🚀 go-pugleaf

QUT is presently investigating installing 'smart lecture theatres'.  
What this means seems to be open largely to interpretation.  I have, 
however, been asked a few questions which I would like to hand over to 
the network for suggestions, comments etc.  Some theatres may seat up 
to 500 students.  Many will be incorporated into new buildings being 
built over the next 5 years as part of a major capital expenditure.
Is in envisaged that these theatres will also be used for multimedia
presentations.

The vision:

A lecturer would be able to walk up to a lecturn (Architech's want 
this lecturn to be very, very small and slimline) which controls A/V 
and computing equipment.

Theatres will typically have a Datashow (Barco, Sony etc) installed to 
project video and computer signals.  The lecturn itself would have a 
'pen-based' or 'touch-screen' system of interaction with users.  For 
example, a small LCD screen might be recessed in the lecturn which has 
icons for the VCR (play, rewind etc), lighting control, computer 
display etc.  

So far, I believe we can find a solution, but what about the next 
request!   Does anything exist which will allow lecturers to use a 
pen based computer as an alternative to using a white-board?  For 
example, the lecturer could write notes on the tablet which would be 
projected onto the screen for all to see.  Furthermore, the computer 
might even recognise handwriting and replace it with easy-to-read, 
appropriately sized text!  Maybe a video can be paused and the 
lecturer superimpose comments and diagrams (like when you watch the 
cricket or football).  

Further controls would be incorporated to cater for audio levels and 
lighting.

Has anyone done anything like this, heard of anything or know who I 
might be able to talk to??   I have made a preliminary contact with 
Microsoft to look at their pen-based computing (windows) gear and its 
possible integration with Visual BASIC.  

I am very keen to hear any comments or suggestions.   

Regards,
Jason
--
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Jason Trump, Computing Services                  e-mail: j.trump@qut.edu.au
 Queensland University of Technology               phone: +61 7 864-3452
 Brisbane, Australia                                 fax: +61 7 864-3998
------------------------------------------------------------------------------