The Learning Spaces Technology [LST] group provides consulting, design, installation, training, management and support for 300+ technology-equipped University Classrooms [UCRs] across campus and classrooms assigned to departments.
Classroom Updates
Beginning Fall semester of 2020, all UCRs will have webcams and microphones for use with UICapture software for lecture capture and podcasting, and Zoom software for synchronous classroom delivery:
• Camera - Huddly Go, web conferencing camera, 150-degree wide-angle lens, USB HD webcam on flexible arm mount
• Microphone - MXL AC-404 USB Conferencing boundary mic
Beginning Fall semester of 2021, all UCRs will have Solstice Pods for in-classroom wireless content sharing, and Zoom-compatible document cameras:
• Wireless Presentation Device - Mersive Solstice Pod with unlimited connections
• Document Camera - WolfVision vSolutions Cam document camera
Need Help? Contact ITS Help Desk
Phone: 319-384-4357 [HELP]
Email: its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu
University Classroom Technology Guide
Control Panel Interface
UCRs and many other learning spaces on campus utilize a similar set of Control Panel Interfaces to interact with A/V equipment. While each location's interface functions may vary according to equipment installed and specifics of the room, they all have similar basic functionality.
There are typically two types of Control Panel Interfaces used on campus: the push-button control, and the digital touch-pad control. Of these two types, the push-button control is exclusively an Extron type on campus, while the digital touch-pad control may be of either an Extron or Crestron type.
Extron Touch Panel Control Interface
Below is an example of a commonly used learning space Control Panel Interface, the Extron touch panel control, and its basic functionality.
This image above, is an example of the Extron touch screen control. In select learning spaces, this is generally located on a media lectern surface. Typically, the buttons also function as indicator lights, providing a visual ability to identify the selected source/input and system status. Additionally, these button configurations vary to accommodate the A/V technology specific to each learning space.
Button Options
- Power Button
- When pressed, these power buttons typically flash slowly, up to 45–90 seconds, dependent on display equipment used in the learning space. This behavior allows the projector an appropriate time to cool and ensuring the longest service life possible. Once the system is ready, the ON button light will be remain steady.
- Video Mute
- When pressed, this control button will flash red. When enabled, the projector/monitor remains on, but no images are projected. This functionality provides the ability to control images from the A/V system without fully powering down the system.
- Program Volume
- This rotary-style knob is paired with indicator lights. The lights depict the learning space's level of system volume. When the audio level is at minimum, a light will flash green. When the audio level is at maximum, a steady red light will be activated with green lights.
- Audio Mute
- When pressed, this control button will flash red. When enabled, the projector/monitor remains on, but no audio is projected. This functionality provides the ability to control audio from the A/V system without fully powering down the system.
- PC
- This source button is the default display source/input for each A/V Control Panel Interface and typically represents a Windows PC computer/workstation installed for every UCR media lectern.
- PC Extend
- This commonly found source/input button is available for select learning spaces with an installed extended display source/input and typically represents a second Windows PC computer/workstation monitor installed at the UCR media lectern.
- Mac
- This less commonly found source/input button is available for select learning spaces with an installed Macintosh computer/workstation available for instruction. When selected, the Macintosh may be used in conjunction, or in lieu, of the Windows PC.
- Mac Extend
- This less commonly found source/input button is available for select learning spaces with an installed extended display source/input and typically represents a second Apple Macintosh computer/workstation monitor installed at the UCR media lectern.
- HDMI
- This commonly found source button allows an HDMI Personal Device Connection via the in-room HDMI cable. Use of the HMDI source/input option typically includes projection of both video and audio; however, be advised that some older HDMI devices [and some HDMI adapters] require the additional use of an audio cable connection to project audio.
Note: testing of any HDMI device/adapter is advised prior to use.
- Blu-ray
- A Blu-Ray Media Player will generally be installed for each UCR media lectern. Selecting the BLURAY button will select the in-room media player as a projection source/input. In select locations, additional control buttons may be available for the in-room media player via an additional/secondary Control Panel Interface; additionally, many learning spaces provide a media player remote control located within the microphone drawer of a room's A/V system rack.
