Questions
- How do I use the touchscreen control panel in a Version A touch-panel classroom?
- My classroom has a large touch panel on an articulating arm — how do I use it?
- How do I turn the classroom AV system on and off in a Version A touch-panel classroom?
- How do I start up the projector and display in the classroom?
- How do I select a source (instructor computer, laptop, Blu-Ray, wireless) on the touch panel?
- How do I adjust the volume or mute the image on the classroom touch panel?
- How do I shut down the classroom system when I am finished?
Environment
This applies to faculty, staff, and students using Bowdoin classrooms of the "Version A" type. These rooms typically have a large touch panel on an articulating arm that also acts as your computer monitor, and/or a ceiling-mounted projector. The layout shown here is representative; controls vary slightly by room.
Classrooms this article applies to:
- Adams Hall 114
- Adams Hall 208
- Adams Hall 406
- Banister Hall 106
- Druckenmiller 4
- Druckenmiller 20
- Druckenmiller 24
- Buck Center for Health and Fitness 211
- H&L Electronic Classroom
- Hubbard Hall 22
- Hatch 012
- Hatch 210
- Massachusetts Hall, Faculty Room
- Mills Hall 103
- Mills Hall 127
- Mills Hall 129 Cinema
- Searles 115
- Searles 117
- Searles 126
- Searles 128
- Searles 223
- Searles 313
- Searles 315
- Visual Arts Center, Beam
- Visual Arts Center, North (304)
Resolution
Note: The screenshots below are representative of how the touch panel is laid out in the spaces listed above. Your room may look slightly different.
Touch screen interface
This classroom uses a monitor that doubles as a large touch screen at the instructor station. The touch screen is primarily how you control the system. When you first look at the screen it will be on the splash page.
The button in the top left brings up a full-screen view of the instructor computer, which you can exit by tapping the screen. Tap anywhere on the screen to start the system. The QR code in the bottom right links to this page if you scan it.
Instructor Computer Monitor
This is what the full-screen monitor page looks like:
Mode Select
Tap anywhere on the screen to start the system. You will then be prompted to choose a mode. You can use the system with audio and video, or in audio-only mode. Audio-only mode will not turn on the projector or lower the screen; you can still see your desktop and use the in-room audio system.
Starting Up
After you select your mode, you will see a page with a timer counting down the time left before you can use the system.
Main Page
Once the system has finished starting up, the main page is displayed.
The default source is the instructor computer. In addition to displaying from the projector, you get a preview of your desktop on the touch panel; tap the preview once to make it full-screen.
Please note: this image shows a comprehensive array of sources and controls but is not exhaustive. These vary slightly by space.
Selecting your source
Your available sources are in a row starting at the top left of the screen. When a source is selected, its button is highlighted black; when it is not selected, it has a transparent background. Here is what the page looks like with the laptop HDMI input selected:
The selected button is highlighted, and a message in the center of the touch panel gives information about the source. If the source has controls associated with it, they appear here.
Using the Blu-Ray player
Tap the Blu-Ray icon.
Because Blu-Ray is the selected source, the player controls appear in the center pane. Controls vary by player model. If the player is not displaying, first press the power button on the far right of the control pane. Transport controls are in the center; the arrow buttons navigate the menu and the center circle button is "OK"/"Enter."
Note: Not all Blu-Ray players have the same functionality or controls. If functionality is missing or unavailable, contact IT for help.
Volume and Image mute
The volume slider is in the center of the bottom pane no matter what source is selected; use it to adjust volume by touch. To set the volume to zero quickly, use the volume mute button to the left of the slider; pressing it once stops the audio and the button changes to show it is selected.
To the left of the Volume Mute button is the Image Mute button, which completely blanks whatever is showing on the screen.
You can use image mute and volume mute together to completely stop what is seen and heard in the space.
Help Page
The help page is accessed with the icon next to the power button. It includes a QR code that opens the knowledge base and the service desk line for classroom emergencies.
Using the in-room Microphone
Some classrooms have an in-room microphone for vocal reinforcement locally or through a video conference. The mic controls are typically on the bottom right of the touch panel.
Some spaces have controls for multiple microphones — here, a level control for the wireless microphone and a mute for the ceiling microphones. Not all spaces have microphones, but wireless microphones for vocal reinforcement can be requested on a per-need basis via IT.
Shutting down the system
The power button is the power symbol in the top right of the screen. Pressing it brings up a shutdown confirmation page, where you can shut down the system or return to the previous page if you pressed it by mistake.
Shutdown confirmation:
When you press Yes, Shut Down, the classroom shuts down: the projector turns off, the electric screen goes up, and all video and audio stop automatically. Once the system shuts down it returns to the splash page after a brief cool-down page.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.