PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — An industrial tool inventory vending machine, a wireless 4K television monitor, and a transformed classroom that now houses a medical coding learning lab — what do these three new innovations on the Northern Maine Community College campus have in common?
These are all investments made possible by the Investing in Innovation Fund, a program through the NMCC Foundation which earmarks funds for innovative projects.
Since 2008, the Investing in Innovation Fund has provided approximately $40,000 toward the purchase of equipment that would not otherwise be funded through college department budgets. This year the endowment has financed three projects worth more than $6,000.
Funds allowed the business technology department to upgrade the television in the Room 208 conference room. Students utilize this space and technology for group projects and were often seen trying to design presentations using a 36-inch screen monitor. To improve the environment, business technology department chair Dwight Clayton applied for funding through the competitive fund to purchase a 55-inch UHD 4K LED television monitor.
According to Clayton, “The new large-screen monitor improves student group work and presentations by wirelessly transmitting images from their laptop computer to the large screen monitor. This allows fellow group members to easily share, review and critique their ideas while enhancing student learning.”
When the medical coding students returned to campus for the spring semester, they were surprised with a newly remodeled classroom that now replicates the working environment of a medical coder. The new setup provides dual monitors along with desktop computers.
Medical coding instructor Rhonda Harvey stated, “The investment that the NMCC Foundation has made to provide the medical coding program with new technology will certainly enhance the students’ educational experience. This new equipment replicates technology used in hospitals and healthcare settings. By having this technology integrated into the curriculum, students gain a distinct advantage as they enter the workforce.”
Medical coding student Anita Goodman echoed that thought, “This new technology will better prepare us to work in the healthcare field.”
The Precision Machining Technology Program (PMT) will implement a comprehensive tooling inventory and management system — otherwise known as a “vending machine.”
According to PMT instructor Dean Duplessis, “The vending machine will prepare students for the actual experience of working for a company, utilizing modern secured delivery methods for tooling, and requiring better organization skills, all of which will make the graduate of the PMT program a better employee.”
The endowment began in part to expand and improve the skill set of graduates to meet the needs of employers. Area business and community leaders consistently confer with NMCC officials regarding current technological needs in the workplace to help shape the educational and training opportunities provided by the college.
Submitted by the Development and College Relations Office of Northern Maine Community College.
