The VRC supports CWAC classroom teaching equipment and consults with instructors on a variety of pedagogical considerations.
Classroom Equipment
All CWAC classrooms are equipped with AV systems that include a digital projector and screen, loudspeakers, microphones, a DVD-Blu-Ray player, and input panels to connect your device. Mini-DisplayPort to HDMI, USB-C to HDMI, Lightning to HDMI, and Mini-DisplayPort to VGA adapters are tethered to the cables.
Instructions for Connecting to the Projector
There are three cable connections in each classroom:
- USB-C: connect directly to your USB-C laptop, no adapter necessary
- HDMI with Apple adapters to both Mini Display port and USB-C: connect the digital HDMI cable to your Mac with the appropriate adapter.
- VGA with Apple adapter to Mini Display port: connect the analog VGA cable to your Mac. If using audio, remember to plug the audio cable into your headphone jack for sound to play through classroom speakers.
Turn the projector on at the AV rack. The source should be set to Table or Podium. (Note: If you are teaching in CWAC 157 or 153, the control panel for the AV rack has been moved to sit on top of the podium to accommodate the videoconferencing equipment and controls.) Plug in the appropriate cable and/or adapter and the projector will auto detect. This takes a moment while your computer and the system conduct a “handshake” — the screen may flicker while the connection is made, but will be stable going forward.
To turn the projector off, use the control panel on the AV rack.
To schedule an orientation to the classroom AV and/or video conferencing equipment, please write to visualresources@uchicago.edu.
Videoconferencing
All CWAC classrooms are equipped with videoconferencing technology that can be used in conjunction with the University’s Zoom software.
- CWAC 152: Logitech Group
- CWAC 156: Logitech Group
- CWAC 157: Vaddio EasyIP
- CWAC 153: Vaddio EasyIP
ATS maintains robust guides to the Logitech and Vaddio systems, including video demonstrations and written instructions.
In 157 and 153, the USB-C adapter attached to the HDMI cable also has a USB port. Use this adapter with the USB cable to connect to the videoconferencing equipment if your machine does not have a USB port.
In 152 and 156, the USB cable in the AV rack connected to the videoconferencing equipment has a USB to USB-C adapter tethered to it. Use this adapter to connect to the videoconferencing equipment if your machine does not have a USB port.
Microphones
Wearing a lav mic while you teach may help you project your voice through your mask, especially for hybrid teaching. Each classroom has a microphone that is already connected to the audio system, just turn it on and adjust the volume to your preference.
Each classroom also has a handheld microphone that students could pass, but the lav mic and handheld microphone CANNOT both be used at the same time. One must be turned off for the other to be used.
Assisted Listening Devices
CWAC 157 is equipped with assisted listening devices that are made available by reservation. Please email visualresources@uchicago.edu at least one week before the scheduled event to request the devices.
Available Classroom Equipment
The VRC facilitates standing reservations for courses and one-off equipment reservations. To reserve classroom equipment, please write to visualresources@uchicago.edu.
- Mac laptops
- Laser pointers (classroom sets and individual remotes)
- Google Cardboard VR viewers (set of 25)
- 3D glasses (classroom sets)
You can also reserve items from the Joel Snyder Materials Collection to be used during class or for personal research, as well as classroom sets of conservation equipment.
Optimal Projection Settings
Color Profile
The VRC recommends the color profile sRGB IEC61966-2.1 on Mac computers.
Image sizes for classroom projection
Images should be at least 1500 pixels on the long edge. The “Medium” export option in LUNA creates images that are optimally sized for use in slide decks for projection. For images that are very wide and skinny, such as a hand scroll painting, please use the “Large” export option.
For equipment rental or services not listed here, please contact Audio-Visual Services (AVS). If you need assistance after hours or when we are not in the VRC for courses or events, AVS is available Monday – Thursday, 8am-7pm and 8am-6pm Fridays. Please contact them at 773-834-4499.
Customized Instructional Sessions and Workshops
The VRC offers a number of instructional sessions and workshops that can be customized to fit your student's needs. Review our list of Instructional Sessions and Workshops.
Digital Exhibition Platforms
Interested in preparing or assigning a digital exhibition project to your students? See the guide to Digital Exhibition Platforms recommended by the VRC and supported by the Library and Academic Technology Solutions.
Remote
The VRC has published several resources on remote and hybrid teaching, including:
- VRC Cookbook of Remote and Hybrid Instructional Strategies in Art History
- VRC Notes on Teaching Remotely in Art History
