Helping instructors prepare before they walk through the door
MSU IT is enhancing 25Live, MSU’s room-scheduling system, with interactive 3D classroom tours that help instructors better understand learning spaces before they arrive.
The tours let users explore room layouts, technology, and instructional resources in the same tool they already use to book spaces, helping bridge the gap between reserving a room and being ready to teach.
“The tours give you a real sense of the room before you walk in,” said instructor Casey Henley. “Being able to zoom in on the tech cart makes it easy to see what equipment is available. It takes the uncertainty out of teaching somewhere new.”
Users can move through classrooms virtually and select hotspots for details on tech carts, microphones, cameras, control panels, seating, and other features. Many rooms also include short videos that show instructors how to use the available technology.
“Classroom technology setups vary widely, so the tours help show what’s actually in each space,” said Lisa Batchelder, project lead. “For classrooms with more advanced technology, additional resources explain how to use the equipment.”
The project is a collaboration between MSU IT, Video Production, the Registrar’s Office, and Digital Classroom Services, with student employees playing a key role in capturing imagery and building the tours.
The team used 360-degree photography and Thinglink software to create tours that are both accurate and consistent, while prioritizing classrooms by building and renovation schedule.
Student employees, including Mary Len Flagler and Kaydence Pearson, helped capture imagery and build the 360-degree tours.
There are currently 186 classrooms with 360-degree tours available. The plan is to offer 360-degree tours in 354 total classrooms by August.
“This project reflects MSU IT’s mission by helping faculty and staff make better use of classroom spaces and technology,” Batchelder said. “When instructors better understand the spaces and tools available to them, they can make more informed decisions about how they design and teach their courses.”
