Classroom and Meeting Space Technology Changes

Questions

  • What classroom and meeting space technology changes are happening at Bowdoin?
  • Why was the instructor computer removed from my classroom?
  • How do I present now that there is no computer in the room?
  • Which classrooms and spaces are having their instructor computers removed?
  • Is there still a desktop computer in my classroom or meeting space?
  • How do I connect my own laptop or iPad in a classroom now?
  • Where can I get help or a hands-on orientation for the new classroom technology?
  • Can I still get emergency help during class if something is not working?

Environment

This information applies to faculty, staff, and students who teach or present in Bowdoin College classrooms and meeting spaces.

  • Who: Anyone presenting in an academic classroom or meeting space on campus.
  • What: The multi-phase removal of instructor computers (Fall 2025 through Fall 2026) and the addition of Apple TVs for wireless presentation.
  • Devices: Bring-your-own-device presenting from macOS, Windows, or iPad, either wirelessly (AirPlay to an Apple TV) or with a cable.

Resolution

What is changing

Beginning in the Fall of 2025, Information Technology, with support from the Committee on Teaching and Classroom Practice (CoTCP), removed the instructor computer from nearly half of all classrooms on campus as the first of two steps toward the complete removal of instructor computers. The second and final phase of this project is now underway, with the remaining instructor computers on track to be removed by the Fall of 2026.

Removing the computers simplifies how each space is used, gives instructors more flexibility in their teaching style, and has helped reduce the number of classroom technology issues previously associated with the instructor computer. In addition to the removal of the instructor computer, Apple TVs have been added to nearly every classroom on campus, giving instructors and students the ability to wirelessly present from their devices from anywhere in a room.

Note: You can now present from your own device. Connect wirelessly using AirPlay to the room's Apple TV, or connect with a cable at the instructor station. Step-by-step guides for macOS, Windows, and iPad are shown in the Related Articles section of this page.

How to get help

  • One-on-one orientations: Individual orientation options are available at any time leading up to, and during, the semester in the classroom space of your choice. Request assistance online.
  • Academic Technology liaison: Reach out to your department's Academic Technology and Consulting Liaison, who can offer assistance or work with you on your best options for help.
  • Online resources: Knowledge base articles and videos guide you through connecting and disconnecting your device(s) for macOS, Windows, and iPad. See the Related Articles section on this page.
Emergency help during class: Emergency help continues to be available for these and any classrooms during class time. If you run into trouble, call x3030 and press option 2 from any in-room phone, or dial (207) 725-3030, option 2, from a cell phone. A technician will help troubleshoot over the phone and, if the solution is more complex, will be dispatched to your classroom.

Impacted spaces

The following rooms are scheduled to have instructor computers removed in Summer 2026:

Building Room
Cleaveland Hall 151
Druckenmiller Hall 04
Druckenmiller Hall 16
Druckenmiller Hall 20
Druckenmiller Hall 24
Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies 102
Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies 108
Hatch Science 012
Hatch Science 102
Hatch Science 210
Hatch Science 212
Hatch Science 214
Hubbard Hall 22
Hubbard Hall 208
Hubbard Hall 213
Massachusetts Hall Faculty Lounge
Massachusetts Hall McKeen Study
Hawthorne-Longfellow Library Screening Room
Hawthorne-Longfellow Library 028
Mills Hall 103
Mills Hall 105
Mills Hall 127
Mills Hall 210
Roux Center for the Environment 108
Roux Center for the Environment 112
Roux Center for the Environment 207
Roux Center for the Environment 209
Roux Center for the Environment 212
Roux Center for the Environment 232
Roux Center for the Environment 302
Roux Center for the Environment 303
Roux Center for the Environment 307
Visual Arts Center Beam
Visual Arts Center North
Visual Arts Center South
Visual Arts Center Picture Study
Visual Arts Center Kresge Auditorium
Walker Art 205

The following rooms had instructor computers removed in Summer 2025:

Building Room
Adams Hall 103
Adams Hall 114
Adams Hall 208
Adams Hall 312
Adams Hall 406
Banister Hall 106
Buck Center 211
Coles Tower Harrison McCann
Coles Tower Whiteside
Edward Pols Classroom
Edwards Center for Art and Dance 209
Hubbard Hall 208 (Shannon Room)
Kanbar Hall 101
Kanbar Hall 107
Memorial Hall 309
Mills Hall 129
Riley House Classroom
Searles Science Building 113
Searles Science Building 115
Searles Science Building 126
Searles Science Building 128
Searles Science Building 213
Searles Science Building 215
Searles Science Building 216
Searles Science Building 217
Searles Science Building 223
Searles Science Building 224
Searles Science Building 313
Searles Science Building 315
Sills Hall 003
Sills Hall 004
Sills Hall 010
Sills Hall 012
Sills Hall 017
Sills Hall 103
Sills Hall 104
Sills Hall 122
Sills Hall 123
Visual Arts Center (VAC) Kresge Auditorium
Visual Arts Center (VAC) Picture Study Room
Note: These room lists reflect the project schedule at the time of writing and may change. Contact the Service Desk if you have a question about a specific room.

