Skip to the content
Link back to Cal State L.A.
Library South, Palmer Wing 1083
Phone: (323) 343-6170
ITS Help Desk Logo

Introduction

TECs (Technologically Enhanced Classroom) are known as Smart Classrooms. There are two type of Tec Rooms, this room is a standard Tec room, the other one is Tec Room with document camera.  The standard TECs room are equipped with a networked computer, speakers, Laptop hookup, Multimedia projector, DVD/VCR combo, and an overhead transparency projector.

Monitor  Computer

Below are some general instructions for faculty using equipment in Technologically Enhanced Classrooms. To watch a video presentation, please, follow the link: http://www.calstatela.edu/its/helpdesk/video/tec/.

Using the Computer as the Projection Screen Source

  1. Turn on the PC and the Monitor.

Computer

  1. At the log in screen, type in the personal NIS username and password.

  2. Select the NIS domain.

noteNote:  On some screens, only the user name and password fields can been seen. Click the Options button to reveal the Log On To field.

  1. The Laptop port, USB extension cable, PC-Laptop toggle button, and the remote control for the Multimedia Projector are located next to the monitor.

    teco_controls
     

  2. Locate the PC-Laptop toggle switch and make sure the PC switch position is selected. 

    PC and Laptop Toggle Button
     

  3. Turn on the Multimedia Projector by aiming the Remote Control at it and pressing the POWER button; the projector fan should come on. It takes a minute to warm up.

    remote  remote
     

  4. Pull down the Projection Screen.

  5. After the Multimedia Projector has warmed up for one minute, aim the Remote Control at it and press Comp1 to select the computer as the display source for the Multimedia Projector. Whatever appears on the monitor will appear on the screen. Remember, this is a SVGA (800x600) resolution projector capable of compressed XGA.

Multimedia Projector

noteNote:  The remote control is for the projector only.

  1. Audio volume is adjusted through the Volume button on the Projector Remote control.

top

Using the Laptop

  1. There is an external VGA cable next to the monitor, plug this into the laptop's external monitor port. Switch this port on from the laptop keyboard and set the monitor resolution to 800x600.

  2. Locate the PC-Laptop toggle switch and make sure the Laptop switch position is selected. 

    Laptop Port, and PC and Laptop Toggle Button
     

  3. To display what is on the laptop, press the Comp1 button on the remote.

remote small remote

  1. Adjust the audio volume by pressing on the Volume button on the Multimedia Projector control.

top

Using the DVD/VCR Combo

  1. Turn on the Multimedia Projector by aiming the Remote Control at it and pressing the Power button. The projector fan should come on.

  2. Power on the DVD/VCR system.

  3. After the Multimedia Projector has warmed up, aim the Remote at it and press Video.

  4. Select the device (DVD or VCR) to use from the DVD/VCR Remote Control. A video image should appear on screen.

DVD/VCR Combo  DVD/VCR Remote Control

noteNote:  Adjust the audio volume using the Multimedia Projector remote control, by pressing on the Volume button.

top

Using the Overhead Transparency Projector

  1. Move the Overhead Projector into position; if required, plug the AC cord into an AC strip at the right side of the desk.

Overhead Projector

  1. Adjust the focus by turning the focus knob and moving the upper Overhead lens up or down.

  2. The Overhead is equipped with a backup lamp in case the main lamp fails. To switch lamps, slide the lever in the front all the way to the right or left.

top

Controlling Room Lights For a Better Picture

Many of the rooms have multiple light switches; find the set of switches that will turn off the lights directly above the screen. This will enhance the picture quality.

Troubleshooting

  1. Equipment is not working? - Make sure the power is on for every device in use, that means the Multimedia Projector and the device feeding it.
    Verify that the projector is on by pressing the Comp1 button on the remote; words will appear on the screen if the projector is on.

  2. Showing a tape and there is no picture? - Go over the first step first. If the situation persists, then maybe the tape is at the end and needs to be rewinded.

  3. No sound? - Adjust sound level using the Volume button on remote.

  4. Can't control the VCR using the remote?- The remote is for the projector only.

  5. It takes a long time to rewind? - Press stop first and then press rewind.

  6. Using a laptop and having no picture? - Make sure to turn the external monitor port on. Also make sure the desktop computer is turned off.

top