Classroom Help FAQ

How do I report a problem in my classroom?

The media console helpdesk telephone number is 471-9666. Problems may also be reported using e-mail at the following address: help-la-classroom@austin.utexas.edu.

Is the media console help desk available only during business hours?

The helpdesk telephone number is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There will not always be someone on campus, during odd hours, to physically respond to your needs, however, most problems can be resolved on the telephone.

Where can I get a key for the media console?

Not all classroom technology installations require a key. If you need one for your Media Console, keys are issued, during business hours, from the Liberal Arts ITS office in Mezes Hall, Room 2.302.

How do I operate the technology in my classroom?

There are too many answers to that question to be listed here. We have a web page with Common Questions About Technology Classroom Operation and,of course, we'd be glad to come to your classroom and show you. Call (512) 471-9666 to set up an appointment.

Is there a class I could take about using instructional technology?

The College of Liberal Arts offers Technology Orientation Classes for the seminar room, regular classroom, and large auditorium installations. Additionally, the Center for Teaching and Learning offers an extensive catalogue of course offerings designed to help you make the most of "Smart Classrooms."

Is there some sort of Quick Start Guide I can print out?

We have two kinds of quick starts. There is a web page with Common Operational Questions and, also, a double-sided Media Console Quick Start Guide in Adobe Acrobat format.

Can I make a video or conference call from a Classroom?

Most Macintosh OS-X computers in classrooms have the Skype application. WebCams are available for check-out and are "plug and play" on the OS-X computers. At the present time, this Skype/WebCam combination is our only classroom video conference solution. For more information see Using Skype in CoLA classrooms.

Do all Liberal Arts media consoles have computers in them?

Most consoles have both a Macintosh OS-X computer and a Microsoft Windows computer. Some small seminar rooms are designed for you to bring your own laptop as a content source. Check our Classroom website for a description of the equipment in each room.

What software applications are installed on the media console computers?

Please refer to the following link for a list of currently installed software applications.

What if I want to install a software application that is not on the list?

While you are logged into a computer using your University of Texas EID you may install most kinds of software. The software installation will be automatically removed after you log out of the computer.

What if I want to have a particular piece of software on the computer in my classroom every day without having to re-install it every time I log on to the computer?

In order to insure a consistent user experience, Liberal Arts computers all share a common software suite. What you find in one L.A. classroom you will find in any other L.A. classroom. For this reason permanent installation of software applications is restricted.

What if I want a software application permanently installed as part of the software suite so that it is always there when I log into the computer and also available to everyone else?

Requests for permanent software installations to the Media Console software suite should be made using the following address:
help-la-classroom@austin.utexas.edu.

You will receive an automatic reply to let you know that your request has been logged into the system. Please allow at least three full business days for your request to be reviewed by our software technicians and to receive a personal response.

Can you tell me some of the restrictions to the kind of software applications that may be installed?

Yes, peer-to-peer software applications are rarely approved for installation. Other types of software applications may involve legal issues or licensing requirements that render them unable to be installed as part of the permanent software package. Still other types of software applications can conflict with the operation of programs that are an essential part of the Media Console software suite.