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[Public web]
[Staff web]

DIRC Committee
dirc-lib@MIT.EDU

 MIT Libraries
Digital Instruction Resource Center (DIRC), 14N-132

 

Using DIRC

Access | Class Materials | Supplies | Computers | Projector | Microphone | Sound system | Help | Closing Up

 

Access to the room:

The DIRC will be accessible to all library staff via your MIT identification card. The card reader has been programmed to allow entry by any library staff member, excluding casual employees and student workers.

If you discover that your ID does not work, please contact Mike Smith, 3-7096, masmith@mit.edu, for assistance.

A key to DIRC will remain at the Hayden Circulation Desk as a backup in cases when your card may not work or the card reader is inoperable.

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Class Materials

Computer Files
All computers have access to a folder on the R:\ drive entitled "Training". Use this folder to store training related files.

A shortcut icon on the general desktop will direct you to the "Training" folder where special training materials can be stored and accessed for sessions.

Remember, anyone who uses the computers will be able to access the materials in this folder. Note: Do not use the folder on the R:\ drive entitled "DIRC."

Class Handouts
Handouts for classes can be stored in the filing cabinets on the left side of the room, near the instructor's station.

If you do not store handouts in the cabinets, please be sure to take all materials with you when you leave.

Teaching Aids
Both a wooden and laser pointer will reside in DIRC at the instructor's station.

There is a small whiteboard with markers located on the the front right side of the DIRC classroom.

The back wall of the DIRC can be used for posting materials.

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Supplies

Supplies are kept in the cabinet at the front of the room. If you notice that supplies are low, please contact diroff-lib@mit.edu.

Inventory:

  • Paper for the printer
  • Toner cartidge for the printer
  • Markers for white board
  • Cleaner for white board
  • Cleaning wipes for computers
  • Kleenex
  • Pens
  • Spare batteries for remote control and microphone
  • Maps and guides
  • Any spare giveaways
  • Surge protectors
  • Extension cords
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Computers

Turning Computers On:
If you are the first person using DIRC, you will need to turn on all computers and their monitors. Power switches for the computers are located near the word "OPTIPLEX". The power button for the monitor is located on the bottom far right below the screen (should yield a green light on the flat screen border area).

All computers should be left on and logged on throughout the day. They will automatically shut down at a prescheduled time at the end of each day.

Logging In:
The computers should log themselves in automatically. If a computer asks you to log in, restart the computer to trigger the automatic log in.

It is possible to log in as yourself, but it is not recommended. If you do log in as yourself, when you are done please restart the computers to trigger the automatic log in. If you have problems with a computer powering on or making a connection, make sure cords and cables are plugged in and connected.

Operating System:
All computers are running Windows XP SP2. It is suggested that you familiarize yourself with the XP operating system before you start a training session.

Software:
The DIRC computers have a wide range of software available for training. Check the software listing to find software currently available in DIRC.

Computer Drives:

C:\ Drive:
Is reserved for program files. NO FILES SHOULD BE SAVED TO THE C:\ DRIVE. Installed on each computer is the protective software Clean Slate. This software cleans off temporary files and settings from the C:\ drive each day.

T:\ Drive (Use for Saving Temporary Files) :
Temporary files should be written to the T:\ drive. Files will stay on the T:\ drive until you erase them. Please be sure to erase any files you do not need after your class is over.

Monitors:
The computer monitors shut down after long periods of inactivity. Touch the keyboard to reactivate the computer.

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Projector
The DIRC projector is mounted to the ceiling of the DIRC. It is controlled by a remote, which will be kept in the drawer under the instructor's station. The projector will be hooked up to the instructor's computer workstation. It is already connected to a power source, which is indicated by the 2 lights (yellow and pale green) on the bottom of the projector.

TIP: You can aim the remote at the projection screen. The signal will bounce off of the screen to the projector.

Turning the Projector On:
Use the remote located in the drawer beneath the instructor's station. Stand directly under the screen, with your back against the wall (you will be facing the classroom). Lift the remote over your head. Press the On button, aiming for the small box to the left of the projector's lens. The light on the bottom of the projector will be green (with no yellow light next to it) when it is turning on. It will take several seconds to warm up. Please be patient.

