A 3 stepped room with eight learning booths (four of which have swivel chairs and are at the same entry level as the lectern). It provides a comfortable collaborative learning space for up to 50 students.
Each booth has it’s own local PC(or laptop connection/Student mode) with 49″ LCD screen, which can also be displayed to the whole room with special software, or mirror the lectern PC projected image(Presenter mode) selected on touch panel.
As such, we've kept them simple to account for any variations between rooms. For help on specifics, contact AV Support.
If you're in one of the learning spaces, contact AV Support by pressing the AVSupp button on the phone or x4221.
ECD Helpdesk button for ventilation and IT Helpdesk for login queries
Tap the touch screen to display/select buttons for the equipment.
To switch off, tap Off or Exit/Shutdown, and then confirm with Shutdown Now.
Newer lecture ‘Digital‘ theatres have audio ‘send’ and multiple projectors and lectern monitor selectable for each input source, and separate mic(red \ ) and speaker(white \ ) mutes.
Some also have sub-menu/s for additional facilities like Camera, Lighting and Blinds controls.
Tips
All standard ‘pool room image’ teaching PCs are Windows10 with Office365 Professional Plus including PowerPoint, Excel, Word & Teams.
After login the PC automatically launches AstonApps Cloudpaging portal for all the latest pool room managed software. Panopto recorder, web browsers & important teaching software and links like Blackboard have ALL moved to AstonApps. Shared/network drives are dependent on your Aston login.
If your login or the network fails username .\teach & password T34chT34ch will allow you to present locally (e.g. USB drive), but without any network or internet access. Most rooms with Lenovo PCs installed will allow change to ‘Extended desktop’ for Powerpoint notes view [Windows+P].
This will remove any changes you have made, any work you have open will be lost, and any files on the desktop will be deleted. Unfinished Panopto uploads will also be suspended until Panopto is re-connected in that room.
Bear this in mind if, for example, you are running an event and want to get the PC set up early or you are breaking for lunch.
The PC is set up to record to Aston Replay and upload to Blackboard. There is option in Panopto Settings: Basic: ‘Highlight mouse cursor…‘ to make the pointer more prominent for recordings, and please check the mic levels are OK before starting to RECORD.
There are usually 2-4 extra USB ports on the lectern PC monitor.
We recommend that the projector is switched ON after you login to the PC. If you don’t need the computer to be displayed on the screen, you can use it without the projector on in most rooms. However, computer audio requires the projector to be ON, and all three control panel, computer and application volumes should be up (and unmuted).
These PCs are similar to the standard Aston pool-room image PCs but are dedicated to, or built-in to, group-work facilities.
They are used independently, or may be selected for display on the main, or all screens. The selection is via either the main control panel or Faronics Insight software (except MB657).
Please ask AV Support for a demonstration and access to keyboards & mice/trackpads.
Faronics Insight gives the lecturer(Staff accounts only) full control over the collaborative PCs in the room. Common uses include the lecturer showing their screen on the students’ PCs, or sharing one group’s screen with one, more, or all of the other groups.
Insight loads when the computer powers up. Click the Insight Owl, located near the bottom right of the screen
In the toolbar, click Class List, then Load Class List.
Class lists are located on the X:\ drive, in the Common\Insight Class Lists folder. Browse to there and select the appropriate list for your room.
Click the screens (use Control + click to select multiple ones) you wish to broadcast to, and click Show, located at the left hand side of the toolbar
Click the screens you want to stop seeing your screen. Click Show then Stop Showing Teacher’s Screen
Select the screens you want to shut down. Click the Administer menu, then Shutdown Student
MB512 and SW309 also have hardware mirroring of main screen without needing special software, accessed via the Control Panel. These PCs and the main PC in MB603 all have shutdown set to three hours instead.
A flying HDMI cable (including audio) is usually connected to the lectern faceplate.
If there is no cable look for a USB C cable or use the Wireless connection.
HDMI cables are available on request by calling Ext 4221
A flying VGA cable (with integrated audio jack connection) is usually connected to the lectern faceplate.
The laptop audio jack can also be used for iPod playback when laptop is selected.
Note Post-2019 refurbs like MB554 will be HDMI ONLY (ie. no VGA)
Some laptops and tablets may require a special AV adapter and or cable/s.
Wireless presentation uses a WiFi network to present or mirror photos, PDF, and Microsoft Office files etc. on the room display/s from your wireless devices, instead of by HDMI or similar cable.
When Wireless is selected, it displays the room’s IP address and a unique or QR [code] to present the content on the screen/s. You can have multiple WiFi devices concurrently displayed in each corner of the picture.
On an AirServer use the Windows10 shortcut and press Windows+K keys. For any other OS join the WiFi network being advertised on screen.
AirMedia and Via devices will direct you to download an app if you put the device’s IP addess into a web browser. Just the number not the http part.
Note Functionality varies between rooms and devices – iOS Panopto app cannot record ‘Presentations’ as well as ‘present’ like the Mac/Windows versions can, the Android app does even less.
