MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University faculty now have a place to record content for online courses and explore virtual reality.

A grand opening for the new Studio 102, located in the Learning Resources Center, was held Friday, with its light-board — a glass board with internal lighting — displayed.

An instructor can write or draw with luminous liquid chalk and look through the glass at the same time, “virtually” looking at students. Software flips the text so it reads correctly when students watch an online presentation.

Stacey DeLoose, an instructional technologist with NMU’s Center for Teaching and Learning, said it worked in partnership with the university’s Audio-Visual Services Department as well as Community Engagement and Extended Learning to create the studio.

The recording studio will allow faculty to record content for their online students, she said.

“Faculty can write on the board and still maintain eye contact with their students,” DeLoose said.

After the text is flipped, the presentation is put on EduCat, NMU’s learning management system, she said.

DeLoose called it a “quiet” spot for recording.

“They have some dedicated time and space,” DeLoose said. “It’s also a way that they can interact with their students in a virtual way, but to write on the board where you’re not looking at the back of their head.”

One of the faculty members who’s already started to use the Studio 102 system is NMU math professor Amy Barnsley, who said she had seen a similar online program.

“It’s so much more engaging than the videos without this kind of technology,” Barnsley said of Studio102.

An online video of her teaching a math lesson played on a computer at the grand opening.

“You watch this — their eyes are drawn to where I’m looking,” Barnsley said. “That’s one of the biggest things, and then also, with online education there’s this kind of ‘teacher in the ether.’ They don’t see you. They don’t get to know you. This way, it’s me.

“I wear frog T-shirts and my hair looks bad today. I am your teacher. I’m right here on campus and I exist.”

NMU President Fritz Erickson said it was exciting to dedicate Studio 102.

“This clearly represents our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and the integration of technology into education, and make sure that we stay on the leading edge of providing those amazing educational opportunities,” Erickson said.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.