Successful Lectures with Computer Projection

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Check out the Classroom BEFORE you Present!

• Many of the UO classrooms are equipped with computer projection equipment. Many of the UO classrooms are equipped with computer projection equipment, for instance, but not all work the same and some may not be fully equipped. Be sure to check Media Service's Multimedia Room List to find out.
  
• If you aren't assigned to one of the classrooms on campus with built-in computer projection, you can obtain the hardware and assistance you need to set it up from several places on campus.
  
• Check to see that the window coverings adequately block outside light.
  
• The projection system should be bright enough to project a clear, crisp image.
  
• Any projected images and/or text should be large enough so that students seated in the rear of the classroom can easily read the text and view images.
  
• Students need enough light to take notes. Lights located on the rear and side of the classroom are best suited for this purpose. All lights in the front of the classroom should be dimmed. Some presentation tutorials also recommend avoiding turning down the lights too far, or all the way, in order to keep the audience alert and awake during your presentation.

Is Network Access Necessary for the Presentation?

If your presentation involves connecting to the Internet (e.g. websites of interest, online videos, etc.) then you must have access to the UO's Internet connection, which requires that:

• The classroom has a stable and live wireless node, or if not wireless an active Ethernet jack. This information is available from Network Services (541-346-4357, http://it.uoregon.edu/is/nts) and Information Services (541-346-4357, http://it.uoregon.edu/is/home).
• The computer you are using has a wireless or Ethernet card.
• For wireless access to the uowireless connection you must have your UO ID (your uoregon account name and password, which is what you normally access your uoregon email with). This information is also available from Network Services (http://it.uoregon.edu/internet).

Basic Preparation

We cannot recommend strongly enough that you test your presentation ahead of time. Set up the equipment and run through the presentation as completely as you can, at least a day before your class. This will give you enough time to fix the problems that crop up during the test. Run the test in the classroom where you will be presenting, so you can test the network connection and the viewing suitability of that classroom.

Prepare a backup. If your presentation depends on certain files, make sure you make a second copy of these files.

If your presentation depends on Web pages, be prepared to run the presentation locally. You can do this by saving the web html pages to your computer with all the files that the Web page will reference in your presentation. For assistance in properly making copies of web pages visit the Center for Media and Educational Technologies Consulting group (CMET Consulting).

Walk around the classroom and view the presentation from different points in the classroom. Check to see that the image is clear and easily viewed from all angles of the room. Make sure the text is large enough for all to read. Are all font colors easily seen? Be aware that color blind students have trouble seeing certain colors. Check with your students to find out if any have vision problems.

On the day of your class, get to the classroom early to allow plenty of time to set up everything you need. Know who to contact and how if something isn't right and is beyond your ability to fix. Remember also to allow for time after the presentation set up and before the class starts to still have time to answer those normal individual student questions one gets before class.