Dental Simulation Lab - 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.

If you get stuck at any point, please call IT Education Services at extension 5969.

Room Specific Notes

  • Use cases: The 56-seat Dental Simulation Lab is used specifically for the didactic training of College of Dentistry students (55 student stations/1 instructor station).
  • Audio capabilities: The Dental Simulation Lab contains 2 head-worn microphones for audio reinforcement in the room. Both microphones can be used simultaneously.
  • Video capabilties: The Dental Simulation Lab contains 1 instructor camera (for Zoom / Echo recordings), various dental specific equipment.
  • For display/audio purposes, at this time, you can utilize the instructor PC (Instructor Source 1) to display to the student stations for instructional purposes. A mobile camera and laptop input will be made available in the future.
  • Room orientation: When referring to the front of the room, the wall closest to the wet lab is considered the front.

Preparing the Room

"Lights"

To adjust the lighting in this room, use the light panel located on to the inside right of the door as you enter the from the Academic Corridor. There are four light sections in the room. The top left light switch controls the main light. To turn on one or more of the light sections, press the buttons on the left. To turn off the light(s), press the corresponding button on the right.

"Camera"

IMPORTANT: The Touch Panel is always active (i.e. no "touch this screen to begin screen"). Additionally, the student and instructor PCs should always be on however they may appear off (black screen) as a 1 hour sleep policy has been applied. If you see a screen appears off, please move the corresponding mouse or press the space bar of the keyboard to wake the computer up.

  1. Touch Panel: To start the room, simply select an input source on the Touch Panel (In most instructional activities, the option selected should be "Instructor Station 1". )

  1. Logging into the PC: The instructor PC should already be logged in to the built-in PC profile (if issues arise, please contact extension 6911).
  2. Microphones: There are two head-worn microphones within the Microphone drawer that can be used (pictured below). To use the microphones, follow these steps:
    1. Retrieve the microphone(s) from the Microphone drawer.
    2. Open the battery pack by depressing two buttons on the side of the microphone to find the power button (pictured below)
    3. Press and hold the power button to turn on the microphone (pictured below). The light indicator on the top of the microphone should flash until it turns a solid color.
    4. Close the battery pack.
    5. On the top of the microphone is a mute toggle. Slide the toggle to mute or unmute the microphone (amber color is muted/green color is unmuted - pictured below).

     

  1. The headset portion of the microphone is worn with the stems routed over the ears and the headband worn behind the head. The Velcro strap can be used to tighten the headband as necessary.
  2. Speak into the microphone(s) to ensure it works and you can hear yourself in the room. 
  3. Review the microphone(s) battery levels to determine if they need replaced (less than half charge). Spare rechargeable microphone batteries are found on top of the lectern in the microphone charger (pictured below).  To install the rechargeable batteries in the microphone:
    1. Remove existing microphone battery (if rechargeable, please insert pack back into charger (pictured below).
    2. Depress button on the battery charger and slide out battery pack (pictured below). 
    3. Insert the battery pack into the microphone with the contacts matching (+ and -) on the microphone and battery.

  1. If you are playing any videos or need sound to be heard in the Simulation Lab through the instructor PC, please test the sound levels by clicking the Sound icon on the bottom-right portion of the Instructor PC toolbar (#1 in picture below) and adjusting the volume level, as appropriate (#2 in picture below). If you do not hear the PC audio in the room, please select a different sound input, found to right of the volume slider in Windows toolbar (#3 in picture below), and re-test the volume slider to ensure you can hear sound in the room.

"Action"

  1. Use the Touch Panel to touch the appropriate video input you would like to display. Currently, only Instructor Station 1 is operational. In the near future, you will be able to utilize a mobile instructional camera and a laptop via external HDMI cables. 

  • Instructor Station 1: Sends the instructor/lectern PC image to the student station displays.

  1. If applicable, load PowerPoint slides onto Instructor PC.

  • If using a flash drive, a USB input can be found on the right bottom corner of the PC monitor to connect (see picture below). Please copy the presentation from the flash drive to the desktop to mitigate the flash drive from failing mid-presentation.
  • If the presentation is stored on OneDrive/email, please log into the appropriate account utilizing the Instructor PC's web browser and download the presentation to the desktop. 
  • This PC is wiped nightly and files left on the desktop will be removed.

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

Special Considerations: Student Station PC Local Mode vs. Instructor Mode

  1. Student station PCs can be in either Local Mode or Instructor Mode. By default, the Student Station PCs are in Instructor Mode.

  • Instructor Mode: Student Station PCs will display the input selected at the Instructor station touchpanel (i.e. selecting Instructor Station 1 on the touchpanel will display the instructor display on all of the student station PC displays.
  • Local Mode: Student Station PCs will display the local PC screen.
  1. To switch modes, find, press and release the slightly receesed button (pictured below) that is on the lower right bottom edge of the PC, next to the power button. 

Troubleshooting

Basic Principles

  • For emergency requests affecting life, health, or safety, please call the NEOMED Police Department at 330-325-5911.

  • 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.  

  • 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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