The College is committed to using technology in the classroom to enhance teaching. We also recognize the importance of timely and effective support. Few things are more frustrating and disruptive than broken hardware five minutes before the start of class.
Beginning January 8, 2007, a new option, “Press 1 for Classroom Support” will be available when you call the Helpdesk. Coverage for this option has been significantly expanded, so you’re much more likely to get a “live” person who can help you immediately.
Directions
1. Call 953-3375. Since most classrooms don’t have a campus phone, you may need to use your cell phone or borrow one from one of your students.
2. Press “1” to report technical problems in a technology-enhanced classroom or lab.
3. Be prepared to:
*Give your name
*The classroom and location you’re reporting
*The nature of the problem.
4. Time permitting, the technician on the phone will step you through some basic troubleshooting. If need be, someone can be dispatched to your room very quickly.
When to use Option #1 versus #3
Press #1 – some piece of equipment is not working properly in classroom/lab.
Press #3 – for the more routine requests such as installing software
Hours
Classroom support will be available from 7:30AM to 5:30PM with limited support available from 5:30 to 10:00PM. There is no coverage on weekends.
We’d like to offer these additional tips for a successful technology-enhanced classroom experience.
Preview use of classroom equipment prior to class time, especially at the beginning of the semester or if you are incorporating a type of technology for the first time.. If you’ve never used a smart classroom, or just need to brush up your skills, orientation sessions are available at the start of each semester through TLT (953-5569). They are announced to all faculty via email.
Laminated problem solving “cheat sheets” will be posted in each classroom, usually on the wall near the teacher’s station. These simple 3-5 step directions may help you get the equipment working without having to call anyone.
Please turn off projectors when not in use. The bulbs are expensive (as much as $300 each) and their lifetimes are significantly shortened if you leave them running.
If you have some special needs (for instance, specialized software or foreign language fonts), please call the Helpdesk to inquire about the amount of advanced notice required for installation. Several days or more could be needed.
Sometimes, in spite of everyone’s best efforts, something won’t work as expected. Here are some backup presentation methods you might want to consider.
1. You can store multiple copies of your electronic presentation on your network drive, a CD, and a USB drive.
2. Place an original copy of your material on the ELMO
3. Paper copies can be a useful backup if the volume of material is reasonably small.
