favorite time of year. "Annual Review Season!!."  This session discussion concerned annual review processes, what works, what doesn't. Listen in on the discussion here.

October 27th 
Annual Conference Recap
A Connecting in the Cloud session to recap this year's in-person CCUMC conference! We were joined by our interest group leaders to host an open discussion about memorable conference presentations, exciting topics from the interest groups, accounts of the CTS-prep course, new products from the showroom floor, and agenda items from the annual business meeting. 
WATCH NOW

September 29th
Open Forum: Fall Semester Kickoff
Discussion how projects were creatively completed despite supplier shortages, how faculty and students are adapting to the new hybrid teaching landscape, and what projects we're teeing up for the mid-semester and winter breaks. This is a chance to check in with the higher ed community and to hear from your peers.

September 22nd
DEI Training begin held Shannon Dowling, SCUP Fellow, Learning Environments Strategy + Design, at Ayers Saint Gross. 
Session Title: Planning + Designing for Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Campus Learning Environments
 
Session Abstract:  Over the 2020-21 academic year, Shannon used her position as a Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) Fellow to engage with more than two dozen institutions around the topic of welcoming and inclusive physical campus environments. She interacted with 200-plus students to understand their comfort levels in different environments across campus and what design qualities drove feelings of inclusion and belonging. Drawing from student words and work, Shannon created a playbook that gives strategies for campus master plans, facility plans, and building renovations to reinforce the goals and metrics outlined in an institution’s strategic plan around inclusion, belonging, and student success. The playbook serves as a conversation starter: a way to get planners, designers, and university stakeholders to the table and move the needle towards a more supportive physical environment. How can stakeholders across an institution work together to ensure the physical environment is welcoming and inclusive to marginalized students? What values manifest in the built environment, and what metrics can we apply to our projects to assure that our physical campus environments embody the mission, vision, and values of the universities they house? In this session, Shannon will share her process and her research. Using highlights from conversations with students, design solutions they proposed, and strategies outlined in the playbook, Shannon will illustrate how thoughtful planning and design can contribute to a more welcoming, inclusive, and thriving place for students to live and learn.
WATCH NOW

July 25th
AVIXA Training: Successful Project Management for Design & Installation

This short course will review the entire project management process from initiating to closing. It discusses the importance of identifying Scope of Work, Quality, Time Line, Pricing and Terms and Conditions. It will also touch on planning and coordination meetings, identifying key stakeholders and project managers. Finally, it will briefly discuss Work Breakdown structures and Logic Network Diagrams.
WATCH NOW

July 14th
Tech Talk: Ticketing Systems
Ticketing systems are a fundamental tool to create, manage, and report on service requests coming into our support areas but they can also present challenges. We will discuss what products our members are using, how they are using them, and any lessons learned from migrating to new systems. 

June 23rd
Is This Meeting In-Person or Virtual? - Creating Gatherings in a Hybrid World.
Now that things are starting to open up again, how do we design purposeful hybrid gatherings that will educate our faculty and students? How can we motivate our faculty to attend these gatherings which will provide vital information for teaching effectively in today’s classrooms? In this session, we discussed these questions as well as brainstorm how to create gatherings in a hybrid world that are purposeful and meaningful for your attendees. 
WATCH NOW


June 14th
InfoComm Recap
Open discussion for those that attended InfoComm, and for those of you that missed it.
WATCH NOW



May 5th
Interest Group: Emerging Issues
Connecting in the Cloud session to discuss the past, present, and future of connected, studio-style classrooms.
We were joined by members who have installed these kinds of rooms at their schools as well as manufacturers who design products for building these rooms. 
April 14th
Tech Talk: Digital Signage
Digital signage can be a great tool to get messages out but it can also present challenges related to installation, maintenance, configuration, and content management. Measuring the effectiveness of the content and choosing optimal locations can also be difficult. 
WATCH NOW


March 24th
Designing for UX
"Designing for UX" In this session, we learned how UX research and design techniques can help you better understand user needs, and create a great user experience. Attendees explore how to gain an understanding of what is involved in UX research, including conducting interviews, evaluating systems, and analyzing systems using principles of good design.

