Academic Technology Lab: A Resource Center for Faculty and TAs
by Kim Hayworth
The Academic Technology Lab (ATL), located in Meyer Library room 181 is a resource center for faculty and TA's interested in integrating technology into their teaching.
ATL consultants provide training and support for the development of instructional materials including interactive presentations, digital audio and video projects, DVD creation and web sites. Faculty also receive assistance integrating technology tools into their courses. ATL staff provide consultations for web-based forums and Stanford's online learning management system, CourseWork.
Upgraded Video Compression Software
The ATL has recently upgraded software. We now have the Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 Compression Suite. This suite is the first full-featured compression application to incorporate High Definition (HD) encoding for a variety of video formats including - MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, QuickTime, RealMedia, and Windows Media 9. The Suite also compresses the highest-quality video for Macromedia Flash files.
Sorenson Media has added the Sorenson AVC Pro codec (also known as H.264) to the Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 Compression Suite. This codec offers unparalleled encoding efficiency by creating the high-quality video at roughly 70 percent the standard MPEG-4 codec!
While most compression tools are cumbersome, with steep learning curves, Squeeze is easy to use and requires no in-depth knowledge of the complexities of compression technology. Squeeze 4.1 reduces digital video to a fraction of its original size, allowing ATL patrons to pack more onto CDs and DVDs or prepare files for use on CourseWork or other web sites.
New Web-Based Scheduling System
In addition to new software, the ATL will be implementing a new web-based scheduling system. The new scheduler will allow patrons to reserve stations and appointments with consultants from an easy to use, online calendar style reservation system. For more information, please go to:
http://academiccomputing.stanford.edu/atl/
ATL hours are Monday-Friday from 1:00-3:00. When scheduling your appointment, please include a brief description of your project in the summary field.
For More Information
For more information about the types of projects faculty have completed in the ATL, please see:
http://academiccomputing.stanford.edu/atl/showcase.html
For more information about the ATL, visit the Academic Technology Lab web site or contact us at 725-5522.
