Classroom Support
General Information
Classroom Support Services (CSS) is funded by the student Technology Use Fee to maintain the instructional equipment in general-purpose classrooms at UNT’s Denton Campus, Discovery Park, and Dallas Campus (System Center).
CSS staff members are available to demonstrate how to use classroom equipment -- just give us a call. When classes are in session, we are available 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The following equipment is installed in all general-purpose classrooms:
- Data projector
- Projection screen
- Instructor computer
- Auxiliary video connection
- Auxiliary notebook connection
- Video cassette recorder (VCR)
- Closed-caption decoder for VCR
- LAN connection
Tips for Instructors
Each general-purpose classrooms at UNT Dallas is equipped with a data projector, computer, VCR, overhead projector, and connections for an auxiliary computer or video source. Each classroom’s equipment is operated in the same manner.
Selecting a Source To Display:
- To select the display source for the projector, use the "remote" program on the installed computer's desktop. Click on "Computer," "VCR," "Computer 2," or "Video 2".
Using a Laptop Computer
- If you plan to connect your laptop computer to the Internet from a classroom, plan ahead. Some of the necessary setup steps could take several days to complete:
- You will need a data cable, which is available from the helpdesk in 201R.
- Your laptop must be set up to access the Internet from the building where you will be using it. Contact the helpdesk for assistance.
- Video (and audio) cables for your laptop are available from CSS at no charge.
- Be sure to know how to activate the laptop's external monitor.
Adaptive Technology:
- Classrooms are equipped with closed-caption decoders for the VCR. A video cassette must be encoded for closed captioning for the words to appear.
- Assistive listening systems are installed in the largest classrooms. Receivers can be checked out from the Information Desk on the Union's third floor.
- Other adaptive equipment or services may be available. Please call the Office of Disability Accommodation for assistance.
Technical Assistance:
- CSS assistance is readily available during most classes, including night classes. In emergencies, we can frequently help over the phone.
- Please request any needed equipment at least 24 hours in advance. If equipment or services are needed for a Friday night or weekend, 7 days' notice is required.
Instructor Computers
A standard computer is installed in each general-purpose classroom. Instructor computers are configured as follows:
- Hardware Pentium 4 Dual Core 3GHz
- Combination CD-ROM/DVD drive
- 1.4-megabyte floppy diskette drive
- Front-mounted USB ports
- Front-mounted microphone and audio jacks
- Remote mouse control
- Software Win XP SP3
- Office 2007
- Mathematica
- Turning Point 2008
- Windows Media Player
- CyberLink DVD Player
- Real Player
- Quicktime Player
- Internet Explorer 7
- Firefox 2
- Putty
- VNC
- Remote Desktop Connection
- Helper Applications, including Macromedia Flash and Shockwave, Sun Java
All instructor computers lock and projectors shut down at 11:00 pm each day. Normal operation resumes at 7:00 am.
All instructor computers are connected to the Internet.
Instructors may store data files in the Instructor Temporary Storage folder on the classroom computer, but should note that the hard drive may be reformatted at any time during the semester. CSS is not responsible for restoring instructor files.
Equipment Information
Data Projector
Data projectors are installed on the ceiling in all general-purpose classrooms. The data projector is controlled from the installed classroom computer, so a data projector remote is not necessary. Use the computer's mouse to turn the projector on or off, select a display source, blank or un-blank the image, or adjust the volume.
If this image is not visible on the computer monitor, re-boot the computer.
Please turn off the projector lamp at the end of your presentation by selecting "Off." The power indicator light on the projector will change from green to red, and the fan will keep running until the lamp has cooled. The computer will eject any diskettes and reboot.
Standard Classroom Computer
Remember that a computer has its own volume control, so it may be necessary to un-mute or adjust the volume level on the computer as well as the data projector to get the desired sound level. In Windows, click on the little speaker icon in the lower left corner to adjust the computer’s sound.
Auxiliary Connections for Notebook Computer or Other Video
Using the connector panel on the classroom equipment rack, a separate computer or video source can be connected to the data projector. 
To connect a notebook computer, use the connectors under "Computer 2" on the connector panel. A VGA cable, shown below, is required. Audio and network cables are optional. Connect the VGA cable before turning on your computer.
If you want to use sound on your computer, connect an audio cable from your computer’s headphone jack to the audio connectors in the same column on the connector plate.
If you do not see an image in a few seconds, you may need to tell your laptop to use its external monitor. The method for doing this varies between computer models. Look on the laptop’s keyboard for "LCD/CRT" or a monitor icon to find the right keys to press. (The photos below represent keys used to activate the external monitor for a Dell laptop computer.) Some computers, most notably Macintosh models, require that the external VGA cable be connected and the data projector be on BEFORE the computer is turned on.
Data projectors in the general purpose classrooms will display the best computer image at a resolution setting of 1024 X 768. If the projected image from doesn’t look right, check the resolution setting. Laptops may not display correctly if both the internal and the external monitors are activated. Try selecting only the external display.
VCR
When inserting a videotape, push it in only until a little resistance is felt. The VCR should grab the tape and insert it the rest of the way automatically. If the VCR does not grab the tape, pull it out and try again. Don’t force or jam the tape into the player.
Note the location of the play, fast forward, rewind, and eject controls.
If the VCR is connected to a working cable TV jack, you can use the channel buttons to display the various channels as long as a videotape is not playing. Not all general purpose classrooms are connected to the UNT broadband cable system.
Closed Caption Decoder
With a video presentation, you may want to display closed captioning. Videotapes, laser disks, and DVD's that are encoded will have one of the following closed caption logos printed on the label:
In all general purpose classrooms, a closed caption decoder is available in the equipment rack, connected directly to the VCR. One model is shown below; in other classrooms, a smaller decoder is inside the rack drawer. In classrooms with legacy touchpad systems, the closed caption feature is available from the touchpad.
Once closed captioning is activated, the captions should appear at the bottom of the display as soon as speech or sound effects are played on the videotape.
Most DVD's include English subtitles, which can be turned on or off via the DVD disc's menu. To display closed captioning from another video source, please feel free to request assistance from CSS. In many cases, the VCR's rear or front inputs (available as channels L1 or L2) can be used to take advantage of the decoder without changing the existing cabling.
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Contact IIT
Information and Instructional Technology Department
DAL1 Room 201R
(972) 780-3626
Support Hours are:
Mon-Thurs 7:30 am to 8:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm