We recommend you use this quick tech guide if you have a general queries on classroom technology. If you require training on classroom technology in your particular classroom, or if you would like to see video demonstrations along with step-by-step instructions, it is best that you use the online classroom orientation tool.
Getting Started
- Logging in to the Classroom Computer
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To sign in to the classroom computer, you will require a MyCarletonOne (MC1) account from Information Technology Services. Once logged in, you will have access to Carleton’s current software applications. You should ensure that you have a working MC1 account prior to the first day of classes. Learn more about setting up your MC1 account here here.
Watch a video demonstration – This will lead you to the online classroom orientation tool, which is designed for particular classroom types. You can quickly and conveniently access video demonstrations, as well as get step-by-step instructions for classroom technology.
- Unlocking the Equipment Cabinet
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In order to open the equipment cabinet/teaching console in classrooms, you will require a cabinet key. You can sign out a key from the IMS Classroom Technology Support office in Loeb D283. The key can be signed out for either a semester or a full year depending on the teaching status of the instructor.
Watch a video demonstration – This will lead you to the online classroom orientation tool, which is designed for particular classroom types. You can quickly and conveniently access video demonstrations, as well as get step-by-step instructions for classroom technology.
- Powering on the Data Projector
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To power on the data projector use the AMX touch panel, and press the “On” button for the data projector.
To blank the projector, press the “Blank” button located on the AMX touch panel. This feature is useful when inputting sensitive information such as usernames and passwords that you do not want your audience to see.
The following is a video demonstration on accessing the equipment cabinet/teaching console, as well as how to use the AMX touch panel to power on the data projector or room display in most classrooms.
- Adjusting Podium Height
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Some classrooms have height adjustable podiums that allow instructors to raise and lower the podium based on needs. Buttons are generally located on the bottom right of the podium, however there is some variation across different classrooms. It is important that the podium remain clear of possible obstructions. It is also very important that you do not sit or lean on the podium.
The following videos represent our electronic height-adjust podium, and manual height-adjust version commonly found in our classrooms.
To adjust the manual version, squeeze the lever mounted on the underside of the right hand corner and lift or press down on the podium top.
Sound
- Adjusting Audio
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To adjust the audio in the room, press down on the + or – symbols on the AMX touch panel, adjust the volume slider bar, or use the volume controls inside the equipment cabinet (this varies by classroom type – please see the online classroom orientation tool for more specific classroom information). You can also mute the audio by pressing the mute button.
The following video describes the most common method of adjusting audio in a classroom. For more specific instructions, please visit the online classroom orientation tool mentioned above.
- Using the Wireless Mic
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To use the wireless microphone, open the teaching podium and pull out the cabinet drawer. Inside, the microphones should be seated in the charging base. Ensure that the battery charging indicator light is green; this means that the microphone is ready for use. Remove the microphone and battery pack from charger, and clip the mic to your shirt and the battery pack to your belt or waist. Finally, power on the mic from the battery pack. You can adjust the microphone audio level on the touch panel.
The following videos will walk you through these steps as well as provide tips on proper microphone use.
Connectivity
- Connecting a Laptop
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To connect your laptop to the classroom projector you will first need to identify what type of laptop you have (Mac or PC), and what type of connection cable you need (HDMI or VGA). Generally newer laptops will be outfitted with an HMDI connection, and older laptop models will be more likely to have a VGA connection.
You can sign out a VGA or HDMI cable from IMS Classroom Technology Support by going to their office located in Loeb D283.
The cable connects between the classroom computer and your laptop. Some Mac laptops will require an additional connector (these can also be signed out from IMS).
Watch a video demonstration – This will lead you to the online classroom orientation tool, which is designed for particular classroom types. You can quickly and conveniently access video demonstrations, as well as get step-by-step instructions for classroom technology.
Based on your laptop and connectivity needs, please select the tip sheet from the list below:
- Wireless Network
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Information Technology Services (ITS) has provided wireless network coverage across a broad area of campus, including classrooms. Faculty and students can access for free using their MyCarletonOne account, while guests and affiliates can be issued temporary access by contacting the ITS Service Desk.
Software
- Mirroring 360
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Mirroring 360
Electronic classrooms on campus now have software that enables professors to project/cast their devices, such as iPads and phones, onto the projector screen. Professors can cast from iPads, iPhones, Chromebooks, Android phones, Android tablets, PCs, and Macs.
Wireless screen projection allows the professor to walk around while they teach and not stay tethered to the front of the room. It also gives professors the ability to use both Apple and PC programs at the same time. Not only can professors cast their devices but they can allow for students to mirror devices to show group work on the main screen. Up to four devices can be cast to the main screen at the same time.
For detailed instructions on how to mirror your device, please review the Mirroring 360 Instructions document.
