Multi-Discipline Laboratory (MDL) - Basic Setup and Use Guide

Introduction

The format for putting each room into operation follows a “Lights, Camera, Action(s)” which generally includes the following: 

  1. "Lights”: This step includes turning on the lights and making any adjustments necessary to optimize the lighting in the room. 
  2. “Camera”: This step includes putting into operation & testing ALL components used for the session: computers, cameras / projectors, microphones, and applications. 
  3. “Action(s)": This step includes configuring & testing all settings for computers and applications to ensure successful operation.
  4.  If you get stuck at any point, please call IT Education Services at extension 5969. For emergency requests affecting life, health, or safety, please call the NEOMED Police Department at 330-325-5911.

Room Specific Notes

 

  • Use cases: The Multi-Discipline Laboratory (MDL) is used frequently for various laboratory activities. A unique feature about the MDL is the ability to separate the room into sections and use the room in multiple modes (Single / Dual / Quad / Lecture). The different modes will be discussed in depth in the "Action" section of this document. The MDL can be broken into 4 quad sections. The quad numbers correspond as follows: Quad D = 1, Quad C = 2, Quad B = 3, Quad A = 4
  • Video capabilities: The MDL contains a room PC & SMART annotation display monitor, 14 student computers, 14 corresponding SMART annotation display monitors, 14 PC station TV monitors, 3 classroom cameras, and a Document Camera.
  • Audio capabilities: The MDL contains 5* handheld microphones and 4 bodypack/lavalier microphone; both can be used simultaneously. *There is ONE microphone designated for use when in Lecture (full room) mode. IMPORTANT: Each microphone is labeled numerically because only one microphone of a given number can be used at a time (example: Handheld 1 and Bodypack/Lavalier 1 cannot be used simultaneously.) Additionally, audience microphones are active (unless muted) which will pick up audience responses on Zoom/Echo/etc. 
  • For display/audio purposes, you can utilize the room PC (Lectern PC input) or a laptop that can connect via HDMI (Laptop input.) 
  • When referring to the front of the room, this is the wall closest to the lectern where the instructor / presenter stands. 
  • When referring to the back of the room, this is the wall farthest away from the instructor station where the windows reside.

Preparing the Room

"Lights"

There are four doors that lead into the MDL. NEOMED ID badge access is available from entrances "A" and "B". Upon entering through either badge access door, look to the immediate right or left to find the light switches. The light switches can be used to turn on/off the lights and adjust the room lighting. The Touch Panel can also be used to adjust the room's lighting.

"Camera"

  1. Touch Panel - You can use the Touch Panel to adjust various technologies within the classroom such as enabling the projectors, TVs / screens, selecting your source input, camera adjustments, and room audio settings. To start up the room technology, simply touch the Touch Panel screen.
  2. Room Modes: Once you have started the Touch Panel, you will need to select the Room Mode. Once you have selected the Room Mode, the Touch Panel can be used to control the microphone volume and source inputs. The following Room Modes are:

  

  1. Lecture Mode: This is the standard mode for lecture/presentation to a single group. This assumes no partition separation and pushes the instructor PC (whether lectern PC or laptop) to all14 student station displays. While in Lecture Mode, you can control the separate quads (tap Quad Master Stations) and the camera from the lectern.

  1. Single Mode: In this mode, each student station PC is displayed individually on their respective monitors, enabling independent work in each station, while enabling the lectern PC to be displayed on the displays behind the lectern.
  2. Dual Mode: Divides the room in half for small group use. 
  3. Quad Mode: Divides the room in quarters for small group use.
  4. Advanced Routing: This option allows you to push different inputs from different sources to specific student computer stations. To push an input, first select the desired input, then press the button for the corresponding station where you wish to display the content.
  5. Wall Panels: Unique to the MDL, Wall Panels can be used can be use control display inputs and outputs when in Dual or Quad Mode. When the Room is in Dual Mode, wall panels 1 & 4 are used to control the two halves of the room. In Quad Mode, each quad wall panel is used to control its respective section of the room. One computer in each quad is designated as the Primary output source when in Quad Mode. Using the wall panel, the primary or local PC displays (or a mix thereof) within the quad can be sent to designated screens using the wall panel. 

  1. Log into the Lectern PC with the lecture username and associated password. 
  2. Turn on the microphone(s). Microphones are located in the cupboard to the right of the computer tower.
    • Handheld microphones: The microphones are normally on the stand located on the lectern (or in the drawer labeled Microphones). To mute and unmute this microphone, you must push and hold the tiny button on the bottom. *There is ONE microphone designated for use when in Lecture (full room) mode.
    • Bodypack/lavalier microphones: There are bodypack/lavalier microphones within the microphone drawer (labeled on the lectern) that can be used. Open the bottom panel to reveal on/off button and turn the unit on. To mute or unmute the mic, use the slide button on top of the bodypack microphone.

