Classrooms at Augusta State University, for the most part, are equipped with instructor stations containing current technology. These include overhead projection equipment, desktop computer with LCD monitors, easy to reach cabling for attaching tablet or notebook computers, wireless Internet access, document cameras (electronic version of the overhead projector - but the digital version can also handle solid sources like papers and books and 3D images as well as transparencies), DVD and VCR players, and a control panel to switch from one image source to another.

With the exception of the desktop computer and wireless access, most of the equipment is serviced by Media Services. However, Media Services and Information Technology Services work together to ensure that problems are resolved as quickly as feasible. Any equipment problems reported to IT Services' HelpDesk will be relayed to the applicable repair team.

Exceptions to this list of classroom equipment occurs in specialized areas where such equipment is impractical, such as the ceramics or photography labs.

The software installed on the instructor station computers include the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access), Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, Acrobat Reader, as well as a variety of other software with an educational focus with some software available only in classrooms where they are typically used while teaching. Examples include ArcExplorer, SPSS, Geometer's Sketchpad, Mage, Maple, StatGraphics Plus, etc. Faculty new to ASU may find the following guide helpful.

Classroom Technology Reference Guide (PDF file)

Any faculty member who is interested in using a specific software is encouraged to check the classroom computer for that software and the features they wish to use in class and contact the HelpDesk, 706-737-1482, if that software is not available or does not have the features set as desired.

Small updates, such as updating anti-virus software, occur often and are most often distributed by an automated system that "pushes" the software change to the computer via the campus network. Software version changes are more extensive and typically take place during the "break" between terms.

Note that the availability of "break" time has been decreasing in the last few years and it may be necessary to update a computer during a term. This is usually announced ahead of time and you are given the opportunity to speak up if this would adversely affect your teaching. In fact, if you know of any planned change that would adversely affect your teaching you are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to contact Instructional Services or the HelpDesk prior to the implementation of the change.

Anyone using the instructor station computer must log in using their personal JagNET ID and must LOG OFF prior to departing the classroom and is subject to all the policy and procedures applicable to use of campus computing resources..

Software updates are applied on a regular basis using electronic methods. Therefore, it is requested that faculty DO NOT TURN OFF the desktop computer (LOG OFF, not turn off) so that these updates can be applied during periods of low usage. If the desktop computers are turned off, the instructor who must turn it on may find the computer responding slower than expected while updates are occurring.

Instructors may install software or plug-ins on the desktop computers but it is expected that the instructor will do nothing that will harm the functionality of other instructors who use that same room. Any software, packages, plug-ins, or other types, must not violate licensing agreements and must be removed when the term is completed or when the software is no longer needed.

It is recommended that you notify IT Services when you install specialty software. If multiple instructors express a need for the same software, it may be added to our listing of routinely maintained software, thus eliminating the need for the instructor to maintain it. If something should happen to the equipment in the classroom, we would be alerted to notify you that the software may need to be loaded again. This notification may be reported to the HelpDesk or to Instructional Services.

IT Services and Instructional Services can assist you during your classes. A software trainer can present training on specific software packages or use of applications, such as the GeorgiaVIEW Vista course management system.

If you have special technology related topics and desire a "guest speaker" that can be arranged. Topics that others have requested have included "Consumerism and the Internet", "Writing for the Internet", and "Identity Theft". Guest speakers may be arranged through either Instructional Services, 706-737-1484, or the HelpDesk, 706-737-1482.

If you are using classroom technology or programs new to you and desire a personal trainer, contact Instructional Services or the HelpDesk.

IT Services has a variety of handouts for software programs or web-based applications. If you will be requiring your students to use a particular software and they need to accomplish specific tasks with that software, contact us. We may already have a handout for that feature, eliminating your need to create it.

If you are giving your students handouts or assignments that require use of lab computers, it is VERY HELPFUL for your students if you would share those with the HelpDesk. That helps to prepare our Student Assistants to answer questions and provide assistance to your students that match your specific requirements.

If you wish students using lab computers to use a new or updated software version or a helper program for a Web site, you should contact the HelpDesk. This information helps us to keep the lab computers current and helps our support staff provide assistance to your students. Note: We request that you notify us about changes needed in the computer lab prior to midterm of the term prior to use. If that is not possible, please contact us as soon as you are aware a change may be needed. Changes to lab computers must be tested and evaluated to ensure that the change does not adversely affect another program or instructor's efforts. This evaluation takes time to do properly.

There are a limited number of iPods available for instructional use as part of a pilot project. Classes with projects have included a Spanish foreign language class, a Music class, and a Humanities class.

Please contact Instructional Services or IT Services' HelpDesk (706-737-1482) to discuss reserving these for your classes.

Augusta State University has a number of podcasting and streaming video servers available, including iTunes University. If you wish to make audio or video files available to your students, please contact Instructional Services for assistance in determining which server best suits your needs and the needs of your students.

Visit Developing Study Materials and Instructional Materials for more information concerning the creation of podcasts and other related materials.