- Data projectors and wall-mounted screens
- Connecting a laptop
- HDMI video connections
- iPads and other mobile devices
- Eduroam Wi-Fi
Online guide
Connecting a laptop
To avoid technical problems at the start of your first lecture, you should visit a vacant CLS room (preferably one you will be teaching in) and make sure: you have all the right cables and/or adapters; you know how to successfully connect your laptop to the data projector or flat panel display; you know how …
Data projectors and wall-mounted screens
All CLS teaching rooms have either a data projector or a large flat-panel display mounted on the wall to show the output from the bench PC, a laptop or other device, a DVD player or visualiser. If you plan to use your own laptop or other device in CLS rooms, learn how to adjust its …
DVD and Blu-ray disks
Most larger CLS teaching rooms have a DVD player in the lectern bench at the front of the room. In a few rooms the DVD player is in a separate equipment cabinet at the side of the room. Note that in most rooms you cannot play Blu-ray disks, only standard DVDs. A few of the …
Eduroam Wi-Fi
All CLS teaching rooms have Eduroam Wi-Fi that supports basic internet connectivity (messaging, web browsing etc.) but not high-bandwidth usage – such as lots of students watching streaming video. Be aware that high-demand uses, such as showing a YouTube video on your laptop, may be problematic if the students in the room are also making …
HDMI video connections
Many newer laptops, as well as tablets, connect to external displays (e.g. a data projector) using HDMI (High Definition Media Interface). All CLS rooms provide a standard HDMI cable to connect to the data projector or flat-panel display. However, unless your laptop or device has a standard HDMI port, you will need to purchase and …
How to use the bench PC
The PC should be switched on at all times, but you may need to press the spacebar on the keyboard to wake it up. You can then log in using your University username and password. When you have finished, log out but please do not switch off the PC. They have a very efficient sleep …
iPads and other mobile devices
It is easy to show an iPad (or iPhone) display to your students by using an Apple Lightning to HDMI adapter (around £40). Plug the adapter into your iPad and connect it to the bench’s HDMI cable. Select the HDMI option on the control panel. Alternatively, use an adapter and HDMI cable to connect your …
Lighting controls
Most larger CLS rooms use the touch-screen control panel to adjust the lighting to one of four levels: off, low, medium, full. Some larger CLS rooms have a separate lighting control on the lectern bench. These provide buttons to adjust lighting levels or switch spotlights on/off. Smaller CLS rooms have wall switches, usually by the …
Microphones
Larger CLS rooms have ‘gooseneck’ microphones (on a flexible stem) that are used to enhance your voice. There are no volume controls since the level is pre-set. Some of the largest CLS rooms have hearing induction loops fitted, and these require the microphone to be used. Use the touch-screen control panel to Activate the Microphone. …
Panopto lecture capture
All CLS bench PCs have Panopto software installed, which makes it simple to record the screen, the tutor’s voice and, in some rooms, video of the tutor or a whiteboard. Panopto is tightly integrated with Blackboard and access to your recordings is automatically restricted to the students on a module. Recordings are not a substitute …
Speakers
All CLS rooms have speakers which are used with a ‘gooseneck’ microphone or wireless xTag microphone to enhance your voice. There are no volume controls since the level is pre-set. The speakers are also used for sound from the bench PC, DVD player, a laptop or other connected device. You can control the volume of …
VHS videotape
No CLS rooms have a VHS player, so if you have material on videotape that you wish to use you will need to get it digitised. If the material is copyright (e.g. a recording of a TV programme) then please contact your subject librarian for advice. Note that the Learning On Screen service already has …
Visualiser (Video OHP)
The visualiser or Video OHP is a stand with a video camera and lights; anything placed under it can be shown on the room’s projection screen. It is typically used as an alternative to a whiteboard (e.g. for writing equations or drawing diagrams) or to show books, journal articles or 3D objects. There are several …
Wireless xTag microphones
Some larger CLS teaching spaces have wireless microphones (revolabs xTag) that are used to enhance your voice without restricting your freedom to move around the room. There are no volume controls since the level is pre-set. Remove the microphone from its charging station on the lectern bench. The LED light on both the microphone and …
Touch-screen control panel
Touch the screen to activate it. Touch it again to show all the controls. The display will vary slightly depending on the equipment in the room. Silence or Activate the microphone to enhance your voice. Select the source for the data projector (PC, laptop, HDMI, DVD or visualiser). Show or hide the picture. Change the …
Button control panel
Turn the data projector or flat-panel display on or off. Select the source for the data projector or flat-screen display (PC, laptop or HDMI). Change the audio volume. Some button control panels have more options than others.