--- Forwarded Message from "Graul, Leslie B." <[log in to unmask]> ---
>Subject: RE: #9260 user frustration with classroom media equipment
>Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:29:16 -0400
>Thread-Topic: #9260 user frustration with classroom media equipment
>Thread-Index: AcpLYah7tOg/Y8nUTeiBN/uM/QkuhQA9Bhbj
>References: A<[log in to unmask]>
>From: "Graul, Leslie B." <[log in to unmask]>
>To: "Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum"
<[log in to unmask]>
Hi, Michael,
We experience much the same thing. We even have people who climb up and
manually turn on or off the projector; afterward, the AMX software is out of
sync and will not operate the projector until put back into sync. The times
that things have been disconnected have usually been at night or on weekends
when we are not here. (Off-campus 'experts' have been responsible for most of
those instances). We have now placed a different lock onto the back of the
podium cabinet so that they cannot easily get to the connections.
On each podium, we have placed small laminated signs that tell people what
numbers to call for the IT Hotline and AV Help Desk. We have placed tutorials on
line, a notebook with step-by-step illustrated instructions at each podium, and
we have offered workshops and hands-on individual training sessions. Because we
frequently have to go around and turn off projectors that have been left on, we
also send email messages to everyone who uses the room offering help, and trying
to ascertain who and when the problems are occurring. We've put humourous (at
least I think they're humorous) informational articles with silly images into
the faculty/staff communique, and I made a laminated "Quick & Dirty"
(illustrated) guide that we've placed onto the podiums.
We are now approaching midterm, and there are still problems. I've considered
having a Smart Classroom party with food, and to get any food, the attendees
would have to first try using the projector.
Needless to say, we are interested in hearing some ideas that work.
Leslie B. Graul
Director, Instructional Media Services
Thiel College
75 College Avenue
Greenville, PA 16125
724-589-2853
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________________________________________
From: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum on behalf
of LLTI-Editor
Sent: Mon 10/12/2009 1:28 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: #9260 user frustration with classroom media equipment
--- Forwarded Message from Michael Jones <[log in to unmask]> ---
>From: Michael Jones <[log in to unmask]>
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum
<[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: user frustration with classroom media equipment
>Date: Fri, 9 Oct 2009 14:40:59 -0400
ITS @ Swarthmore is wondering if anyone has managed to design the
PERFECT (ok, how about a very good) classroom A/V & computing install?
We put together some podiums for the classrooms that we thought would
do a pretty good (and reliable) job of serving user needs:
- touchpad controllers
- dual boot Mac mini's
- alternate laptop inputs
- podium monitor
- desktop usb ports
- multi-region DVD players
- multi-system VCR's
We did our best to make things transparent and keep things out of
reach, but are still getting a level of user frustration that has us
wondering if we could be doing things better. Professors are finding
computers with:
- disconnected internet connections
- disconnected audio cables
- equipment that (amplifiers or power strips) that should be on, get
turned off
- professors can't find the power button on the Mac Mini's
We've done training, we're working on better documentation, we're
urging users to contact us RATHER THAN TRYING TO REWIRE THE SYSTEM.
If you have tricks, technical or other, that you've implemented
successfully, we'd love to hear.
- mike
p.s. we're trying to stay away from devices that administer low-level
shock treatments when users approach areas they shouldn't touch.
___________________________________________
Michael Jones
Director,
Language Resource Center
Swarthmore College
(610) 328-8036
[log in to unmask]
http://lrc.swarthmore.edu
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