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.

Additional Resources

Print Article

Related Articles (14)

Explains how to connect and disconnect a Mac to a classroom Apple TV using the AirPlay screen-mirroring feature built into macOS, with a step-by-step instructional video. Covers getting on the Bowdoin wireless network and entering the on-screen code. For faculty, staff, and students presenting wirelessly from a Mac laptop in a Bowdoin classroom.
Explains how to connect and disconnect an iPad to a classroom Apple TV using the AirPlay screen-mirroring feature built into iPadOS, with a step-by-step instructional video. Covers getting on the Bowdoin wireless network and entering the on-screen code. For faculty, staff, and students presenting wirelessly from an iPad in a Bowdoin classroom.
Step-by-step guide and video for connecting an iPad to a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space display by cable using a USB-C-to-HDMI or Lightning Digital AV adapter, including selecting the room input, sound and mirroring tips, and disconnecting. For faculty, staff, and students presenting from an iPad in Bowdoin classrooms.
Step-by-step guide and video for connecting a Mac laptop to a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space display by cable (USB-C or HDMI), including choosing the right adapter, selecting the room input, fixing display and audio issues, and disconnecting. For faculty, staff, and students presenting from macOS in Bowdoin classrooms.
Explains how to connect and disconnect a Mac (macOS) to an Apple TV using the Ditto Connect app, with a step-by-step instructional video and guidance on entering the room code. Requires the Ditto Connect app installed on the Mac. For staff, faculty, and students presenting wirelessly from a Mac laptop in a Bowdoin classroom.
Explains how to connect and disconnect a Windows laptop to a classroom Apple TV using the Ditto Connect app, with a step-by-step instructional video, since Windows cannot use AirPlay natively. Requires the Ditto Connect app installed on the Windows laptop. For staff, faculty, and students presenting wirelessly from a Windows laptop in a Bowdoin classroom.
Step-by-step guide and video for connecting a Windows laptop to a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space display by cable (HDMI or USB-C), including adapters, selecting the room input, using Windows+P to duplicate or extend, fixing audio, and disconnecting. For faculty, staff, and students presenting from Windows in Bowdoin classrooms.
Explains how to quickly hide desktop items on a Mac or Windows 11 computer for a meeting or screen share. Covers hiding all items, moving items into a folder, tidying with Stacks, and hiding system or device icons. These options change only what appears on the desktop and do not delete files. Applies to college-owned or personal computers.
Explains how to install the Ditto Connect app on a Bowdoin-issued Mac laptop using the Self Service app, with a step-by-step instructional video. Ditto Connect lets you present wirelessly to a classroom Apple TV. For students, staff, and faculty with a Bowdoin-issued Apple laptop.
Explains how to install the Ditto Connect app on a Bowdoin-issued Windows laptop using the Company Portal app, with a step-by-step instructional video. Ditto Connect lets you present wirelessly to a classroom Apple TV. For students, staff, and faculty with a Bowdoin-issued Windows laptop.
Explains how to install the Ditto Connect app on an iPad using the Self Service app, noting that Bowdoin-issued iPads usually have it pre-installed, with a step-by-step instructional video. Ditto Connect lets you present wirelessly to a classroom Apple TV. For students, staff, and faculty using an iPad.
Step-by-step instructions for presenting wirelessly from a Windows laptop to a classroom or conference-room Apple TV using the Ditto app. Covers installing Ditto from Company Portal on a Bowdoin computer, using connect.goditto.com on a non-Bowdoin computer, and connecting with a room code to start sharing. Applies to Windows users presenting in Bowdoin rooms equipped with an Apple TV and the Ditto Receiver.
Explains how to start and stop multi-presenting with the Ditto Connect app, which lets up to four devices share one Apple TV screen at the same time, with a demonstration video. Notes that multi-presenting requires Ditto Connect (AirPlay does not support it) and that each device needs the app installed. For staff, faculty, and students presenting in a Bowdoin classroom.