Important Changes for Fall 2008

Using Your Directory ID and Password to Logon to the Instructor Computer

Instructors will use their own Directory ID and password to logon.  And at the end of class, they will need to logoff so their accounts are not used by subsequent classes.   To provide a simple way to insure that logoff occurs, a Logoff Scheduler box will pop up on the computer screen after logon, allowing faculty to control the logoff time.  If you are having trouble logging on, be sure you are using the correct log on destination.

Accessing and Storing Instructor Files on Classroom Computers

Because the instructor PCs are shared computers and very accessible, users should not store any files on them.  We periodically have to re-image the instructor computers to wipe out inappropriate files or to upgrade software.  And because they are shared machines, other users may erase items (either inadvertently or on purpose) or tamper with files left on the machine.  Opening a PPT file that someone else has modified without your knowledge, could be very embarassing.  For that reason, faculty should bring their files with them on some form of portable media (flash drive, CD, DVD, portable hard drive, etc.) or access them from a server over the network.  Instructors are welcome to load their files on the PC for the specific class where they will be used (since they may run better), but they should erase them after they finish.

Using the Updated 2008 Clicker Software and Hardware

The new 2008 Turning Point software is installed on all  instructor computers.  In order to make it available in both Office 2003 and Office 2007, the Turning Point software will autoload whenever PowerPoint is opened in either version.  In addition,  new 2008 receivers are installed which will work with both the older RF and the new XR clickers.  You can find a list of rooms and their assigned clicker channels at http://www.oit.umd.edu/tc/clickers.html.  For general information on clickers or to download the latest software, go to http://www.clickers.umd.edu. 

Fixing Computer Problems

We have recently installed special software which will make it easier to fix many computer problems quickly and without the need for a technician.  If you are having problems, other than obvious hardware issues, simple reboot the computer.  By rebooting you return the computer to a previous working condition.

Recording Audio

We are in the process of installing microphone systems so that instructors can record classroom audio.  These systems will feed into the instructor computer where faculty can use the Audacity software to record.  A Quick Guide to Audio Recording is available which explains how to use the recording system.  And information on making your recording available on iTunes can be found at  UM's iTunesU Academic site.  As of the start of the fall semester, around 80 classrooms have been equipped with audio recording systems.  (Note:  Smith School classrooms in Van Munching have a different system where recording is done in a central master control room.)  The list of rooms will be updated as they are added.  The goal is to provide this capability in all technology classrooms.