Semi-Smart Classroom User's Guide

Overview

This page describes the smart classroom equipment currently installed in classrooms throughout campus. A semi-smart classroom does not have a computer in it.

Equipment in the Rooms

Below is a list of the equipment in the smart rooms:

1. Smart Panel (black rectangular panel mounted on the wall):

The SmartPanel is the primary piece of equipment in the smart rooms. It is used to select the device to be displayed through the projector; it controls volume; it also is where you can plug in a laptop computer.

2. DVD/VCR:

The DVD/VCR unit is housed inside the SmartPanel. Depending on the room, you control it either through an opening in the side of the panel or by pulling down the front of the panel so as to gain access to the DVD/VCR unit.

3. Projector:

A ceiling-mounted projector.

4. Speakers:

Two wall-mounted speakers in each room.

Connecting Your Laptop to the Smart Panel:

If you are planning to use a laptop computer with the Smart Panel, you should first make all of the cable connections to the computer, then turn on the computer and wait until it completes the power-on process, and then, as the last step, turn the Smart Panel power on.

You can make up to three connections from your laptop computer to the Smart Panel: video, data and sound.

After you make some, or all, of the below connections, and after the smart panel box has been turned on and warmed up, press the small gray button under the word "Laptop" on the Smart Panel. Some buttons may be labeled "Computer" instead of "Laptop".

Video Connection:

The video connection is needed in order to have what is on your computer's screen displayed through the ceiling-mounted projector and onto the screen in the front of the classroom.

Plug the VGA cable into the VGA connection located on the back of your computer.

Data Connection:

The data connection will give your computer access to the campus network and to the Internet.

Plug the cable into the network card on your computer.

This data connection is optional. It is only needed if you want internet access or access to your H-Drive.

In order to use the data connection (either for Internet access or H-Drive access), you must launch an Internet browser (Mozilla, Internet Explorer, etc.) and login with your Rutgers NetID and password when prompted. If you are not prompted for a login, type www.rutgers.edu in the location bar, and hit enter. Now you should be prompted to login.

Sound Connection:

Plug the cable into the appropriate location on your computer.

This sound connection is optional. It is only needed if you want the sound from your computer to go to the speakers in the room.

Turning On the Power

(If you are planning to use a laptop computer with the SmartPanel, you should first make all of the cable connections, then turn on the computer, and then, as the last step, turn the power on to the SmartPanel.)

Before selecting the component you wish to use with the Smart Panel, you first need to turn on the projector by pressing the small gray button labeled "ON" underneath the word "Projector."  The button to turn on the projector is located towards the top right of the Smart Panel.

When you first press the "ON" button, a small red light will appear above the words "Warm-up" on the SmartPanel. Once the red light goes off and a green light appears under the word "ready," you will be able to use the other buttons on the SmartPanel.

(When you first press the "ON" button, you will need to wait approximately 60 seconds before any other buttons on the SmartPanel become active.)

Controlling the Volume

The buttons controlling the volume to the speakers are located towards the top right of the Smart Panel, underneath the word "Volume."

The button with an up-arrow increases the volume. The button with a down-arrow decreases the volume.

Using the DVD/VCR Player

There is a DVD/VCR installed inside the Smart Panel. Some panels have opening on the side, which give you access to the DVD/VCR. On some panels, however, you need to open the panel by pulling it down and towards you. One of these two methods will give you access to the DVD/VCR.

To display a tape through the VCR, do the following:

1. Press the small gray button under the word "DVD/VCR" on the top left of the Smart Panel.
2. Insert your tape inside the VCR.
3. Use the volume controls on the SmartPanel to control volume.
4. Use the buttons on the face of the VCR to control features such as play, fast forward, reverse, stop.

To display a DVD through the DVD player, do the following:

1. Press the small gray button under the word "DVD/VCR" on the top left of the SmartPanel.
2. Press the eject button (it looks like an upward pointing arrow) to open the DVD tray
3. Insert the DVD into the tray and hit the eject button to close the tray.
4. Use the volume controls on the SmartPanel to control volume.
5. Use the buttons on the face of the VCR to control features such as play, fast forward, reverse, stop.

How to Turn Off Power

The button to turn the projector off is located towards the top right of the Smart Panel. It is a small gray button labeled "OFF" underneath the word "Projector."

Please turn off the projector when you are done using the smart room equipment. It will help extend the life of the bulb in the projector.