This AVIXA training on "Designing for UX" was led by Chuck Espinoza and worth 1 RU credits for anyone that attended live.
WATCH NOW


Match 17th
4K Video: What You Can See, What You Can't and What You Need to Know

Ask any three industry professionals, “which display do I need for this application?” and you’re likely to get four different answers!
On the surface, it doesn’t seem like a very challenging inquiry, but the real answer has always been, “it depends.” It depends on what you want to view, where you want to view it and what you want the audience to take away from the viewing experience.
With the maturation of HD, the continuing proliferation of 4K content and displays, and the specter of 8K video hanging over our future, it's never been more challenging to choose the best display technology, size and shape! In this class, you’ll learn how to find the best display technology for your application and what factors to consider.
Live participants earned 1 hour of CTS RU's.
WATCH NOW


March 8th
Interest Group: Women in Technology
Celebrating International Women’s Day by joining the discussion in the CCUMC Women in Technology Interest Group. We reflected on the theme #BreakTheBias with questions:
  • What are some common biases you currently experiences?
  • What are some biases that you have caught yourself having?
  • What are some examples of how you maintain a gender equal mindset?

February 24th
Managing Student Staff
With resources becoming more limited, it is vital that we seek new ways to meet the never ending demands.  Student staff is one resource that many of us are tapping into.  Students are eager to learn about technology, and provide the extra hands need to complete work.  


February 10
Open Forum: Spring Semester Kickoff
Hopefully, you have survived the start of the new year and got your Spring semesters off and running. To kick-off the 2022 Connecting in the Cloud series, we will have an open discussion focusing the steps you had to take to get classrooms updated, operational, and online for the Spring Semester.  
 
We will discuss project management, staffing, and budget challenges you had to overcome, or address a new focus for hybrid or converged learning. What adjustments did your university or college have to undergo in response to the “Covid Fraternity” that has hit the States these past few months? 


January 20
Led by Chuck Espinoza those that attended the live training received 1 RU credit.

One of the best tools any manager has, is their staff. Honing that tool requires more than just good leadership and technical knowledge. It requires mentoring. It requires interpersonal skills. It also requires a plan. In this session, we will discuss some of the techniques Technology Managers can use to diagnose and train their AV staff, and develop a training plan for their AV department. From onboarding to ongoing performance, your staff will make your mission and vision come to life, if they are trained properly and motivated by your example!!! 

September 30th
Industry Perspective: Supply Chain

This roundtable discussion focused on equipment shortages, delays, and supply chain struggles in the technology world. This discussion was not recorded to help promote candid conversation from both our institutional and corporate members concerning the topic.

September 23rd 
Tech Talk Series: Virtual Water Cooler

Our next connecting in the Cloud is part of the Tech Talk Series on September 23rd at 2pm ET/11am PT. Join us at the virtual water cooler for a back to school debrief.

 


August 12th

Connecting in the Cloud: Returning to In-Person Classes

Those who have not previously returned will have an opportunity to share their plans, concerns, and hopes while those who have already returned will be asked to “share one lesson they’ve learned”.  Topics may include, but not be limited to, new support structures (including remote support), technology updates, staffing challenges, office configurations, keeping equipment clean, and student employees.

 

 


July 22nd
Interest Group: Emerging Technology

In this installment of Emerging Technology discussion covered voice activated control.




June 22nd
Interest Group: Women in Technology

Group discussion on the topics of women in technology, facilitated by Kathleen Dooley, Director of Media Resources at Midwestern University. This session was not recorded to help create a safe space for all CCUMC members to have a place for productive conversation and community building.  


June 17th
Tech Talk Series, EDID

Training offered Extron for 1 RU for live participants discussing advantages of provided 4K technology for signal processing in the classrooms. The seminar focuses on EDID, HDCP and the world of USB for the Modern Learning Space.



June 8th
Interest Group, Instructional Design

Looking Back & Looking Forward: How Will What We’ve Learned Shape Classrooms in the Future - In this round table discussion, we will explored what the upcoming Fall semester looks like for CCUMC members now that we have had a taste of hyflex or hybrid instruction and the technology to support it.



 

Thursday, June 3rd 
Leadership Series: Refresh
This Leadership Series discussion focused on what steps institutions are taking to react to budgetary or personnel challenges that may have resulted from the past year. 


Tuesday, May 25th
Interest Group: Leadership
This Leadership Interest group discussion explored the topics including of mentorship and burnout.


Thursday, May 20th
Technician Series: Audio
Hybrid learning and work-from-home have demonstrated that the “A” in AV is more important than the “V.” As we return to campus in support of high-flex instruction, audio engineers and technicians discuss the challenges they have faced and how to overcome them on an enterprise level. Roundtable discussion explored concerns from installation needs to supporting both on-prem and remote participants. 


Tuesday, May 11th 
Interest Group: Administration
Topics of the conversation was Labor Challenges in the Times of COVID. How are you dealing with staff turnover? Is class enrollment or teaching approaches at your institution dictating how you provide support moving forward? What challenges are you facing with new staff training and on-boarding? How do you budget for staff if you have no budget?


