Classroom Troubleshooting Guide for Faculty & Staff

This guide provides quick troubleshooting steps for common classroom technology issues. Many classroom problems can be resolved with a few simple checks before contacting IT Support. There is a PDF attachment with pictures for visual guidance.

Need Help?

If you have completed the troubleshooting steps below and the issue remains unresolved, please contact the IT Help Desk for assistance and include any troubleshooting steps you have already tried.

General Classroom Equipment

Keyboard or Mouse Not Working

Wireless Keyboard or Mouse

1. Verify the device is turned on.
2. Check for indicator lights:
   • Keyboard: Num Lock or other status lights.
   • Mouse: Sensor light underneath.
3. If the device is powered on but no lights appear, the batteries may need replacement.

Wired Keyboard or Mouse

1. Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to the computer.
2. If indicator lights are present, disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.
3. Restart the computer if the issue continues.

Monitor Not Displaying an Image

1. Confirm the monitor is powered on.
2. Check the power indicator light:
   • Amber typically indicates standby mode.
   • Blue or white typically indicates the monitor is powered on.
3. If no light is visible:
   • Verify the power cable is firmly connected.
4. Confirm the video cable is securely connected.
5. Turn the projector on if it isn't already; sometimes the display is set to the projector.

Interactive Classroom Software (ActivInspire)

ActivInspire allows instructors to interact with classroom content directly from the whiteboard using interactive pens.

Pens Are Not Working

The pen batteries may need to be replaced if the pens are completely unresponsive.

Pen and Cursor Are Not Aligned

1. Press User on the projector remote.
2. When prompted for calibration, select Yes.
3. Allow the automatic calibration process to complete.

Pens Draw on the Board Instead of Controlling the Computer

1. Press Menu on the projector remote.
2. Navigate to:
   • Extended
   • Easy Interactive Function
   • Pen Mode
3. Verify that PC Interactive is selected.

HyFlex Classrooms

HyFlex classrooms are equipped with additional technology such as webcams and secondary displays to support remote and in-person instruction.

Webcam Not Detected

1. Verify both USB connections are securely connected.
2. Open the Windows Camera application.
3. Use the camera selection option to see if the webcam appears as an available source.

Teams Displays the Document Camera Instead of the Webcam

1. In your Teams meeting, open Device Settings.
2. Under Camera, select the desired webcam from the dropdown list.
3. If the webcam is unavailable, close and reopen Microsoft Teams.

Second Monitor Is Not Extending the Desktop

Option 1

1. Right-click on the desktop.
2. Select Display Settings.
3. Configure the displays as needed.

Option 2

1. Press Windows + P.
2. Choose the appropriate display mode:
   • Duplicate
   • Extend
   • Second Screen Only

Projectors

Screen Displays AirMedia or ScreenBeam Instead of the Classroom Computer

1. Verify the classroom computer is powered on.
2. Press Source Search on the projector remote.
3. If the projector returns to AirMedia or ScreenBeam, restart the classroom computer.
4. In classrooms with a source selection switch on the instructor station, use the switch to select the classroom computer as the source.

Nothing Is Displaying from the Projector

1. Attempt to power on the projector.
2. Listen for any startup beeps.
3. Check for status or power indicator lights on the projector.
4. Verify the classroom computer is powered on.

Document Cameras (ELMO and Ladybug)

Document cameras allow physical documents and objects to be displayed through the classroom projection system.

Document Camera Not Working

1. Verify the document camera is connected to the computer.
2. Confirm the correct document camera software is open.
3. Launch the appropriate application using the classroom desktop shortcut.

Classroom Audio

Most classrooms include ceiling-mounted speakers connected to an amplifier.

No Sound

1. Verify the computer volume is not muted.
2. Check the volume controls within the video, presentation, or application.
3. Confirm the correct audio output source is selected.
4. If accessible, verify:
   • The amplifier is powered on.
   • Power lights are visible.
   • The volume level has not been turned down.

Crestron Control System Classrooms

Some classrooms include a Crestron touch panel that controls projectors, displays, audio, and other classroom technology.

Important: Please do not access any IT equipment cabinets or wiring. Only use the classroom touch panel controls.

No Image on Projector or TV

1. On the Crestron touch panel, press the Power button.
2. Select System On.
3. Verify that Room PC is routed to the available display windows on the touch panel.
4. If needed, drag the Room PC source icon into the display sections shown on the screen.

No Audio

1. Verify the media being played is not muted.
2. Confirm Room PC is routed to the audio section of the touch panel.
3. Check if the speaker icon is muted and tap it to unmute.
4. Use the volume controls on the touch panel to increase the room volume.

When to Contact IT Support

Please contact the IT Help Desk if:

• The issue remains unresolved after completing these troubleshooting steps.
• Equipment appears damaged.
• The projector, monitor, webcam, or audio system will not power on.
• You receive error messages that prevent instruction.
• You are unable to begin class due to technology issues.

When contacting IT, please provide:

• Building and room number.
• A brief description of the issue.
• Any troubleshooting steps you have already completed.

This information will help the support team assist you more quickly.