Technology Tips

The information below is summarized from a presentation by Drew Tucci of BU's Educational Communications office, given at the August 30, 2012 Institute for Student-Centered Learning workshop. A video of that presentation will be posted here soon.

Educational Communications

• can help with all audiovisual equipment built into BU classrooms, wireless microphones, adapters for computers etc.
• sells various adapters and connection cables at cost
• will visit classroom with you before semester begins to make sure everything is working, and show how to use everything if necessary 
• Lecture Hall B48
• 777-4757
• EdCom website
  
  

Computer Help Desk

• can help with computers in BU classrooms, your office computer or laptop, network issues (getting online)
• Computer Center lobby
• 777-6420
• Computer Center website

Course Planning and Academic Space Management

• can schedule your class in a room that meets your needs (technology, seating arrangements, etc)
• 777-6872

University Center for Training and Development

• Blackboard training and help
• Training on iClickers, Elluminate, and other software packages available on campus
• 777-6362

Best practices

• Visit classroom, test everything you will need. Classrooms are open one week before semester starts. EdComm can visit with you by appointment.
• Call AV immediately if there's trouble. All classrooms have a phone with number for help. 2/3 of problems can be solved over the phone.
• Save materials in multiple formats and different platforms (Apple, PC), accessible in different ways (flash drive, internet, etc).
• Common AV problems: loose connector on monitor, dead batteries on wireless mic, "pic mute" or wrong input selected (preventing input display).
• Laptop display problems: laptop graphics card not set for Video Out, incorrect screen resolution, check cable and connector pins. Connect everything, turn on projector, turn laptop on last.