Classroom Technology Quick Tips and Etiquette

Questions

  • How do I fix common technology problems in a Bowdoin classroom?
  • There is no sound coming from the instructor computer in the classroom — how do I fix it?
  • Why can't remote attendees hear me on Zoom or Microsoft Teams in the classroom?
  • The macOS login screen isn't showing on the projector or touch panel — what do I do?
  • How do I turn on the instructor computer (Mac Mini) in the classroom?
  • What are the rules or etiquette for using a Bowdoin classroom?
  • Who do I call if the classroom technology breaks during my class?

Environment

This applies to faculty, staff, and students using standard technology-equipped classrooms at Bowdoin College. Most of these rooms use a Crestron touch panel and a Mac Mini instructor computer.

  • Who: Anyone presenting or teaching in a general-purpose classroom.
  • Systems: Crestron AV control, Mac Mini instructor computer, in-room projector/display, and (in some rooms) Zoom or Microsoft Teams for conferencing.

Resolution

Most classroom issues can be resolved on your own with a few standard steps. Use the sections below for the type of issue you are seeing.

Audio issues

No sound coming from the instructor computer. Make sure the audio output is set to the correct device. In most rooms with a touch panel, output should be set to Crestron:

  1. Click the Apple menu in the menu bar.
  2. Click System Settings.
  3. Click Sound.
  4. Under the Output tab, select CRESTRON.
Note: There is usually more than one CRESTRON output listed. If you still have no sound, try selecting the other CRESTRON output.

No sound coming from Microsoft Teams or Zoom. When using the instructor computer, check the app's audio output:

  • In Zoom, set the speaker output to Same as System.
  • In Microsoft Teams, set the output to CRESTRON.

Remote attendees can't hear the room. This is usually caused by the wrong microphone being selected in your conferencing application. Select the room/Crestron microphone as the input device.

Video issues

If the instructor computer's display is not visible on both the touch panel and the projector — for example, the macOS login screen appears to be missing when the system is first turned on — press Command and F1 at the same time to "mirror" the Mac Mini to both the projector and the touch panel/monitor.

Image of the Command and F1 keys on a Mac keyboard.

 

Classroom etiquette

Classrooms are used by many people throughout the day. Please do your part to keep them working for everyone:

  • Don't power off the hub. When you finish class, leave the hub that connects your device to the AV system powered on.
  • Don't unplug anything from the hub. A USB-C video adapter is available in every room for personal laptops, and wireless presentation via Apple TV using AirPlay (for Mac laptops and iPads) or Ditto (for Windows, macOS, and more)
  • If you do unplug something, be sure to plug it back in exactly where you took it from.
  • Unless another class is coming in right behind you, please shut down the AV system using the touch panel (or shut down the projector in rooms that only have projection).
In-class emergency? For urgent help during a class, call the Classroom Emergency Line at (207) 725-3030 and press option 2.

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.
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