Specialized Displays
- Using the SMART Sympodium
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Classrooms equipped with a SMART Sympodium allow instructors to annotate PowerPoint presentations while projected to the class. To use this feature, you will need to:
- Complete these steps first:
- Open the equipment cabinet with your console key
- Use the AMX panel to turn on the projector or display and select “Computer”
- Log on to the classroom computer using your CUNET (MC1) account
- Launch the PowerPoint slideshow presentation from the classroom computer
- Use the stylus to annotate your slides and/or erase annotations
NOTE: The SMART Sympodium software is not accessible through your personal laptop via a cable connection. Please ensure that you are prepared to teach using the classroom computer.
The following is a video demonstration on how to use the SMART Sympodium to annotate over a PowerPoint slideshow.
- Complete these steps first:
- Using the Interactive Monitor
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To use the interactive monitor you will first need to:
- Open the equipment cabinet with your console key
- Use the AMX touch panel to power on the data projector or display and select “Computer”
- Log on to the classroom computer using your CUNET (MC1) account
Once these steps are done, you will be able to open files using the touch screen, and you will have access to tools to mark up documents and PowerPoint presentations. Mark ups (annotations) within documents/presentations annotations can be made using either your finger or any generic stylus.
The following is a video demonstration on how to use the Interactive Monitor to annotate over a PowerPoint slideshow.
- Using the Document Camera
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Classrooms equipped with a document camera allow instructors to display non-digital documents (i.e., paper) on the projection screen at the front of the classroom. Document cameras are either ceiling-mounted or are located inside the teaching console. For more specific information pertaining to a particular classroom, please see the online classroom orientation tool.
To use the document camera, you will need to:
- Unlock the equipment cabinet
- Use the AMX panel to turn on the projector and select “Camera”
- Place items on table surface to display
- Pan, tilt or zoom using the camera using the controls on the AMX touch panel
The following is a video demonstration on how to use a document camera installed inside the equipment cabinet, on a pull-out shelf.
Alternatively, the following video demonstrates how to use a ceiling-mounted document camera.
Using Media
- Playing a DVD/Blu-ray
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Some classrooms are equipped with DVD/Blu-ray players. In order to open a DVD or Blu-ray, you will need to:
- Unlock the equipment cabinet
- Use the AMX panel to turn on the projector and select “DVD/Blu-ray”
- Open the DVD/Blu-ray tray and insert the disc
- Select play, stop and/or pause from the AMX touch panel
The following is a video demonstration of how to use a DVD or Blu-ray player in most classrooms.
- Opening a USB Memory Stick
All classroom computers are equipped with USB ports (these are indicated with a fluorescent sticker on the main computer console). In order to open a USB memory stick, you will need to:- Unlock the equipment cabinet
- Use the AMX panel to turn on the projector and select “Computer”
- Log on to the classroom computer using your CUNET (MC1) account
- Insert the USB memory stick into the USB port of the classroom computer
- Open USB drive from the computer and select your file(s)
The following is a video demonstration of how to use a classroom computer to access content from a USB memory stick.
- Removing a USB Memory Stick
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This is a very important step in using a USB memory stick because failure to safely remove it could corrupt the files stored on it. In order to safely remove a USB memory stick, ensure that you have selected “eject” from the computer menu. Once the computer indicates that the media is safe to eject, you can then remove the USB.
Step 1 Click on the arrow icon on the bottom right-hand side of the computer screen. Then right-click on the USB memory stick icon. Step 2 Select “Eject” Step 3 Wait for the “Safe to Remove Hardware” message before removing the USB memory stick.
Shut-Down Protocol
- Before Leaving the Classroom
Before you go, ensure that you have completed the following steps:- Turn off projector(s)
- Exit the AMX touch panel
- Log off the classroom computer
- Safely remove all media from equipment cabinet
- Where applicable, power off wireless microphone and return to charging base
- Where appropriate, return wireless mouse and ensure it is on its charger
- Lock cabinet and ensure you take the key with you
The following is a video demonstration on completing the steps above.
Reaching IMS
- Classroom Telephone
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There is a classroom telephone located inside the teaching console. This telephone can be used to contact IMS for classroom assistance. It can also be used to contact other university services such as the Department of University Safety and Facilities Management and Planning.
Watch a video demonstration – This will lead you to the online classroom orientation tool, which is designed for particular classroom types. You can quickly and conveniently access video demonstrations, as well as get step-by-step instructions for classroom technology.
- Summer Hours of Operation
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IMS Classroom Technology Support hours are as follows:
Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (while classes are in session) and Fridays: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. We are closed on weekends and holidays.
- Contact Information
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Phone: 613-520-3815
Office: Loeb D283
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