If your question is not answered here, call The Teaching Center at (314) 935-6810 (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Mon.-Fri.).
For additional tips for University College courses and non-course events, click here.
Tips for Getting Started
Equipment Tips
Getting Started
Where is the classroom computer (PC)?
- The PC is at the top or bottom of the "user" side of multimedia cabinet in the instructor's desk or podium. The new PCs can be hard to find, because they are small and black. Look for the unit labeled "computer."
Where can I get the key that opens the multimedia cabinets in the instructor's desks and podiums?
- See your department secretary or John Pingree [Office of Student Records: Women's Bldg., Rm. 50, (314) 935-4145]. The same key, C415a, unlocks the multimedia cabinets in all University-managed classrooms.
My key does not open the cabinet.
- Make sure that your key says C415a and that you are trying to open the "user" side of the cabinet.
- Jiggle the key a little, then lift up and press in the door while you turn the key.
The PC has prompted me to enter a login and password. What are the login and password?
- You do not need to enter a login and password. Instead, restart the PC by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
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The Equipment
My picture is not displaying on the projection screen.
- Try selecting a new source and then re-select your original source; allow a few seconds between selections.
- If using a Mac laptop, connect it to the system with a MAC dongle cable and make sure "mirroring" has been enabled. (The Teaching Center has a few MAC dongles that may be borrowed by instructors, but it is best if you obtain your own.)
- If using a non-Mac laptop, toggle the function key with monitor picture (press Fn + F#); allow a few seconds between toggles.
When I hook up my laptop, the internet does not work.
- Before you can use your laptop to access the internet in the classrooms, you must register it. On a University-networked computer, go to http://teachingcenter.wustl.edu and click on "Laptop Registration," under Quick Links. You will need your email address (e.g. name-at-artsci.wustl.edu or name-at-cec.wustl.edu) and your MAC address to register.
- Check more than one Web site to ensure that it is the laptop that is causing the problem.
- Check to make sure your laptop is set to obtain the IP address (DHCP) automatically.
When I play a video clip, VHS tape, or DVD, there is no sound.
- Make sure the volume on the touch-panel control pad is not muted. Increase volume.
- If using the PC or a laptop, check the volume control on the computer and the software to make sure that all levels are up and not muted.
What is the best way to bring a presentation or other media into the classroom?
- Put your file(s) on a USB drive, or jump-drive, which can be connected via one of the USB ports. Then, download the file to the PC desktop. Please remove the file from the desktop at the end of class.
Where are the USB ports for the PC?
- The ports are on the front of the PC, next to the inputs for headphones and a microphone.
The sound and video clips in my PowerPoint presentation are not playing.
- You may have neglected to save both your PowerPoint (PPT) presentation and your audio or video clip. You must save video and audio clips separately from the PPT on a single storage device (USB drive or jump-drive, CD, etc.).
Will my non-US-made video (VHS or DVD) play in the classroom equipment?
- Some, not all, of the University-managed classrooms contain the multi-region VCRs and region-free DVD players that will play non-US-made videos. To find out if your classroom has the necessary equipment, consult the Classroom Directory or call John Pingree at 935-4145.
- You can avoid the need for a multi-region or region-free machine by transferring the video to a digital format (CD or DVD). For help, consult the staff at the Humanities Digital Workshop in 007 Eads Hall or at The Arc in Olin Library.
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