It is our aim to provide classroom technology that is comprehensive and familiar. We want you to feel confident in the technology and its use every single time you walk into your classroom .
If you ever need support with classroom technology, contact the OIT Support Desk at 484-664-3566 or [email protected], or Media Services directly at 484-664-3455 or at [email protected].
Standard Classroom Technology
The standard tech-wallled classroom is equipped with a common set of technologies for displaying content.
- a centralized control panel featuring a touchscreen with a standardized layout
- a projector and screen or a large monitor display
- an integrated Windows desktop computer
- teleconference cameras and microphones linked to the integrated computer
- connections for tethering your personal devices
- a BluRay disc player
- a document camera
Touchscreen Control Panel
A touchscreen interface, located typically on the lectern, controls the classroom technology. If the screen is black, tap the screen to wake.
To turn the system on, simply press the “ON” button in the corner of the screen. It takes a few minutes for the system to fully boot.
Once fully booted, you are able to switch to different devices using the buttons across the top of the screen. If a selected device has additional controls, like the BluRay player, they will be available on the panel.
Using the Built in Computer
Each room has a built in Windows PC. When you turn the system on, the PC is automatically selected as the default. If you do not see any signal after the system boots up, make sure PC is selected on the top of the touchscreen control panel, then pull out the keyboard and mouse drawer on the podium and try to wake the computer from sleep. If the computer still does not turn on, be sure the computer tower (typically located in the small cut out under the projection screen) is powered on.
There is no login required for our classroom PCs. You may use this computer to show your presentations, view videos, and browse the internet. Additionally, the built-in PC is connected to the in-room webcameras and microphones for web-conferencing.
Connecting a Personal Device
On the lectern, an HDMI-type cable allow most devices to be connected directly to our system. An older VGA connection is also available on some of our classrooms as well. If your device does not have an HDMI-type port, you will need to use a display adapter. Most spaces have a USB-C-type display adapter attached to the podium as well. If you ever need a display adapter for classroom use, please contact the OIT Support Desk at 484-664-3566 or [email protected], or Media Services directly at 484-664-3455 or at [email protected].
Once your device is connected, press the “Laptop” button on the top of the touchscreen control panel. If prompted to choose “VGA” or “HDMI,” select the appropriate option based on your device connection.
Using the Web Cameras in the Classroom
Although cameras are not yet present in every standard classroom space, they are becoming increasingly common. Each equipped classroom comes standard with web cameras and microphones. The exact positioning of the cameras and microphones may vary between classrooms, but generally, one camera will be under the projection screen, and the other in the back of the room. One cameras and microphone faces the front of the room, capturing the podium and as much of the front chalk/whiteboard as possible. The other camera and microphone faces the desks/seats in the classroom.
The cameras and microphones are connected to the the Windows PC installed in the room. You can use the camera and microphone setup by logging into a Zoom meeting, or any other web conference solution, on the classroom-installed computer. You can even switch between the two available cameras in the meeting!
For a more in-depth look at using cameras in the classroom, refer to this Cameras in the Classroom document linked here or feel free to watch the video overview linked here.
Other Devices Provided
DVD/Blu-ray disk players are also included in most spaces. Some spaces even have a VCR still, though those are slowly being phased out as of 2023. These devices are located in the rack under the screen and are controlled with the touch panel.
Additionally, there is a document camera located in a drawer on the side of the lectern. This device must be powered on manually. Look for the power button on the top edge of the document camera's document plate.
To display any of these devices, simply select the appropriate source option on the left side of the touch panel.
If you have any questions or would like to set up training on any non-standard space, please contact the OIT Support Desk at 484-664-3566 or [email protected], or Media Services directly at 484-664-3455 or at [email protected].