Perform a variety of tasks in the rooms, depending on the type of room and microphone.
They can be used to feed audio to the induction loop, make sure people at the back of the room can hear the speaker clearly (voice enhancement), or be recorded in Aston Replay. Always check the RECORD levels.
NB. some new rooms have a mic [Mute] button on the touch panel, otherwise the voice enhancement volume is fixed.
To switch on/off, push the button at the base of the flexible gooseneck.
The LED will be lit when the microphone is on, and the level is preset.
There is no switch or LED on the white Beyer flat models(right)
Rechargeable microphone/s which automatically unmute/mute when removed from/replaced correctly in the charger.
There are a maximum of two mics/channels per room, ~20m range, and freedom to interact with the audience while recording to Replay. Always check record levels.
The LED on the microphone will turn RED to show they are charging, and GREEN when fully charged.
Uses a clip on or handheld microphone to ensure equal distribution of the presenter’s voice across the whole space, and freedom to interact with the audience while recording to Replay.
The presenter should not be aware of any amplification at the front of the room, unlike a traditional PA system.
Note Microphone audio is separate from Computer audio, and usually fixed level.
A document camera that can display and zoom in on papers, books, and other 3D objects. There is usually a separate source selection button to display on the room screen/s.
A desktop application called ImageMate[IM] allows Elmo images to be recorded in Panopto.
The newer Wolfvision visualisers can be selected as separate video recording device in Panopto.
Lift the Arm to turn ON.
Zoom control is on top of the Arm.
The method of recording the contents of this visualiser in Aston Replay is different to the other rooms. Expand the instructions, below, for more information.
Unlike the other visualisers in use in Aston University learning spaces, the Wolfvision acts in the same way as a webcam or another camera. This means we can record it directly in Panopto, or use it as a white board in CollaborateUltra.
When you’re presenting, you’ll need to switch to the Panopto recorder to add the visualiser as a secondary source. To get back to the Panopto recorder, either
Then, in the Panopto recorder, you’ll need to add the visualiser as a secondary capture source:
On the left hand side of the Panopto recorder, under Secondary Capture Sources, click Add Another Video Source
Click the dropdown that appears, and select WolfVision Video Capture II
This starts recording the camera in the visualiser.
When you want to stop using the visualiser, remove it as a secondary source by going back to the Panopto recorder and clicking on the X next to it.When you stop using the visualiser, any viewers of the recorded session will continue seeing the content of the visualiser.
If you begin presenting using Powerpoint again, your viewers will have to manually switch back to the Powerpoint source themselves.
When your students view this recording back, it will show the visualiser at this point, like so
At the point in the recording when you clicked the X to remove the secondary source, it will switch back eg to PowerPoint or the screen capture.
You can repeat the above steps as many times as you need during a lecture.
Use the camera to include video in an Aston Replay recording.
The Panopto recorder will default to including video where a camera is present. If you don’t want this to be included in your session, you will need to switch the camera off. You may also borrow a mobile alternative.
See the Replay TLC site for more information on how to make a recording.
This room features a remote ceiling camera connected to the PC for lecture capture.
In general you can only have the camera available in one application.
e.g. If you are using Teams you won’t be able to use the camera in Panopto.
An Induction loop or Infrared (IR) based hearing system.
Hearing aid users should set their hearing aid to “T” to use the loop. more…
All standard ‘pool room image’ teaching PCs are Windows10 with Office365 Professional Plus including PowerPoint, Excel, Word & Teams.
After login the PC automatically launches AstonApps Cloudpaging portal for all the latest pool room managed software. Panopto recorder, web browsers & important teaching software and links like Blackboard have ALL moved to AstonApps. Shared/network drives are dependent on your Aston login.
If your login or the network fails username .\teach & password T34chT34ch will allow you to present locally (e.g. USB drive), but without any network or internet access. Most rooms with Lenovo PCs installed will allow change to ‘Extended desktop’ for Powerpoint notes view [Windows+P].
This will remove any changes you have made, any work you have open will be lost, and any files on the desktop will be deleted. Unfinished Panopto uploads will also be suspended until Panopto is re-connected in that room.
Bear this in mind if, for example, you are running an event and want to get the PC set up early or you are breaking for lunch.
The PC is set up to record to Aston Replay and upload to Blackboard. There is option in Panopto Settings: Basic: ‘Highlight mouse cursor…‘ to make the pointer more prominent for recordings, and please check the mic levels are OK before starting to RECORD.
There are usually 2-4 extra USB ports on the lectern PC monitor.
We recommend that the projector is switched ON after you login to the PC. If you don’t need the computer to be displayed on the screen, you can use it without the projector on in most rooms. However, computer audio requires the projector to be ON, and all three control panel, computer and application volumes should be up (and unmuted).
These PCs are similar to the standard Aston pool-room image PCs but are dedicated to, or built-in to, group-work facilities.
They are used independently, or may be selected for display on the main, or all screens. The selection is via either the main control panel or Faronics Insight software (except MB657).
Please ask AV Support for a demonstration and access to keyboards & mice/trackpads.
