Technology Enhanced Classroom Operation
Desktop operation
To operate the desktop computer, you will need to ensure the desk is powered on using the power switch on the front of the desk. The desktop will need to be turned on using the power button on the desktop pc. You must also ensure that the power button on the monitor is on. A PowerPoint remote is standard in each classroom. To test the remotes batteries, ensure the power switch is in the on position, and then press the laser pointer button. It has an up arrow and a down arrow (or left and right arrows for older models). The up arrow advances to the previous slide, and the down arrow advances to the next slide. Please do not remove the receiver for the PowerPoint remote, as they are unique to each remote. A USB extension runs to the top of the desktop for plugging in USB flash drives. If this is not present, you will need to open the computer desk and plug in your flash drive to the front of the computer. Please notify us if it is missing so we can replace it. The instructor station is setup to auto-login. You can access all campus resources from there. It is advised to restart the computer after your class in order to clear out your credentials from any web browser.
ALL DESKTOPS REMOVE ANY CREATED FILES ON REBOOT.
Laptop operation
To use your own laptop in the classroom, you will power on your laptop and connect it to the HDMI cable or the VGA and audio cables on top of the desk. Then change the projector to the correct input. To change the projector for a vga connection, you will use the Computer button on the remote. To change the projector for an HDMI connection, you will use the HDMI/Video button on the remote.
For a touch panel setup, you will need to use the Laptop, Wall Input, HDMI or other similarly labeled button.
Touch panel operation
We have many different models of touch panels, but each one functions similarly. Use the power on or touch here button to begin. After the system powers on, if anything does not operate or launch as expected, power off the touch panel, wait about 10-20 seconds, and power it on again. After this, ensure the desktop is on. If nothing is displaying on the screen(s), it may be because the desktop is asleep. If this happens, ensure the mouse and keyboard are on if they are wireless, then use the keyboard keys or move the mouse to wake up the desktop.
VCR/DVD player operation
To operate the VCR/DVD player, use the Video button on the projector remote and ensure your media is playing in the VCR/DVD player and the numbers on the counter are moving. The projector should be set to the Video input to display the image. Volume is adjusted using the projector remote or the touch panel volume control. If your classroom is not equipped with a VCR/DVD player, then you can use the desktop to play a DVD.
Audio control
Audio is controlled in a standard classroom using the volume up and down buttons on the projector remote. Please do not attempt to change the audio settings in any other manner. To test audio playback, we recommend using a YouTube video or other similar video source. Each input source on the projector has its own audio control, and the projector will remember the last volume level set by each input setting (desktop/laptop/dvd player).
In a touch panel environment this can vary slightly due to the variety of touch panels and panel locations. If the touch panel is near the desktop computer, typically the desktop computer volume is set to 100% and the volume can be controlled through the volume button that is labeled PC or something similar. If the touch panel is not close to the pc, the desktop pc would be your method of controlling the volume. It is typically set to around 40-60% but could be higher or lower depending on the person who used the computer last.
QR codes
Labs with multiple computers may contain QR codes. If there is a problem with a particular computer, a QR code can be scanned with your smartphone camera or QR code application, which will open your email application so you can detail the problem with the computer and send the email to ITS to create a repair ticket.
Troubleshooting
Desktop PC’s are set to sleep after 2 hours of inactivity, and the projectors are set to turn off between 5 and 30 minutes after the computer goes to sleep. Ensure the computer is awake by moving the mouse or pressing any key on the keyboard.
Davis 2225 has an issue where the touch panel may not properly start the projector. If the projector is not in a standby state (light will be red on the front of the projector), you may need to wait for it to cool down first (this will be indicated by an orange light that may be blinking on the front of the projector).
CBSL classrooms have an issue where the TV screens may not power on, or nothing happens when the room is started from the touch panel. The solution here is to power down the room rack, wait 10-20 seconds, and power it back on. The room rack may be locked in a room closet or is behind some wooden doors or is inside a metal cabinet in the room.
GFAP 103 is equipped with a Blu-ray player which needs updated occasionally. Please ensure you have visited this room and have tested your media prior to your event so that we can help update the hardware in the event your video does not play. The device must be started from the behind the projection screen. The touch panel needs set to Laserdisc but does not control the bluray player.
For immediate assistance, please call 419-434-4357. Please inform us if you would like someone to come during class or if we need to come in after class is over. To report a problem electronically, submit a ticket via helpdesk.findlay.edu or send an email with the building, room number, computer number and problem to helpdesk@findlay.edu.