Audio-Visual Contractor MCA Communications has worked with team members in the University Information Technology department to transform 50 University of Houston classrooms into multimodal classrooms since 2022.

These multimodal classrooms are also referred to as hyflex classrooms, are outfitted with technology like dual monitors, assisted listening devices, auto-tracking cameras, and zoned sound speakers, to name a few. Hyflex classrooms also have special labels on the outside of the classroom to indicate that they are equipped with these enhancements.

UIT completed phase 1 of the project at the end of 2022, with 27 rooms being outfitted with technology that transformed it into a hyflex classroom. During phase 1, UIT received input from faculty and used that feedback to make changes to better the project. 

Phase 2 of the project started in February with 17 classrooms being added to the total list. In March, six rooms were added as Phase 3 of the project launched. 

The move to turn classrooms into multimodal classrooms stems from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The federal government, during COVID, recognized that a lot of universities did not have the infrastructure, or a plan in place, for them to do distant learning,” said Patrick Iglehart, Manager, Academic Technology Support with UIT. 

The first classrooms to be outfitted with enhanced technology equipment were recommended by the registrar’s office. 

Iglehart said UIT started with general purpose classrooms, and soon expanded to add departmental classrooms at the recommendation of the registrar’s office. 

UIT’s multimodal project is aligned with the Division of Administration and Finance’s stated goal of student success. To learn more about the project and see which classrooms have been transformed, visit UIT’s multimodal page.