Faronics Insight gives the lecturer(Staff accounts only) full control over the collaborative PCs in the room. Common uses include the lecturer showing their screen on the students’ PCs, or sharing one group’s screen with one, more, or all of the other groups.
Insight loads when the computer powers up. Click the Insight Owl, located near the bottom right of the screenIn the toolbar, click Class List, then Load Class List.
Class lists are located on the X:\ drive, in the Common\Insight Class Lists folder. Browse to there and select the appropriate list for your room.
Click the screens (use Control + click to select multiple ones) you wish to broadcast to, and click Show, located at the left hand side of the toolbar
Click the screens you want to stop seeing your screen. Click Show then Stop Showing Teacher’s Screen
Select the screens you want to shut down. Click the Administer menu, then Shutdown Student
MB512 and SW309 also have hardware mirroring of main screen without needing special software, accessed via the Control Panel. These PCs and the main PC in MB603 all have shutdown set to three hours instead.
A flying HDMI cable (including audio) is usually connected to the lectern faceplate.
If there is no cable look for a USB C cable or use the Wireless connection.
HDMI cables are available on request by calling Ext 4221
A flying VGA cable (with integrated audio jack connection) is usually connected to the lectern faceplate.
The laptop audio jack can also be used for iPod playback when laptop is selected.
Note Post-2019 refurbs like MB554 will be HDMI ONLY (ie. no VGA)
Some laptops and tablets may require a special AV adapter and or cable/s.
Wireless presentation uses a WiFi network to present or mirror photos, PDF, and Microsoft Office files etc. on the room display/s from your wireless devices, instead of by HDMI or similar cable.
When Wireless is selected, it displays the room’s IP address and a unique or QR [code] to present the content on the screen/s. You can have multiple WiFi devices concurrently displayed in each corner of the picture.
On an AirServer use the Windows10 shortcut and press Windows+K keys. For any other OS join the WiFi network being advertised on screen.
AirMedia and Via devices will direct you to download an app if you put the device’s IP addess into a web browser. Just the number not the http part.
Note Functionality varies between rooms and devices – iOS Panopto app cannot record ‘Presentations’ as well as ‘present’ like the Mac/Windows versions can, the Android app does even less.
Tap the touch screen to display/select buttons for the equipment.
To switch off, tap Off or Exit/Shutdown, and then confirm with Shutdown Now.
Newer lecture ‘Digital‘ theatres have audio ‘send’ and multiple projectors and lectern monitor selectable for each input source, and separate mic(red \ ) and speaker(white \ ) mutes.
Some also have sub-menu/s for additional facilities like Camera, Lighting and Blinds controls.
An Induction loop or Infrared (IR) based hearing system.
Hearing aid users should set their hearing aid to “T” to use the loop. more…
To switch on/off, push the button at the base of the flexible gooseneck.
The LED will be lit when the microphone is on, and the level is preset.
There is no switch or LED on the white Beyer flat models(right)
Rechargeable microphone/s which automatically unmute/mute when removed from/replaced correctly in the charger.
There are a maximum of two mics/channels per room, ~20m range, and freedom to interact with the audience while recording to Replay. Always check record levels.
The LED on the microphone will turn RED to show they are charging, and GREEN when fully charged.
This room features a remote ceiling camera connected to the PC for lecture capture.
In general you can only have the camera available in one application.
e.g. If you are using Teams you won’t be able to use the camera in Panopto.
Lift the Arm to turn ON.
Zoom control is on top of the Arm.
The method of recording the contents of this visualiser in Aston Replay is different to the other rooms. Expand the instructions, below, for more information.
Unlike the other visualisers in use in Aston University learning spaces, the Wolfvision acts in the same way as a webcam or another camera. This means we can record it directly in Panopto, or use it as a white board in CollaborateUltra.
When you’re presenting, you’ll need to switch to the Panopto recorder to add the visualiser as a secondary source. To get back to the Panopto recorder, either
Then, in the Panopto recorder, you’ll need to add the visualiser as a secondary capture source:
On the left hand side of the Panopto recorder, under Secondary Capture Sources, click Add Another Video SourceClick the dropdown that appears, and select WolfVision Video Capture IIThis starts recording the camera in the visualiser.When you want to stop using the visualiser, remove it as a secondary source by going back to the Panopto recorder and clicking on the X next to it.When you stop using the visualiser, any viewers of the recorded session will continue seeing the content of the visualiser.
If you begin presenting using Powerpoint again, your viewers will have to manually switch back to the Powerpoint source themselves.
When your students view this recording back, it will show the visualiser at this point, like so
At the point in the recording when you clicked the X to remove the secondary source, it will switch back eg to PowerPoint or the screen capture.
You can repeat the above steps as many times as you need during a lecture.
Uses a clip on or handheld microphone to ensure equal distribution of the presenter’s voice across the whole space, and freedom to interact with the audience while recording to Replay.
The presenter should not be aware of any amplification at the front of the room, unlike a traditional PA system.
Note Microphone audio is separate from Computer audio, and usually fixed level.