Start Smart: Tech Tasks to Complete on the Classroom Computer Before Class Begins

Objective

The steps faculty should complete at the classroom computer before the first day of class.

Users

  • Faculty

Steps

Login and Connectivity

1. Log In to the Instructor Workstation

  • NEW! Sign in with your NUID Number and Password.
  • Confirm login is successful and timely.

2. Check Internet Connectivity

  • Launch a browser to verify a stable connection to the campus network.
  • Test both internal websites (e.g., Canvas, campus homepage) and external websites (e.g., Google, YouTube).

Display and Audio

3. Test Display to Projector or Monitor

  • Open a presentation or webpage to confirm display functionality.

4. Verify Audio Output and Volume

  • Play a video or audio clip to test speaker output.
  • Ensure system volume is unmuted and check any physical knobs or AV panel controls.

Software and Instructional Tools

5. Confirm Access to Core Applications

  • Verify that essential applications are installed and launch correctly:
    • Web browser (Chrome, Edge, etc.)
    • Presentation tools (PowerPoint)
    • Video conferencing tools (Zoom)
    • Document readers/editors (Word, PDF viewer)
  • Sign in to tools requiring authentication (e.g., Zoom, Office 365).

6. Set Default Browser

  • Open your preferred Web browser and follow the steps to make it the computer’s default.

7. Test Canvas Access and Course Materials

  • Log in to Canvas.
  • Open course shells and test access to:
    • Files and resources
    • Embedded media
    • Gradebook and other tools

External Devices and Media

8. Check External Devices

  • Plug in and test devices you plan to use:
    • USB drives
    • Document cameras
    • Wireless clickers
    • Personal laptops (for display or data transfer)
  • Confirm any necessary drivers or permissions load without issue.

9. Open and Preview Teaching Materials

  • Open your slide decks, syllabus, videos, or other course content.
  • Confirm formatting is correct and media plays as expected.

Zoom and Web Conferencing (If Applicable)

10. Launch and Test Zoom or Other Tools

  • Open Zoom and sign in using your campus credentials.
  • Test the classroom’s microphone, camera, and speaker output.
  • Test screen sharing and session setup if teaching hybrid or remote students.

Final Validation

11. Restart the Computer and Re-Test Key Items

  • If possible, restart the system to verify that login, display, and application settings persist.
  • Reopen any critical software or browser tabs you'll use during class.

Optional but Recommended

  • Bookmark commonly used sites or tools in the browser.
  • Familiarize yourself with any classroom-specific AV controls (e.g., touch panels, retractable screens).

 

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