  1. Speak into the microphone(s) to ensure they work. Review the microphone(s) battery levels to determine if they need replaced (less than half charge). Spare batteries are found in the microphone drawer.

  2. If you are playing any videos through the PC, please test the sound levels by clicking the Sound icon and adjusting the volume level, as appropriate. If you do not hear the PC audio in the room, please select a different sound input, found right above the volume slider and re-test the volume slider.

"Action"

  1. Use the Touch Panel to touch the appropriate video input you would like to display:
    1. Lectern PC: The usual input is Lectern PC (the room computer.) This will display the left computer monitor in the room and through Zoom/Echo, as well as the room computer's audio. 
    2. Laptop: A laptop that accepts a HDMI input can be displayed in the room using the HDMI cable found on the lectern. Video/audio will be displayed in the room; however, Echo recordings scheduled in this room will not record the Laptop video/audio. (Echo recordings must be done using the Lectern PC input.)
    3. Document Camera: Document Camera: To display a paper document, place the item on the Document Camera and select it as the input source. You will need to hold the power button on the Document Camera to turn on the Camera (takes approximately 30 seconds to enable)

  2. The active camera used for lecture recordings and/or Zoom is selected on the Lectern PC page. Depending on the event, select Instructor Camera or Audience Camera, as appropriate. Using the right preview panel, you can view other camera views without affecting the active camera source. 

  3. If applicable, load PowerPoint slides onto Lectern PC.

    1. If using a flash drive, a USB input can be found under the left PC monitor to connect. Please copy the presentation from the flash drive to the desktop to mitigate the flash drive from failing mid-presentation.

    2. If the presentation is stored on OneDrive/email, please log into the appropriate account utilizing the Lectern PC's web browser and download the presentation to the desktop. 

    3. This PC is wiped nightly and files left on the desktop will be removed.

  4. Ensure that the USB PowerPoint slide advancer is connected and turned on. Check that the slides can be advanced using the clicker.  

Using Zoom

  1. Launch Zoom and sign in to the appropriate meeting account (calendar accounts, departmental account, by individual, etc.) 

  2. Start or join the appropriate Zoom meeting/webinar.

  3. Within the meeting/webinar, open the Zoom Audio settings and select the appropriate microphone and speaker options. Once selected, select Test Speaker & Microphone and ensure both selected options are working (i.e., you can hear yourself and the computer chime within the room.) 

  1. If you plan to share a PowerPoint presentation over Zoom, click the green Share icon and select the associated Presentation. If not shared, Zoom participants as well as the Zoom recording (if applicable) will not see the presentation.

  1. If recording the Zoom session, select Record then Record to Cloud.

  2. Click on PowerPoint presentation with the mouse before you begin, otherwise, you will not be able to advance the slides with the USB clicker (if using.) 

  3. Time permitting, you can test your audio with those remotely joining on Zoom.

  4. Ensure you are unmuted and your video is on (if needed) by clicking the Audio and Video icons until they do not appear with a red line through each.

Troubleshooting

Basic Principles

  • Login: Ensure you are using the correct login credentials on the PC. 

  • Check the system settings: Are the settings correct for the audio, video, etc? 

  • Check power/connections: Ensure all items are properly connected and powered. 

  • Check the batteries for battery powered items. *Most handheld and body pack microphones use AA batteries. Extra disposable batteries are usually located in the lectern drawers. Rechargeable batteries & charger are usually plugged in near the lectern. Exceptions are: F118 (9V batteries in lectern) & Meshel (rechargeable batteries in back room. 

  • Close it and reopen it: When dealing with pesky websites, close the tab, or even better the browser, then log back in. 

  • Room or microphone audio not working: On the Touch Panel, touch Exit System and then confirm. Wait 1-2 minutes and then touch the Touch Panel to start the room again. 

  • If you have tried these steps and are unsuccessful, call IT Education Services at 330-325-5969. 

Room Technology

  • Troubleshooting the Cameras: Use the Touch Panel to adjust the camera(s) view. If you are unable to adjust the cameras, call IT.  

  • Troubleshooting the Microphones: Check the batteries & volume. Use the Touch Panel to adjust the volume of Instructor Audio found on the Lectern PC input selection.

  • Troubleshooting Zoom: Ensure you are logged into the correct account using the correct credentials. Check the Audio and Video settings. Ensure the proper audio and video options are selected. 

  • If you have tried these steps and are unsuccessful, call IT Education Services at 330-325-5969.

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