A new state-of-the-art renovation to CI-119, the primary classroom for the SC&I Information Technology and Informatics major, will transform both teaching and learning at SC&I and Rutgers University.

“Rather than outfitting the room with technology that is comparative to other class/lecture halls within Rutgers, we have chosen technology which we feel is state of the art and will transform how classes are taught,” said Senior System Administrator Michael Souren. “We expect CI-119 to be an example of success and pride for SC&I and Rutgers University.”

CI-119, which is in the main SC&I building on College Avenue, was slated for renovation because it had not been updated for years. “Technology has greatly changed as time has passed, so the goal was to bring the room up to modern standards,” Souren said. “We have now outfitted CI-119 with interactive technology that will make communication and collaboration between students and their instructors easier and more efficient.”

“We expect CI-119 to be an example of success and pride for SC&I and Rutgers University.”

In addition to the new technology that has been installed, also cutting edge is the classroom’s new physical layout, which itself will support student learning and engagement by helping the students stay more focused on the instructors and the lectures, Souren said.

The following renovations have been made as part of the redesign:

• The entire classroom was first gutted and reconstructed from floor to ceiling.
• In place of the previous rows of tables where students worked on desktops there will be new conference tables with the necessary charging outlets for students’ personal devices.
• If needed, students will be able to borrow a laptop from the portable laptop cart.
• A new podium/lectern will replace the existing DCS podium technology.
• The walls will be lined with cutting edge Newline Q Series displays, replacing the existing projectors and screens that were used previously to present lectures. The Newline displays contain a number of features to enhance collaboration between students and instructors, including a whiteboard, wireless connectivity, and others.
• Conference technology will also be installed to enable students to attend lectures remotely via meeting applications such as Zoom or WebEx.

The renovations will be finished by the start of the fall 2023 semester.

“We have now outfitted CI-119 with interactive technology that will make communication and collaboration between students and their instructors easier and more efficient.”

“We would like to thank all that are involved in this project,” Souren said. “Specifically, SC&I Dean's Office, SC&I IT Services, OIT - Telecommunications, Digital Classroom Services, IPO - Facilities, and De Biasse & Seminara Architects.”

Learn more about the Information Technology and Informatics major at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on the website. 

Photos: CI-119 under construction in August 2023.