Northern Illinois University

Learning Center

Instructional Equipment

The Learning Center loans a variety of equipment free for instructional use by College of Education faculty and students. Equipment is available to faculty and students outside of the college for a nominal fee.

CoE faculty and staff may reserve equipment with the Learning Center's online scheduling program.

CoE students and non-CoE faculty or staff may also request rooms by calling (815) 753-1241 or stopping by the south wing service desk.

Instructional equipment is also available through NIU Media Services' equipment pool.

Notebook Computers

  • Windows XP
  • Microsoft Office
  • configured for wireless access
  • AC adapter and carrying case
  • wireless mouse
  • surge protector
  • hardware and other accessories may vary
  • circulation is limited to one week

Projectors

Video Projectors

  • provide high quality resolution and brightness
  • comes with cables to connect to either a computer or a video source 
  • rolling carrying case
  • circulation is limited to one week

Slide Projectors

  • remote control and slide carousel included
  • equipment cart available if needed

Overhead Projectors

  • available for use with acetate sheets
  • write-on transparencies or transparencies used in copy machines are available for sale
  • equipment cart provided if needed

16mm Film Projectors

  • Film projector comes with take up reel
  • Equipment cart provided upon request

Monitors

25" and 27" TV monitors are available. TVs come with cart.


DVD/VHS Players

We have decks that will play both DVDs and VHS videotapes or VHS tapes only. Each deck comes with the necessary cables to connect to a TV monitor.

Cameras

Digital Video Cameras

Our video cameras include the Canon ZR-70, ZR-85 and Optura 500. All our cameras use MiniDV tapes that are available at the Center for sale. Each camera comes with a carrying case, manual, power supply, and cables. Tripods are available upon request.

Digital Still Cameras

Our still cameras are the Canon A75, S1 IS and Powershot S60. All our still cameras come with memory cards installed. Cameras require AA batteries; you may need to provide your own. Included with each camera is a carrying case, manual, and cables. Tripods are available upon request.


Audio

Tape Recorders

We have digital audio recorders as well as cassette recorders that use standard-size audio tapes. Let us know if you need an external mic; most of our recorders allow you to plug one in.

Microphones

We provide table-mics as well as external wireless mics for use with video cameras. Let us know what you have in mind, and we’ll help match the right mic for the job.

Speakers

We have small speakers that can be connected to a DVD or VHS deck (when used with a video projector) to augment the audio from the projector. We provide instruction on set-up along with the necessary cables.


Other Equipment

  • Camera Tripods
  • Tripod Screens
  • Laser Disk Players
  • Transcription Pedal (for use with transcription software)