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Teaching & learning support
Teaching room support & equipment
The ANU Audio Visual Services unit responsible for the audio-visual facilities in over 130 common use teaching rooms and lecture theatres throughout the University. The types of rooms we support vary from the very simple classroom which contains just a single overhead projector, to full touch-screen-controlled auditoriums which use the latest in audio-visual technology.
Teaching room support is available to teaching staff, students and external users for all centrally booked rooms within the Teaching and Learning Commons. Training on the use of the equipment located in these rooms is offered by appointment through the Service Desk.
Listed below are the different types of AV equipment that you may come across in our rooms. Should a problem arise with any AV equipment call 59666 option 1 for assistance.
Data projectors
The vast majority of teaching rooms have data projectors permanently attached to the ceiling. They are controlled either via a control panel or a remote control handset. Data projectors are used to display images from the internal PC, a laptop, the video/DVD or an external source connected via the AUX input panel.
Information Commons computers
All teaching rooms have PCs installed and connected to the Information Commons network. Logging on to the PC with your own ID enables you to access files on the shared work space server (Pebble) and the internet. All the computers are running Windows XP.There is a comprehensive amount of software installed including the latest Microsoft Office programs.
See full list of installed software
Log-on procedure
All members of the University have access to the Information Commons. A UniID and password are required. The password is the same password used in ISIS or HORUS. This log-in should be identical on any machine in the Information Commons.
Laptop connection
All our rooms which have data projectors have the facility to connect a laptop. The cable is usually located on the AV cabinet or front bench. There is also a cable for Network connection and audio if required.
Once connected to the system and the laptop and data projector is switched on you may need to configure your laptop to display the image on the projection screen.
VCR/DVD player
The rooms which have data projection systems also have a VCR/DVD combo unit to allow playback of DVD's or VHS cassettes. They play the image back via the data projector and the sound is audible via the room sound system. The VCR/DVD player is controlled either via a control panel or a standard remote control. Most of our VCR/DVD players are capable of playing Australian (PAL) as well as USA standard (NTSC) video cassettes and multi-region DVD's.
35mm slide projector
35mm slide projectors are available in selected theatres. The projectors have forward/reversed/focus via a standard wired remote control or a control panel.
All our projectors take standard carousel trays.
Overhead projector
Most teaching rooms have at least an overhead projector. All overhead projectors installed have dual lamp facility with a 'quick change' lever/control to enable the user to switch to the 'spare' lamp should one lamp fail during the course of their teaching session.
Document camera (visualiser)
Document cameras (also often known as Visualisers) are a little bit like high tech overhead projectors. As well as the ability to display acetates via the data projection system they can also display pages from books and even solid objects..
Public address system
The larger lecture theatres have public address or 'voice reinforcement' systems. There are two different types of microphones:
- Desk (or bench) microphones are on a lectern. They are beneficial for users who tend to be static and remain at the lectern when lecturing.
- Radio microphones (or wireless) work via radio technology, have no cables and enable the user to roam freely while delivering their lecture.
Download the instruction sheet (PDF 175kb).
Note: Microphones need to be used for DLD recordings !
Push button control panel
Installed in some of our teaching rooms, this simple push button panel eradicates the need for multiple remote controls and allows the user to control the data projector, volume and input source from one panel.
AMX touch screen
Many theatres have AMX touch-screen control systems which allow complete control of the data projector, VCR/DVD, lights, screen and volume control by simply touching the screen.
Aux AV input panel
Some of our teaching rooms have the ability to connect an external piece of audio-visual equipment via an auxiliary panel which is normally located on either the AV cabinet or front bench. An Aux/External input select button will be located on the control panel.
Remote management
We have remote management facilities installed in many of our teaching rooms. This allows us to assist remotely should users be experiencing difficulties. This ensures rapid response times, usually within seconds, to simple faults.
Call 59666 Option 1 for immediate assistance.
