Using Classroom A/V Technology

This article provides a simple overview of the A/V equipment found in most classrooms and how to use it effectively for teaching, presentations, and hybrid instruction.

What’s in a Standard Classroom?

Most classrooms are equipped with the following:

• Instructor Station Computer
• Projector or Digital Display
• Control Panel or Touch Panel (to manage source selection, volume, and screen control if applicable)
• HDMI and USB-C Connections for Laptops
• Document Camera
• Speakers & Amplified Audio System
• Wireless Microphones (in larger rooms/if applicable)
• Camera & Microphones for Hybrid/Zoom Rooms (if applicable)

Your room may differ slightly depending on building and age of installation.

Starting the System

1. Locate the control panel or remote at the instructor station.
2. Press ON, Start System, or Power (depending on model).
3. Wait 10–30 seconds for the projector/display to warm up.
4. The inputted source should automatically show on the screen (e.g., PC, HDMI, DVD Player).

Tip: If nothing appears on the screen, ensure you’ve securely plugged in the source and device is powered ON. A reboot may be necessary.

Using Your Laptop With the Display

Wired (HDMI / USB-C)

1. Connect the cable (HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort, etc.) to your laptop.
2. The HDMI Switcher will automatically switch to the BYOD source.
3. If your laptop doesn’t display:
   • Try Windows key + P (Windows)
   • Try System Settings > Displays > Mirror/Extend (Mac)

Wireless Presentation (if available)

Some rooms may include wireless casting tools such as AirPlay or Zoom-App Screen Share.
 Instructions vary by room—see on-screen prompts.

Using the Document Camera (HoverCam)

1. Ensure Doc Cam is plugged in and powered ON.
2. In your software’s camera settings, select HoverCam as the video source.
3. Adjust zoom, focus, and height as needed.
4. Place your document or object under the camera.

Tip: Make sure the HoverCam is plugged into the USB port with the wire icon on the back of the device. Do not use the port labeled “Install.”

Audio, Microphones & Volume Control

Classroom Speakers

Use the Volume Up/Down controls on the touch panel.

Tip: Make sure the correct audio source is selected, and verify that the volume is turned up both on the device and on the control panel.

Microphones (If provided)

• Turn on the wireless pack or handheld mic.
• Ensure batteries are inserted or charged.
• Before using a microphone, confirm its settings on the control panel(if applicable)—prior users may have changed them

Hybrid / Zoom-Enabled Classrooms

Rooms equipped for hybrid teaching may include:

• PTZ or fixed camera
• Ceiling or table microphones
• Integrated speaker system

To use the system:

1. Launch Zoom or other VC software on the instructor PC (BYOD cannot be used for video conferencing only local screen share).
2. Select the correct camera, microphone, and speaker from the device list:
   • Camera: “Room Camera”
   • Microphone: “Room Mic”
   • Speakers: “Classroom Speakers”
3. Perform a quick audio test before class.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

No Display

• Confirm cable is fully plugged in.
• Restart your laptop 

No Audio

• Confirm Volume is up on the control panel.
• Check your laptop’s volume/output settings.
• If using HDMI, ensure your laptop is sending audio to the display device.

Microphone Not Working

• Make sure it's powered on.
• Replace or charge batteries.
• Ensure Mic is unmuted.

Wireless Casting Not Connecting

• Connect to the correct campus Wi-Fi network.
• Make sure casting is allowed by your device’s OS.