The projector will the display whatever appears on the instructor's station monitor. If it is not displaying properly, and the instructor's machine is turned on, it may not be set to the proper channel. Press the RGB button on the remote, aiming for the small box to the left of the projector's lens. Press the button again until RGB1 or the instructor's screen is displayed.

Turning the Projector Off:
Stand directly under the screen, with your back against the wall (you will be facing the classroom). Lift the remote over your head. Press the Off button, aiming for the small box to the left of the projector's lens. You will be prompted on the screen to continue. If you are ready to shut the projector off, press the Enter button, aiming for the small box to the left of the projector's lens. If you are not ready to shut the projector off, press the Cancel button, aiming for the small box to the left of the projector's lens. Then press Enter.

Attaching the Projector to Your Personal Laptop
There is a cable attached to the left hand side of the instructor's station, labeled PROJECTOR. Attach this cable to your laptop. Turn the projector on. Press the RGB button on the remote, aiming for the small box to the left of the projector's lens. Press the button again until RGB2 or your laptop's screen is displayed.

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Microphone
A wireless lapel clip microphone and transmitter is in the drawer under the instructor's station. It connects to the two sound units under the instructor's station. PLEASE DO NOT ADJUST ANY UNLABELED DIALS. To use the microphone:

  • Turn on the top sound unit, located under the instructor's station. The power button is located on the left hand side.
  • Turn on the lower sound unit, located under the instructor's station. The power button is a flip switch on the right hand side.
  • Turn the microphone unit on. The switch is located at the top of the transmitter box.
  • Attach the microphone to your shirt lapel, or where ever you can attach it at about shoulder level. Place the transmitter in your pocket, attach it to your belt, or hold it (whichever you are most comfortable with).
  • DO NOT ADJUST ANY UNLABELED DIALS. To control the sound volume, use the LAPEL MIC dial.
  • When you are finished, turn off all equipment and store the microphone unit in the drawer with the projector remote.

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Sound system
The instructor's computer is hooked up to the speakers in the DIRC via the two sound units under the instructor's station. PLEASE DO NOT ADJUST ANY UNLABELED DIALS. To use the speakers for sound coming from the instructor's computer:

  • Turn on the top sound unit, located under the instructor's station. The power button is located on the left hand side.
  • DO NOT ADJUST ANY UNLABELED DIALS. To control the sound volume, use the PC SOUND dial.
  • The instructor's computer is muted. To hear sound, go to the sound controls of the computer, located in the bottom right corner of the windows menu bar at the bottom of the computer screen. Remove the check mark next to the MUTE box to allow for sound.
  • Do not control the volume with the sound controls of the computer. To adjust the sound, use the PC SOUND dial on the sound unit.
  • When you are finished, open the sound controls of the computer, located in the bottom right corner of the windows menu bar at the bottom of the computer screen. Click the box to MUTE the computer.
  • Turn off the top sound unit. The power button is located on the left hand side.
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Help

Technical Problems:
If you experience technical problems while using DIRC please contact the systems office at 3-1617 or fix-lib@mit.edu.

Facility Related Problems:
If you notice or are experiencing a problem associated with physical aspects of the room, please contact Mike Smith at 3-7096 or masmith@mit.edu. An example of this would be a power outage or water problem.

Policy Questions or Suggestions:
If you are unclear about a policy issue or if you have a suggestion, please contact the DIRC Committee at dirc-lib@mit.edu.

DIRC Phone Number:
If you need to receive a call the DIRC Phone number is 617-324-6200.

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Closing Up:
Please make sure that you do the following before you leave DIRC:

  • Turn off lights.
  • Gather personal possessions.
  • If you are the last trainer of the day (Check this by looking at the online calendar in TechTime) , turn off all of the machines. To do this, press CTRL-ALT-DEL and choose "Shut Down".
  • Turn the projector off.
    Stand directly under the screen, with your back against the wall (you will be facing the classroom). Lift the remote over your head. Press the Off button, aiming for the small box to the left of the projector's lens. You will be prompted on the screen to continue. Press the Enter button, aiming for the small box to the left of the projector's lens.
  • Return the remote and microphone (if used) to the drawer under the instructor's station.
  • Erase any files you no longer need for the training. This includes any temporary files you created.
  • Insure the door is locked.
  • If you have used a key to gain access, return it to where you got it.

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