The LfA Technology Checklist provides a step-by-step list of actions to take prior to entering an LfA classroom for the first time as well as detailed guidance for setting yourself up in an LfA classroom.

The checklist is focused on Charles River and Fenway campus classrooms. BUMC classrooms have built-in classroom computers. Instructors teaching in such classrooms should disregard instructions related to laptop adapters and headphones.

A one-page summary of the checklist below is available here for you to print and take with you.

 Before coming to the classroom

1. Familiarize yourself with your classroom’s tech details

You can find this information using the Find A Classroom feature here. Each classroom has its own page with room specific details, including what type of LfA technology solution is available in that classroom and if the room offers a built-in classroom computer. Built-in classroom computers are available across BUMC and in many classrooms on the Charles River and Fenway campuses. Watch the appropriate video(s) here to learn more about your classroom’s LfA technology solution before your first visit.

2. Bring the right adapter if you will be using your laptop 

You will need to bring your own adapter to connect your laptop to the room AV system and LfA technology. An adapter guide video and an adapter handout are available and designed to help faculty identify which adapter is required for their own laptop/room combination.

If you don’t have the appropriate adapter, it would be ideal if you could obtain one before your first day of class. Your local IT support partner may have a small number of adapters to loan. Learning & Event Technology Services (LETS) will have a very limited supply of adapters for check out (delivery to classrooms not available) from our office in the College of Arts & Sciences (725 Commonwealth Ave, Room B05) but supplies and client access to the office may be limited. It is best to have your own. These common adapters are available for same-day pickup from local stores like BestBuy, Target or Micro Center.

3. Charge your laptop

Bring along your power adapter.

4. Charge and bring your Bluetooth headphones to use with your laptop

As explained in the room technology videos, all rooms have built-in microphones and, as a backup, some rooms have external microphones, most often in rooms with a built-in computer or a mobile cart. However, in some cases a pair of Bluetooth headphones will provide the best sound quality for your remote students. BU has approved the purchase of Bluetooth headphones for faculty and instructors who are teaching using their own laptops for classes with some level of in-person meetings this fall. These headphones are expected to arrive on Monday, August 31st. The Faculty Bluetooth Headphone Distribution Plan can be found here.

You may also use your own bluetooth headphones, if you own a set. The headphones cannot be used in conjunction with built-in classroom computers because Bluetooth is not enabled by design. Built-in classroom computers are the preferred method of connection across BUMC and in some spaces on the Charles River and Fenway campuses.  Audio is amplified using alternate technology in classrooms utilizing a built-in computer. Bluetooth headphones will need to be paired and connected with your laptop. We offer this video and suggest that you practice this process ahead of time.

5. Review the “In the Classroom” instructions given below and the CTL pedagogy video

Practice changing microphones, speakers and cameras on Zoom. See changing mic and cam videos.

Watch the video of classroom tips from the  CTL and review the list of resources and links that are mentioned in the video.

6. Have the Zoom links that you will use for the day handy

7. Coordinate with your moderator

If you have been approved for a LfA student moderator be sure to study the Instructor Guide to Teaching With Moderators. Please communicate with your moderator in advance and if possible set up a meeting to discuss how you will manage the LfA modality.

In the classroom

1. Turn on the “Crestron” control system

It’s the touchscreen on the wall; it takes a little time for the system to warm up and start.

2. Set the “Creston” system to the Wall Interface setting

3. Set up your computer

• Find the room HDMI (or VGA) cable
• Find the room USB cable 
• Plug these two cables to your adapter (or laptop)
• Plug your adapter to your laptop
• (Optional) If using VGA you will also need to connect the audio cable to your headphone jack
• (Optional) Set up the document camera or Wacom tablet
• (Optional) Connect your Bluetooth headset to your laptop
• Log in to your computer
• Start your Zoom session
• Make sure your computer is displaying on the classroom screen

For this to happen the “Crestron” screen should be set to the Wall Interface setting. 

• Make sure you can hear your remote students through the classroom audio. 

Make sure that the speaker corresponding to the room’s Wall Interface (e.g. “Display Port (Creston)”) is selected under the Select a speaker section in Zoom.

• Make sure that your remote students can see and hear you.

If you have issues with audio or video you may need to change the Select a Microphone and Select a Camera selections in Zoom. See changing mic and cam videos.

Troubleshooting

• If you experience any issues with the above steps, ask your classroom moderator for help.
• If you are in a classroom and experience an issue with the technology or to report a classroom facilities issue, please call the LETS Hotline at 617-353-3227.
• To report a classroom issue or ask a question that is not urgent, email classrooms@bu.edu or complete our request form.

Other Relevant BU Resources

CTL Faculty Guide: First Day of Class: A step-by-step guide that focuses on the instructional aspects of how to conduct your first LfA class

LfA Faculty Resources: BU’s hub of Learn from Anywhere faculty resources