The term “Janus” is used to refer to the innovative use of hardware and software technologies to define a new and powerful classroom tool.  By integrating the traditional concepts of blackboards and overhead projectors with the technological advancements of microcomputers and LCD (liquid crystal display) touch screen panels, the University has developed a solution that enables instructors to make annotations on their LCD panels that the entire class can view on the projection screen.  In this model the LCD panel serves as both a graphics pad and a preview screen.

The Janus technology is similar to SMARTBoards. However, SMARTBoards have two limitations. First, SMARTBoards cannot easily be utilized by instructors bound to wheelchairs. Second, they are limited to small classrooms due to their size (6 feet diagonal display), which makes it difficult for a larger audience to view the screen.  Neither limitation is applicable to Janus, which was specifically designed to resolve these issues.  In the Janus model the instructor only needs to be able to reach the LCD panel, which is located on a desk and, therefore accessible to those in wheelchairs.  And, as the graphics are projected onto a screen, large audiences still have the ability to view the instructor’s notes and/or presentation.

Also, Janus extends the SMARTBoard functionality by allowing the instructor to face the audience while making annotations on the LCD panel.  This seemingly small change can have a profound effect on the dynamics of the classroom.  By allowing the instructor to maintain a greater degree of eye contact with students, the class becomes more intimate and the instructor is able to better assess the students’ understanding of the material.  It is for this reason that “Janus”, which is the name of the Roman god usually depicted facing two directions at once, was selected as the name for this technological solution.

 

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Key Features

The LCD panel provides manufactured by Wacom for Hitachi along with it's bundled software.  This software enables Janus to revolutionize instructional technology opportunities in the classroom.

• Virtual Whiteboard

Tthrough Hitachi’s MultiMediaNotePad software, Janus can act as a ‘virtual’ whiteboard.  When used in conjunction with a data projector in a classroom or lecture hall, it creates an effectively unlimited chalkboard space.  This feature is especially attractive in larger lecture halls where viewing distances make chalkboard use impractical.  Annotations on the multi-paged virtual whiteboard can be displayed, saved, and then recalled later for review.  Another important feature is that the instructor can prepare illustrations and notes in advance and then modify or supplement them in the classroom.  For example, a math instructor may prepare some pages of the Cartesian coordinate system to make it easier to graph spontaneous examples in the classroom.

• Screen Capture and Annotation

Janus captures and saves pen annotations made on a “transparency” layer over whatever appears on the computer screen.  For example, an instructor can annotate over the slides of a PowerPoint presentation during class with the pen and then save the transparency with the annotations embedded for inclusion on the course website or Blackboard.  Students can later review the annotated presentation.  Annotations can be made over any application and saved as .JPG or .BMP files using Hitachi’s ShareWizard Pen software.

In addition to the above mentioned features, Janus may be used in conjunction with the InterWrite School Pad.  This technology frees the instructor from the confines of a desk by replacing the Hitachi LCD Panel with a touch sensitive, electrostatic “pad” that the instructor may carry throughout the classroom. This pad utilizes wireless Bluetooth technology.

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Janus Model

While the Janus solution can have a profound impact on classroom instruction, its model is relatively straightforward.  The video output from the computer’s VGA (Video Graphics Array) port is directed to a signal splitter that sends the video to both the projector and the LCD panel.  This LCD panel is also connected by a serial cable that its movements may be displayed.

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Technical Details

The University utilizes the Hitachi Starboard LCD panels and tablet PCs.  The Hitachi Starboard weighs 9.15 lbs. and offers a 15” diagonal LCD screen capable of native 1024x768 resolution and 24 bit color depth.  It uses a DVI (Digital Video Interface) or VGA (Video Graphics Array) interface for video and either USB or serial “mouse” connections.  Most of the panels installed in classrooms are electro-static instead of touch-sensitive, allowing the faculty user to rest his or her hand on the surface without affecting the drawing.  These EM panels require an expensive stylus.

The Hitachi panel is connected to the computer and to a data/video projector.  For most classrooms the University’s standard implementation makes use of the Sharp XG-P10XU LCD projector.  The standard lectern (teaching station) configuration allows the projector (and the Hitachi panel through an Extron switch) to be driven by a built-in microcomputer or by a “wild” laptop.  For the portable version delivered to the classroom, an Altinex DA1907SX VGA Splitter allows the laptop image to be viewed on laptop, the Hitachi panel, and the data/video projector.

Computers must run the Wacom panel drivers and the Hitachi software to be able to use this configuration.

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Janus implementation at PITT

Approximately twenty-five (25) classrooms have Janus functionality built-in and there are approximately six (6) portable Janus resources that may be setup in almost any classroom.  In addition, the University’s School of Engineering has four (4) classrooms that utilize 40 inch plasma screens with a touch sensitive Matisse overlay from Smart Technologies.  This configuration accomplishes the same goals as Janus.  Software analogous to the Hitachi software is available from SMART Technologies to enable the virtual whiteboard feature and annotation capture functionality.  In addition, the instructor’s presentation and notes are not only sent to the instructor’s monitor and a projection screen, but also to an Insight system. This system allows the instructor’s presentation and notes to be sent to each desktop within the classroom where students share built-in PCs.  School of Engineering faculty has been using this configuration since early 2001.

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