Nearly two weeks into the fall semester, students at Slippery Rock University are meeting the challenges of this new and different year with the help of some new technology.
Since approximately 80% of SRU classes are online this semester, the over 2,500 freshmen, transfer students, and graduate students will be able to utilize Meeting Owl webcams to stay connected with classes.
More than 160 SRU classrooms have been equipped with these smart conference cameras that capture 360 degree video and audio. The money for the purchase and installation of these units comes from the university’s share of federal CARES Act funding. Students will still use videoconferencing software like Zoom but will be able to see more of the classroom and supporting content.
Compared to last year’s group of first-year students, this year includes a 30% increase in students from out of state as well as an increase in transfer students, graduate students, and students from underrepresented ethnicities.