Technology at tutorialsA look at the practical and possible in terms of using technology at tutorial venues. Some hints and tips to lift the veil on the mysterious world of PCs and projectors and the Internet in study centres the length and breadth of R13

Nigel Gibson – 16/06/12

What I’m going to coverWhat I’m going to cover• Some thoughts on using technology in tutorials• Some ideas on how to make sure that you are

prepared

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What I’m not going to coverWhat I’m not going to cover• How to make a perfect omelette (but I can offer some

tips)• How to get new/different technologies available in

venues• How to turn on the projector in room NT06 at

Canterbury Christ Church University

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• So who are you? What are you here for?

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Process (in R13)Process (in R13)• Book your kit well in advance (as early as possible!)• Any passwords will be in the room allocation email• If you have any problems with the kit at the venue let

Trudi Turner (AL Services) know and she will feed it back

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What you might getWhat you might get• The shiniest bit of brand-spanking new IT equipment The shiniest bit of brand-spanking new IT equipment

ever seenever seen• A tatty old hand-cranked steam-driven PC last used for A tatty old hand-cranked steam-driven PC last used for

plotting the line of Hadrian’s Wallplotting the line of Hadrian’s Wall

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What you won’t getWhat you won’t get• An overhead projector• On-site technical support

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SmartboardsSmartboards

• There are a few sites which have them• There is a wide range of kit• In some sites there are instructions – but not all

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What you can’t rely onWhat you can’t rely on• Anything!• Don’t assume that there will be an optical drive• Always assume that any wireless connection will fail

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Let there be…..Let there be…..• Generally there will be

instructions• Often they will be

incomprehensible• There will usually be a

panel with buttons• They might be labelled

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In the absence of instructionsIn the absence of instructions• Be patient• The easiest option is usually

the right one• Turn on the PC first• Let that warm up before

attempting the projector• Give the kit time to wake up• Don’t plug in the USB before

turning on the PC

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CDCD

Floppy diskFloppy disk

Memory stickMemory stick

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Be careful…..Be careful…..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-1758254213Technology at tutorials

Seriously.....Seriously.....• Check what is on your memory stick – including folder

names• Images of family? Your home? 14Technology at tutorials

File typesFile types• Don’t assume that the PC

will have the latest version of PowerPoint so save as a PPT

• Then save as PPS

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If you use a MacIf you use a Mac• Check the file formats• Check them again

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If you are taking your own PC...If you are taking your own PC...• Make sure that it has a “VGA out” socket• And that you know how to change the screen resolution

and enable the second monitor

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The InternetThe Internet• Eeeek!• This presentation is

available on the Internet

• I also have it stored in Dropbox (in the Cloud)

• I am showing you the version on a memory stick

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Wherever possibleWherever possible

• Have back-up screenshots of web sites• Download videos so that you have a local copy• Don’t rely on the web connection

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Be defensiveBe defensive• Belt & bracesBelt & braces• Have a back-up Have a back-up

planplan• Question what Question what

value is added by value is added by the technologythe technology

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Any questions?Any questions?