At UTSA, you’ll have access to all kinds of cutting-edge technology that will boost your digital literacy and enhance your learning.
From remote-controlled drones to virtual reality headsets, you’ll pioneer using emerging technology in and outside of the classroom. By incorporating innovative tech into your learning, you’ll not only make the most out of your college experience, but also have a competitive edge in an increasingly competitive job market.
“UTSA offers a different type of classroom. These experiences will be instrumental in the future as technology continues to be more integrated into our lives, classrooms and businesses,” said Richard Rodriguez, COEHD Director of Information Management & Technology.
Elevated Learning Inside the Classroom
Virtual Reality
When Assistant Department Chair Armando Araiza first implemented VR in his architecture courses in spring of 2016, it was with students working off of a static image on their smartphone. Now, with the help of a gaming laptop that is fast enough to render design files in real-time, students are able to use dedicated VR goggles to walk through their fully developed 3D projects.
Smartboards
The smartboard is another example of technology that colleges are implementing in the classroom. It contains a computer that lets students like Aliyah Ramirez interact with and annotate documents, presentations or websites on a large touchscreen. These mobile smart displays also let students connect wirelessly via their laptops to collaborate on projects. Using these displays and their software, student groups can work together and interact on the same window with multiple laptops.
Advanced Spaces Outside the Classroom
Seeing the Invisible in the VizLab
The UTSA Advanced Visualization Laboratory (VizLab) is a powerful resource that is available to all UTSA students to conduct in-depth simulation and visualization research on a high-resolution wall of screens. The VizWall is 14’4″ wide and 6′ tall and consists of 24 ultra HD monitors that have a combined resolution of 115 million pixels.
The VizWall can be used to view global data like the number of Facebook posts happening around the world or to zoom in on the more intricate details of famous paintings. The VizLab also contains other tech that students can work on ranging from virtual and augmented reality to mixed reality with Microsoft’s Hololens.
Recording like a Pro in the One-Button Sound Room
In fall 2019, the Department of English opened a one-button sound room that is equipped with an advanced webcam and microphone for digital recording. This updated studio is a result of two grants totaling $32,000 that Dr. Hum wrote for the department. Now around 900 students a year like Alexander Vollmer pictured will be able to experience recording their own podcasts in a professional studio environment.
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