Note: due to differences in types of discs, as well as regional restrictions, testing the playability of media discs in the intended learning space is advised prior to use.
- Doc Cam
- The Document Camera source is available in all UCRs; when selected, the document camera will power on and be projected on in-room displays.
- Solstice
- The Solstice source is available in all UCRs; when selected, the Solstice will power on and be projected on in-room displays.
- Tools
- The Tools Button is typically available in all UCRs with touch panel Control Panel Interfaces; when selected, additional controls [typically for screens and projectors] become accessible.
Extron Push-Button Control Interface
Below is an example of the most commonly used learning space Control Panel Interface, the Extron push-button control, and its basic functionality.
This image above, is an example of the Extron push-button control. In most learning spaces, this is typically located on a media lectern surface, but may also be found wall-mounted, near media lectern. Typically, the buttons also function as indicator lights, providing a visual ability to identify the selected source/input and system status. Additionally, these button configurations vary to accommodate the A/V technology specific to each learning space.
Button Options
- ON / OFF
- When pressed, these power buttons typically flash slowly, up to 45–90 seconds, dependent on display equipment used in the learning space. This behavior allows the projector an appropriate time to cool and ensuring the longest service life possible. Once the system is ready, the ON button light will be remain steady.
- PIC MUTE
- When pressed, this control button will flash red. When enabled, the projector/monitor remains on, but no image/audio are projected. This functionality provides the ability to control image/audio from the A/V system without fully powering down the system.
- VOLUME CONTROL KNOB
- This rotary-style knob is paired with indicator lights. The lights depict the learning space's level of system volume. When the audio level is at minimum, a light will flash green. When the audio level is at maximum, a steady red light will be activated with green lights.
- PC
- This source button is the default display source/input for each A/V Control Panel Interface and typically represents a Windows PC computer/workstation installed for every UCR media lectern.
- MAC
- This less commonly found source/input button is available for select learning spaces with an installed Macintosh computer/workstation available for instruction. When selected, the Macintosh may be used in conjunction, or in lieu, of the Windows PC.
- AUX
- This rarely found source button allows utilization of auxiliary inputs [video, left-audio, & right-audio] located on the front panel of a room's A/V system rack.
- LAPTOP/ VGA
- This rarely found source button allows connection of a laptop or personal device connected via the in-room VGA cable. To project audio using the LAPTOP/VGA source option, the accompanying 3.5mm [1/8"] audio cable must also be connected to the same device.
- HDMI
- This commonly found source button allows an HDMI Personal Device Connection via the in-room HDMI cable. Use of the HMDI source/input option typically includes projection of both video and audio; however, be advised that some older HDMI devices [and some HDMI adapters] require the additional use of an audio cable connection to project audio.
Please note that testing of any HDMI device/adapter is advised prior to use.
- BLURAY [or DVD]
- Either a DVD, or Blu-Ray Media Player will generally be installed for each UCR media lectern. Selecting the DVD or BLURAY button will select the in-room media player as a projection source/input. In select locations, additional control buttons may be available for the in-room media player via an additional/secondary Control Panel Interface; additionally, many learning spaces provide a media player remote control located within the microphone drawer of a room's A/V system rack.
Please note that due to differences in types of discs, as well as regional restrictions, testing the playability of discs in the intended learning space is advised prior to use.
- DOC CAM
- The Document Camera source is available in all UCRs; when selected, the document camera will power on and be projected on in-room displays.
- SOLSTICE
- The Solstice source is available in all UCRs; when selected, the Solstice will power on and be projected on in-room displays.
Visit the COVID-19: Classroom Experience site for additional information regarding University Classroom expectations for the 2021 Fall semester.
For information regarding the COVID-19 Operational Response for Custodial Services, Building Operations and Maintenance and/or the UI Operational Plan for Cleaning and Disinfecting of Building Spaces, please visit the Facilities Management.
For assistance with classroom technology issues, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 384-HELP [4357] or its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu
University Classroom Support
Email the ITS Help Desk at its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu