Classroom Technology Guides

ePodium

Standard Hardware

Each standard classroom ePodium contains the following:

  • Computer
  • Monitor
  • Desk phone
  • Touch panel
  • Keyboard and mouse
  • Webcam
  • PowerPoint remote
  • Laptop connectivity cable (VGA or HDMI, depending on the room)

Each standard classroom typically has the computer in the bottom-right cabinet, and any available A/V equipment can be found to the left of it. The above ePodium has, from top to bottom: a DVD player, a VCR, and a Blu Ray player (available by request).

On top of the podium you can find the touch panel, the podium monitor, a webcam, and a reading light on one side.

On top of the podium on the other side you’ll find the computer monitor, the desk phone, and the laptop cable.

Within the keyboard tray you can find the keyboard, mouse, PowerPoint remote, and spare batteries for any device in the tray that may need them.

Using the Computer

Signing In

You can sign in to a podium computer either with your NetID or with the public podium credentials (the username and password for these credentials are posted on each podium).

If you do not have a NetID then please speak to your Department Coordinator.

To sign in with your NetID, enter your username as YourNetID@netid, then enter your password into the password field.

Things to Know

Data on the podium computers may be erased at any time, so do not save anything important onto the podium computer. Instead, save any important files onto your U: Drive.

Always log off of your account when leaving the classroom to ensure that your account is secure.

If using the public podium credentials, be sure to always sign out of online accounts, do not sync cloud data, and do not save web browser passwords.

Touch Panel

Each standard classroom has a touch panel that can be used to control the projector and speaker system in the room. The touch panel’s default screen when the room is available for use can be seen below.

When you touch this screen to begin using the classroom technology system, you will be given the option to either use the projector with its audio system, or simply use the audio system separately. (This is typically used when a presenter may only want to use a microphone, but have no visuals.)

After selecting a startup option, you will be taken to the home screen of the system. From here you have various tabs to select based on what type of material you’re attempting to present. We’ll go over each of these tabs in-depth.

In the “Show Computer” tab, you can select various computer inputs:

-The “PODIUM PC” option projects the image from the computer built in to the classroom.

-The “LAPTOP” option projects the image of the laptop that is connected to the classroom system via the included VGA or HDMI cable (depending on the room).

-The “EASYMP” option projects the image of a device that is connected via the EasyMP application wirelessly. This is only advised with advanced preparation and knowledge of the EasyMP application. Please contact UW Bothell IT in advance if you would like to use this option.

The “BLACK SCREEN” button will project a black image on the projector, allowing you to control the computer without anyone being able to view the computer on the projector. This is suggested only for brief usage, as the black screen functionality still uses the projector’s lamp and should not be used as a way to turn off the projector permanently.

The volume control section on the bottom half of this screen will let you adjust the volume level of the audio coming from your selected source, as indicated by the red volume bar on the right-hand side.

The “SCREEN” button can be used to manually raise and lower the screen that the classroom system projects on. (The screen automatically lowers and raises as the classroom system is turned on and off.)

The “VOICE” button can be used to adjust the microphone volume.

By tapping the “VOICE” button on the previous screen, you can adjust the volume for each of the microphone options in the classroom. Since every classroom has a microphone, you will be able to adjust the volume of that microphone here. If the classroom has any additional microphones, then you’ll also be able to adjust their volume levels independently here. (This example room has a built-in podium microphone, which can be controlled by the “AUX MIC VOLUME” buttons.)

In the “PLAY VIDEO” tab, you can select different video sources to project and play across the classroom technology system. (For DVDs, it’s suggested to use the DVD player built-in to the computer. A dedicated DVD player is still supplied in case that is your preference.)

Once you select your source, you must then tap the “PROJECTOR” button to show the video source on the projector.

You are also given controls for whichever video source you select. With the touch panel you can play, pause, skip, stop, or scan the DVD. You can also control the volume to the right in the “VOLUME” section.

On the left-hand side you can press the “Menu Buttons” button to access the DVD player menu buttons as if you were using a standard remote, in the case that you need to navigate the DVD menu with the touch panel.

In the “PLAY AUDIO” tab, you can use the DVD player to play a CD or only audio from a DVD without projecting any image.

The “PODIUM MONITOR” tab can be used to duplicate the VCR or DVD player image onto the small podium display to the right of the touch panel. This is useful when wanting to watch a DVD or VHS tape that you’re displaying to the class without having to turn to face the projection screen at a close angle.

Some of the touch panels on campus can control the lighting system in the classroom. If this is the case, then you will see a “LIGHTS” tab on your touch panel as seen below. Tapping that button will bring up an overlay that allows you to select several light presets for the room or turn off all of the lights.

The “HELP” button displays the phone number for the UW Bothell IT Helpdesk as well as the room number you are currently in. Use the phone located on the podium and dial 23456 if you need any technical assistance in a classroom, and the Helpdesk will transfer you to a Classroom & Event Support Technician immediately.

The “SHUT DOWN” button will display this screen when pressed. After 30 seconds the system will shut down, or you can tap the large “W” to immediately shut down the system. Please shut down the system after you have finished using it, as this saves the projector lamp from being consumed when the system is turned on.

Need More Help?

Please fill out the Classroom & Meeting Room Services Request form if you need any additional technology or services to be provided for your class. On this form you can find a wide array of services and deployable hardware, including document cameras and Blu-ray players. We are also able to provide one-on-one trainings for the classroom technology if this page doesn’t answer all of your questions.

If you are teaching class and need immediate assistance, please use the desk phone to call 2-3456 and stay on the line for immediate assistance. We are able to provide immediate assistance during the regular operating hours of the UW Bothell IT Helpdesk, which can be found here.