Frequently Asked Questions
I was given the combination for the combination lock on the podium, but it still won't open. What do I do now?
After entering the combination, push up on the lock and then pull down. If this does not work, call the Hotline at 777-0035 (use the Help Phone in the classroom) to verify that you have the right combination.
How often is the podium lock combination changed?
Currently the combination is changed once a year, usually before the start of the Fall semester. The combination is provided to all faculty who are scheduled to teach in a technology classroom and also to each academic department’s room scheduler. Additionally, the podium combination is available by calling ITS and verifying that you are scheduled to teach in a technology classroom. Plans are underway to distribute the podium combination by having users sign in to a secure Web page and entering their user ID and password.
Every room user should take steps to keep the combination to themselves. The combination should NOT be given out freely to students. Student use of the equipment in technology classrooms should only take place under the guidance of the instructor who has scheduled the room (or their designee, such as a TA).
What is the difference between an ITEC and an STEC technology classroom?
An ITEC (installed technology) classroom contains teaching technology for use by the instructor (typically, an equipment podium with a computer and other A/V equipment, along with an LCD video/data projector). An STEC (student technology station) classroom contains the equipment podium and projector, along with individual student computer workstations. Typically, users refer to ITEC rooms as "tech classrooms" and STEC rooms as "computer labs."
How can I schedule a training session in a technology classroom?
ITS offers training for technology classroom users in several ways:
1) Small group training sessions are offered during ITS’ Summerfest and Winterfest training programs, typically held each academic year before the start of Fall and Spring classes. See http://its.psu.edu/training/ for more details.
2) Training sessions for technology classroom equipment are also offered during ITS’ annual IT Day.
3) Personalized (one-on-one) training is available by appointment. It is recommended that you schedule a time before the start of classes, as rooms are more difficult to reserve for training once classes start. A typical training session lasts 20-30 minutes. Call 777-0832 to make an appointment.
How can I use my laptop with the podium?
Just follow the instructions here to connect your personal laptop to the podium.
Can I call ITS to come and give me training in a tech classroom during the class change just before my class begins?
This is NOT recommended. While our support technicians might be able to quickly demonstrate one or two functions of the technology classroom during this time frame, the hurried pace of the session combined with students entering and exiting the room, asking questions of the instructor, etc. is not conducive to an effective teaching/learning environment. We encourage technology classroom users to schedule training before the start of classes, when a more leisurely pace can be observed, interruptions are fewer, and there is plenty of time for questions to be asked and answered during the training session.
What equipment is available in a typical technology classroom?
Every technology classroom is equipped with:
- An Internet-ready computer (PC and/or Mac)
- Laptop connections
- An LCD data/video projector
- VCR or VCR/DVD Combo Unit
- Wireless Mouse
- A/V and AC power jacks for additional A/V or computer equipment
Larger classrooms are equipped with a wireless microphone sound system.
This site maintained by the Classroom and Lab Computing group of Information Technology Services.
Suggestions and comments about this web site: CLC Webmasters; Other contacts here.
This page was last modified: 7/29/2005 9:57:58 AM.