CaTS | Information Technology

Electronic Classrooms

photo of a classroom

On this page:

About Electronic Classrooms

Electronic classrooms create new opportunities in teaching and learning by integrating computer, multimedia, audio-visual, and network technologies. These classrooms are equipped with ceiling-mounted video projectors, sound systems, computers, VCR/DVD combo units or Blu-ray players, and document cameras. 

Additional information about the recently upgraded electronic classrooms can be found on the In-Person/Remote Video Learning Classrooms page.

Not in an electronic classroom but still want to use this technology? CaTS provides computers and other classroom equipment by request through Equipment Checkout and Delivery.

If you need technical assistance while in an electronic classroom, contact the CaTS Help Desk at 937-775-4827.
 

Electronic Classroom List

For the most updated list of electronic classrooms, including room numbers and equipment information, see the Classroom Features and Photos webpage.
 

Interactive Video Distance Learning (IVDL)

IVDL is essentially videoconferencing in a classroom setting. IVDL connects two or more classrooms with audio and video equipment that enables participants to see and talk with each other, almost as if they were in the same room. So students in a classroom at Wright State's main campus may be joined by students at Lake Campus and Central State University.

Wright State has six IVDL classrooms.

Locations

Dayton Campus

  • 009 Millett Hall
  • 050 Rike Hall
  • 125 Oelman Hall
  • 154 Russ Engineering Center
  • 1 portable unit

Lake Campus

  • 150 Dwyer Hall
  • 186 Andrews Hall
  • 2 portable units

Showing Movies or TV Shows in the Classroom

Did you know that the license for that movie you "bought" may only allow you to show it at home, not on campus? Did you know that recording a TV show may only allow you to show it at home, not on campus?

There has been a recent wave of requests for CaTS to support the showing of movies on campus. CaTS will only support the showing of films that have been licensed to be shown in public or those in a face to face, regularly scheduled, numbered courses (fair use). In addition, CaTS cannot support public broadcasts (Super Bowl, Olympics, OSU Football, Survivor, etc).

The following is from the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation and contains specific language concerning copyrighted videocassettes and DVDs.

DVDs and Blu-rays that are available for rental or purchase include the right to exhibit the movie for home use only. These motion pictures do not include a license for showing outside one's home.

If you wish to show movies for any other use or in any other place, you must have a separate license which specifically authorizes such use.

These simple and straightforward rules are detailed in the federal Copyright Act, as amended, Title 17 of the United States Code. According to The Copyright Act, only the copyright owner holds the exclusive right, among others, "to perform the copyrighted work publicly." (Section 106)

In summary, the Copyright Act mandates: The rental or purchase of a Video does not bear the right "to perform the copyrighted work publicly." (Section 202) Videos may be shown without a SEPARATE license in the home to "a normal circle of family and its social acquaintances" (Section 101)

Videos may be shown without a license for non-profit educational purposes and in certain narrowly defined "face-to-face teaching activities" because the law provides limited exceptions for such showings. (Section 110)

All other public performances of Videos are illegal unless they have been authorized by license. Even "performances in 'semipublic' places such as clubs, lodges, factories, summer camps and schools are 'public performances' subject to copyright control." (Senate Report No. 94-473, page 60; House Report No. 94-1476, page 64).

Both for-profit organizations and non-profit institutions must secure a license to show Videos, regardless of whether an admission fee is charged. (Senate Report No. 94-473, page 59; House Report No. 94-1476, page 62)

A party is liable for contributory infringement when it, with knowledge of the infringing activity, contributes to the infringing conduct of another.

Proprietors of a social establishment are vicariously liable for infringement committed by an independent contractor. Vicarious liability arises where a party has "the right and ability to supervise the infringing activity and also has a direct financial interest in such activities." Gershwin Publishing Corp. Vs. Columbia Artists Management, Inc., 443 F.2d1159, 1161 (2d Cir. 1971). Both the property owner and exhibitor must make sure a license is in place before a Video is shown by either party.

Non-compliance with The Copyright Act is considered infringement and carries steep and significant penalties.

Such exhibitions are federal crimes and subject to a $150,000 penalty per exhibition (Section 506). In addition, even inadvertent infringers are subject to substantial civil damages ($750 to $30,000 for each illegal showing) and other penalties. (Sections 502-505)