Question: How do I do video presentations in room MATH100/MATX1100?
Author: Joseph Tam
Date: Sept. 28, 2009
The two large auditorium classrooms (MATH100, MATX1100) have large
projectors that can project video signals from various media, including
VGA output from a laptop or the computer enclosed in the lectern.
It is preferable to use your own laptop when doing presentations from
a computer. It sidesteps many problems associated with the use of the
lectern computer:
- Creation and management of a computer account:
A computer account is created for the user by the IT staff.
A username and password can be selected by the user, or
alternatively, can be chosen by the IT staff and communicated via
secure channels to the user. This must be done prior to use.
The user is responsible for the use of this account and should
exercise all safeguards to secure their account against the improper
use.
- Installed software:
The lectern PC has Windows installed with a smattering of the
usual software to present digital formats (Microsoft Word,
PowerPoint, PDF, etc.). It is up to the user to check that the
proper software has been installed and that the software does
not adversely affect other users (such as consuming too much
disk space or network bandwidth). The MathNet IT staff is not
responsible for installing software.
- Accessibility to input devices:
The user is responsible to check that any external media (CDs, USB drives,
etc.) they bring is compatible for use by the lectern PC. The keyboard
and mouse is usually locked in a tray that requires a key to unlock it.
This key can be signed out from the front-desk receptionist in the
Mathematics Office (MATH121).
- Familiarity:
The user should familiarize themselves with the proper operation
of the lectern PC (how to turn on/off, how to insert external
media, software use, logging in and out of their account, etc.).
This should be done prior to use.
- Trouble:
The AV equipment and lectern PC are the property of, and ultimately
the responsibility of, UBC Classroom Services. Hardware problems
should be reported to them, not to the UBC Mathematics IT staff.
That being said, the IT staff can render assistance as time and
staffing availability allows.
For these reasons, it's better to beg, borrow or steal a laptop if
you must do a computer presentations. A laptop user does not require
any external assistance to do a presentation. All that is required is
to divert the laptop's video signal out of the laptop's graphic port and
into the VGA connector located on the side of the lectern. All issues
of software, data accessibility, account management, and input/output
are under the user's control.
If a portable computer cannot be obtained, a user can pre-arrange
an account to be created on the lectern PC for their use. This should
be arranged well ahead of time since IT staff may not be available
during the presentation time. Also, access to the keyboard tray (which
is normally locked) can be arranged with the Mathematics Department
front-desk receptionist (MATH121).
It is recommended a trial run be done prior to presentation to
familiarize with the AV controls. All paraphernalia (graphics cables,
remote controls, etc.) required for presentation should be brought along.
The lectern PC is network attached so data can be downloaded web-based
content displayed on browser.
The user is responsible for their use of IT resources, including
all applicable UBC and Department use
policies.
|