eDome is a high-tech, digital, multi-media, specially designed facility that provides global access to Cambrian College's web-based learning. The eDome (Electronic Delivery of Modular Education) will facilitate the audio and video capturing of objects ranging from heavy duty equipment (e.g. vehicles, diesel, or gas engines) to smaller items like calibration instruments (e.g. micrometers). Learning objects can be edited, saved, and distributed on DVD, or streamed in on-line courses using the College's eLearning platform. Live presentations can also be webcast in real-time or recorded and made available later as Media on Demand (MoD) through a web browser and a video player.

This teaching/demonstration theater is circular in design (floorplan and virtual tour) and has a stainless steel demonstration podium and table (which rotates 270 degrees) situated at the center. The podium is connected to networks, AC power (110/208/600V), hot and cold running water, and compressed air. Exhaust vacuum can be attached to running equipment and drainage of water is also available. This facility was built for Technical/Industrial learning.

The presenter can, with the aid of a touch screen control panel, manage the lights, five cameras with remote pan, tilt, zoom and focus, VHS, DVCAM, CD/DVD playback decks, a 12 speaker sound system, and the output of a laptop computer, all assignable to any or all of the four projection screens around the room. Three screens are 9' x 12' and the main screen is 12' x 16'.

Specialized cameras are available for eDome productions, such as two digital broadcast cameras on rolling pedestals equipped with Teleprompters, and two wireless cameras attached to booms. These cameras can be raised, lowered, and moved around to provide close-up views from awkward angles, or even probe into cylinders or otherwise difficult to reach places with the use of a borescope attachment.

With this simple eDome configuration scenario, students on-site can watch close-up views of a complex procedure from several vantage points projected onto the large screens and listen to the demonstrator explain the procedure step by step, ask questions, and dialogue with the professor.

Adding a skilled multi-media technician, located in the adjacent control room, will manage eDome equipment and environment for productions involving more complex situations such as recording or Webcasting sessions.

Now, students, using an Internet browser, can log on to their eLearning course at Cambrian College from another province or country, see and hear a live webcast lecture and demonstration from the eDome, and ask questions or comment using WebCT's chat tool. Later in the week, in preparation for an on-line assignment, quiz, or exam, students can log back onto the course and "replay" the very same session that was recorded earlier, and ask questions using WebCT's email tool, or participate in a threaded discussion using the Discussion Tool.

Live on-site, Live streamed, and Media on Demand — all possible with eDome

For additional information about this world-class facility, contact an eDome prime at 705-566-8101 extension 7878, or email edome@cambriancollege.ca