Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to receive training before using the Integrated Teaching
System (ITS) in a classroom?
No, training by ClassTech staff is no longer a requirement. However, we strongly encourage you to review your particular classroom's web page and the associated online documentation. After familiarizing yourself with the audiovisual equipment through the training videos, pictures, and how-to's, you may still wish to schedule a personal training session. Please go to our Training & Code Request page in the left-hand navigation for making these arrangements.
Can I give the code to my students so that they can rehearse their class presentation on their own time?
Absolutely not. We must keep this expensive equipment secure and in working order. The only way to accomplish this is to restrict access to faculty and staff who have contacted ClassTech for the code. If instructors wish to allow students to use the ITS for their presentations, it must be done under direct instructor supervision.
I teach a class next semester and I need the code for the ITS equipment. Can you give it to me over the phone?
We will be able to provide you with the code via e-mail but not over the phone. Security codes are unique for each of the ITS classrooms and change every semester.
We strongly encourage instructors to receive training for each new classroom in which they teach. Although much of the equipment is similar from room to room, many features will vary, such as the style of the control system, the location of microphones, or the capabilities of the computers, just to name a few.
Is there a wireless controller for clicking through PowerPoint slides?
We do not supply wireless mice or other wireless devices. However, if instructors are interested in using such an item in a particular ITS classroom we may be able to support it as long as it is USB-compatible. USB allows for hot-swapping, meaning that devices can be added and removed without having to turn off the power. If it is necessary to install drivers or additional software for the device, please contact us within five working days of your class session to allow for enough time to complete the installation.
Can I install some of my own programs on the computers in the ITS classrooms?
If an instructor or department either owns the software package, has a licensing agreement or the program is freeware, it is likely that we can install the program. Our computer staff will need to examine the application closely to make sure it will not degrade the system in any way. In addition, instructors will need to provide enough time for the ClassTech staff to complete an installation. Please fill out an on-line software request form to expedite your installation. Time is limited during normal classroom hours because the ITS rooms are used heavily during the day. We ask that you provide us with enough time before the start of a semester to complete our work. Two weeks is usually enough time.
Can I play CD’s in any of the ITS classrooms?
Only a few of our classrooms are equipped with stand-alone CD players. However, all of the PCs have CD drives and the software necessary to play music CDs. Data CDs created with CD-R and CD-RW drives can occasionally present problems, so it is always best to test your CD on the classroom computer before you need to use it. This is also true for DVDs.
What if I teach in a classroom that does not have any ITS equipment?
If you need a portable LCD projector, a TV/VCR, or any of a number of different audio-visual devices, contact the CTE-Division of Instructional Media Loan Pool (333-3692).
Can teaching assistants receive training on the ITS equipment and codes as well?
Yes, in fact many instructors ask their TAs to manage the presentation system entirely.
I’ve started up the system and nothing is projecting on the screen. What should I do?
Before calling ClassTech for assistance, switch to a different device other than the one you intend to use, wait three seconds, then switch back to your device. If this does not work, shut down the system completely and re-start. Check to make sure that the computers are powered on, VHS tapes are re-wound, or the Picture Mute button is not depressed. If you would like someone to come to your room to troubleshoot and attempt to repair during class, call us immediately. Keep in mind that in the uncommon event that there is a problem with the projection system it may require more than fifteen minutes to resolve.
If you discover any problem with the ITS classroom, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can attempt to make a repair before the next classroom user arrives.
I’m trying to use the microphone but I’m getting no sound. What should I do?
First, make sure the volume is turned up to the maximum level. If you are in a classroom with a touch panel control system, make sure the Mute button is not depressed. If you are using the wireless microphone, change the battery. Extra batteries are typically provided in a wooden box attached to the inside of the cabinet. If none of these strategies work, call us at 333-8165. Again, as with any reported problem, let us know if you are reporting the problem so ClassTech can attempt to resolve it after your class or if you would like a staff member to attempt a repair during your class session.
I try to display my handouts on the visual presenter but they either look blurry or I cannot get the whole page to show up. What is the purpose of the camera if I cannot show my text?
Many instructors are under the impression that the visual presenter is a modern replacement for the transparency projector. This is not the case. Transparency projectors are very useful instructional tools and are provided in every general assignment classroom on campus. Ideally, visual presenters can be used to display circuit boards, insects, tools, fabric, or objects of art. Anything that otherwise would have been passed around the room for individual examination can instead be displayed through the visual presenter. Visual presenters use the same visual standard as what is used by your television set, what is known as the NTSC standard. It is also using the same aspect ratio, which is why the screen is displaying in “landscape” mode rather than “portrait.”
Examine the features of your document closely before displaying them on the visual presenter. If they don’t appear to be something that would look good on your television screen, they probably won’t look good coming through the projector either.