Tag Archives: Classroom Tech

Classroom Tech Just Got an Upgrade!

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We’ve upgraded classroom podium computers across campus, which means a better, smoother experience when teaching, presenting, or hosting meetings.

With these upgrades, you can:

  • Host Zoom meetings right from the classroom, using the document camera as your camera and mic.
  • Enjoy better video performance during lectures and presentations.
  • Save time with personalized user profiles — your settings and files now stay put between logins.

These changes make classroom technology easier to use and more flexible, enabling even more improvements down the road.

Classroom Media Equipment Improvements

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LEF Podium Monitors

Faculty teaching in the Lefavour Science labs will be pleased to learn that all podiums are now equipped with confidence monitors. No more turning around to check what’s displayed on the screen—everything you need is right in front of you. Originally, the podiums were designed to be “mobile” so they could be easily disconnected and moved. However, after years of feedback and realizing that the podiums were rarely, if ever, moved, we found a cost-effective solution to add monitors to every lab on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

Document Cameras

Document cameras have become more compact, versatile, and affordable over the years. As a result, every classroom on campus is now equipped with one, aligning with our goal to standardize media equipment for a consistent experience across all classrooms. While you may not need to use these cameras for their traditional purpose, they offer a valuable secondary function—they can double as webcams. Simply connect the attached USB cable to a laptop or podium PC, and the document camera can serve as your Zoom camera and microphone. This is a convenient way to show a view of students to a remote presenter on Zoom or capture your presentation for sharing on Panopto or Moodle. (Please note: Many of our classrooms still use Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI) computers, which cannot run Zoom, but we are working toward installing full computers in every classroom.)

A Faster Way to Access Windows from Classroom Macs

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In the February newsletter, we provided some information about how Technology will go about replacing lectern-based classroom computers throughout campus. Part of this ongoing project involves the installation of a desktop virtualization application that provides access to the Windows operating system and all Windows-only software on lectern-based classroom Macs. This software, called VMware Horizon View Client, is now available in most classrooms.

Desktop virtualization saves time by eliminating the need to reboot dual boot computers, and provides easy access to Windows. Using it is as simple as launching the application and logging in with your Simmons username and password. The virtual desktop is an additional and optional service. If you’re more comfortable rebooting the computer, you may continue doing so.

For more information about how to access the virtual Windows desktop, along with a full list of classrooms where this technology is available, please see this FAQ. To make things easier when you’re in the classroom, we’ll be placing instructions next to computers where the virtual desktop is available.

Using GoToMeeting in Your Classroom

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Did you know that our new phone and web conferencing platform isn’t just for business meetings?

GoToMeeting features built-in chat, webcam sharing, HD video, and screen sharing and recording capabilities, making it ideal for creating recorded course content, hosting virtual office hours, inviting remote guest lecturers to your class, and more.

Best of all, GoToMeeting is available on all Simmons computers and can be installed on your personal computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Simmons Technology has created a guide to help faculty get started with GoToMeeting quickly and easily. If you’d like one-to-one assistance, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222.