Thursday, May 6th 
Connecting in the Cloud Leadership Series: Repairs

At this session discussed how institutions handle repair and installation schedules, and allocating the necessary resources, budget and staff time to do so. 


Tuesday, April 27th 
Title: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

This discussion was hosted by chair Kayden Kassof and esteemed helper Kathy Dooley.  Conversation focused on mental health amid the plethora of things happening in the world.  This session was not recorded to help create a safe space for all CCUMC members to have a place for productive conversation and community building.  


 

Thursday, April 22 
Title: Tech Talk Session 1: Tools 

Thursday, April 8 
Title: Connecting in the Cloud Session: Unraveling the mysteries of RFPs

At this session we discussed creating a framework for an RFP, things to consider that you may not have thought of, procurement and contracting policies, and more.

 

Thursday, March 18 
Title: Creative Commencement

Discussing some examples of creative commencements held during COVID times, how commencements were modified, and the technology and gear needed to accommodate these creative solutions.

 


 

Thursday, February 18 
Title: Open Discussion 

This session we'll host an open discussion as we kick off the spring semester.  


 

Thursday, October 29th
Title: Open Discussion 

Join us for open discussion sessions every other Thursday through the end of the summer.  Topics will flow based on what folks want to discuss and can include leadership and administration, technical solutions, hardware considerations, and more!  If you have a question or want to share something you've been working on, please join us.


Thursday, September 17th 
Title: Open Discussion 

Join us for open discussion sessions every other Thursday through the end of the summer.  Topics will flow based on what folks want to discuss and can include leadership and administration, technical solutions, hardware considerations, and more! 


Thursday, September 4th
Title: Open Discussion 

Join us for open discussion sessions every other Thursday through the end of the summer.  Topics will flow based on what folks want to discuss and can include leadership and administration, technical solutions, hardware considerations, and more! 


Thursday, August 21st 
Title: Open Discussion 

Join us for open discussion sessions every other Thursday through the end of the summer.  Topics will flow based on what folks want to discuss and can include leadership and administration, technical solutions, hardware considerations, and more! 

 


Thursday, August 6th
Title: Open Discussion 

Join us for open discussion sessions every other Thursday through the end of the summer.  Topics will flow based on what folks want to discuss and can include leadership and administration, technical solutions, hardware considerations, and more! 

 


Thursday, July 23rd
Title: Open Discussion 

Join us for open discussion sessions every other Thursday through the end of the summer.  Topics will flow based on what folks want to discuss and can include leadership and administration, technical solutions, hardware considerations, and more!


Thursday, July 9th
Title: "Remote vs. In Person Services: A Discussion of Leadership" 

Possible topics could include: planning for Fall (staffing levels, student workers, office layouts, legal issues), remote vs. onsite services, engaging with remote teams, and ongoing support for professional development.

 


Thursday, June 18th
Topic: What Will Classes Look Like in the Fall - Part 2

For part two, we want to focus on the less technological aspects of the fall semester. Possible topics could include hybrid classroom logistics, social distancing and classroom seating, sanitizing electronics, signage and communication campaigns, thermal sensors and screening, etc. Remember that these are freeform, member guided discussions, so please don't hesitate to bring your own questions and topics to the group! 

Hosts: Emerging Technologies Interest Group - Jim Spencer, University of Notre Dame and Trey Herb, University of Florida

 


Thursday, June 4th
Topic: What Will Classes Look Like in the Fall - Part 1

Join us for the second “Connecting in the Cloud” session on Thursday, June 4th where we'll discuss how technology is rising to the challenge and enabling hybrid classrooms and safer learning environments. What will your classrooms look like in August? 

Hosts: Emerging Technologies Interest Group - Jim Spencer, University of Notre Dame and Trey Herb, University of Florida

 


Thursday, May 21
Topic: Commencement and the Disruption of Normal End of the Year Practices

Host: Joe Way, University of Southern California



Sustainability of Installations: Hidden Costs of the Future - 06/06/19

Our first topic is Sustainability of Installations: Hidden Costs of the Future and will explore questions like: how do you deal with it?, how do you make a business case upfront for sustained funding?, and how have you been successful?  If you have experience in this area or are currently experiencing these problems, pleas join.  We hope to have a rich dialog among members so we can learn from each other and possibly create a best practices guide for the future.


Managing Student Workers - 02/13/20

Our next topic is Managing Student Workers and will explore concepts like recruiting and retaining a diverse student workforce, managing training and performance review, and rewarding well performing student employees without budget for pay raises.  If you have experience with managing students or are currently having difficulties with student employees, please consider joining us.  We hope to have a rich dialog among members so we can learn from each other and possibly create a best practices guide for the future