Off the Rails Episode 61: Chuck E. Cheese for AV Nerds

Recorded April 27, 2023

We begin with a follow up to a news article we covered a few months ago regarding the University of Arkansas buying the University of Phoenix. Has the deal soured? Are there concerns of propriety and branding? Oh, my, yes!

Next, we’re joined by Raul Burriel from Oregon State University (and current President of NWMET) to talk about the NWMET 2023 conference at Carroll College in Helena, MT earlier this month and to give the first ever preview of NWMET 2024 in Corvallis, OR next year, hosted by our very own AV SuperFriend Marc! We can’t spoil what’s in store for next year’s conference, but here’s a hint: rain!

Then we hash our options for digital canvas displays— that is single unbroken video displays with multiple content fields. Something like that anyway. Chris and Jamie talk about one they had at UMKC ten years ago, Larry discusses a variation he built a few years ago for a computer animation classroom, and Justin suggests manipulating content via software instead of hardware. Chris is going to install an ultrawide digital canvas display this summer, but not in the aspect ratio you’re thinking. To heck with 21:9, here comes 32:9 displays!

Northwest Managers of Educational Technology (NWMET)

• https://www.nwmet.org

News Articles:

• https://edscoop.com/university-arkansas-trustees-vote-against-phoenix-acquisition/

• https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/03/31/university-phoenix-arkansas-deal-draws-scrutiny/

Alternate show titles:

• It was largely Don’s fault

• We bought this, now what?

• How do we use this thing now that we have it?

• I’m the only person looking at my screens

• Just a little wonky-ass

• The Content is IN the Computer

• Throw it out and replace it

• Give somebody the back-end

• Use this; don’t call me