Technology Classrooms

The University of Maryland has a total of 347 General Purpose Classrooms on Campus. Of those, 242 are Technology Classrooms that are equipped to make it easier for faculty to use technology in their classes.  These rooms are located throughout the campus and range in size from 20 seats to 500 seats. 

In addition, several buildings (Armory, Holzapfel, Lefrak, Math, Susquehanna, Tydings, and Woods) have AV carts that can be rolled into classrooms that don't have installed technology.

Several buildings with large concentrations of technology classrooms or carts have a support office located in the building.

Assistance in Using Technology Classrooms

If you want software to be installed on the instructor computer, please fill out the online software request form.

If you want to request training in using a Technology Classroom, please use this form or contact:

Lisa Sokoloski
tel: (301) 405-2482
email: lsokolos@umd.edu

To help you use the technology, you may download a PDF version of the AV QuickGuide or the full Operation Manual that provides more detailed information of how to use the technology.  If you are teaching in PLS or HBKyou may want to download the Using Dual Boot guide for the Mac mini instructor computer which has both Mac and Windows operating systems.

If you will be bringing your own equipment (such as a laptop computer), we encourage you to schedule a time to check it out prior to your class to insure that everything works appropriately. 

Using the Card Reader Locks

Equipment is usually rack-mounted in the instructor desk, AV closet, and/or projection booth.  Closets and booths, as well as some classrooms, are equipped with card reader locks that operate using the University ID card.  Prior to each semester, the Scheduling Office provides a list of faculty assigned to teach in the rooms and the locks are programmed to allow faculty access to the equipment.   If your ID does not work in your classroom's card reader, contact Building Security Services at (301) 405-3286. If you have TA's who will be needing access, please contact the Scheduling Office at (301) 314-8243.

Scheduling of Technology Classrooms

Scheduling of Technology Classrooms is handled through the normal room scheduling procedure established by the campus Scheduling Office. Faculty who need the special capability available in the Technology Classrooms, should channel their requests through their usual department or college room scheduling officer.

Configuration of Technology Classrooms

The typical Technology Classroom has the following capabilities.

• LCD projector	• Media control system
• Windows computer	• Closed caption decoder
• VCR/DVD/CD player	• Clicker receiver
• Overhead projector or document camera	• Laptop cables
• Stereo program audio	• Campus cable tv
• Auxiliary input panel	• Data jack/wireless access
• Software list

Some larger rooms, especially lecture halls, may have some of the following capabilities.

• Wireless microphone	• Slide Projector(s)
• Lectern microphone	• Laser disk player
• Audiocassette deck	• Video and/or audio recording capability
• Document Camera	• Assistive listening system

To get detailed information about the specific technologies available in every general purpose classroom, you may download the GPCTech list.

Support for Technology Classrooms

Under the auspices of the campus' Teaching Facilities Committee, a collaborative effort was established to provide a full range of support services to users of Technology Classrooms. The primary support units involved in the Classroom Support Project are the Office of Information Technology, the Scheduling Office, as well as various colleges and departments. The support program includes:

• designation of a local contact for each technology classroom with responsibilities for providing basic support and acting as a liaison with other groups
• a classroom support "hot line" (x4-8522) for reporting problems
• training and assistance for users and local support staff
• documentation and training materials in a variety of formats (handouts,web pages, etc.)
• maintenance and repair of equipment

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY CLASSROOMS