This document provides tips for using technology in tutorial settings. It discusses preparing equipment in advance, the variety of technologies that may be available, issues that could arise, and ways to avoid relying on unstable connections. Key advice includes booking equipment early, having backup content locally, and not assuming all functions will work as expected. The goal is to help lift the veil on using technology while also being cautious about reliability.

1. Technology at tutorials
A look at the practical and possible in terms of using
technology at tutorial venues. Some hints and tips to lift the
veil on the mysterious world of PCs and projectors and the
Internet in study centres the length and breadth of R13
Nigel Gibson – 16/06/12

2. What I’m going to cover
• Some thoughts on using technology in tutorials
• Some ideas on how to make sure that you are
prepared
Technology at tutorials 2

3. What I’m not going to cover
• How to make a perfect omelette (but I can offer some
tips)
• How to get new/different technologies available in
venues
• How to turn on the projector in room NT06 at
Canterbury Christ Church University
Technology at tutorials 3

4. • So who are you? What are you
here for?
Technology at tutorials 4

5. Process (in R13)
• Book your kit well in advance (as early as possible!)
• Any passwords will be in the room allocation email
• If you have any problems with the kit at the venue let
Trudi Turner (AL Services) know and she will feed it
back
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6. What you might get
• The shiniest bit of brand-spanking new IT equipment
ever seen
• A tatty old hand-cranked steam-driven PC last used for
plotting the line of Hadrian’s Wall
Technology at tutorials 6

7. What you won’t get
• An overhead projector
• On-site technical support
Technology at tutorials 7

8. Smartboards
• There are a few sites which have them
• There is a wide range of kit
• In some sites there are instructions – but not all
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9. What you can’t rely on
• Anything!
• Don’t assume that there will be an optical drive
• Always assume that any wireless connection will fail
Technology at tutorials 9

10. Let there be…..
• Generally there will be
instructions
• Often they will be
incomprehensible
• There will usually be a
panel with buttons
• They might be labelled
Technology at tutorials 10

11. In the absence of instructions
• Be patient
• The easiest option is usually
the right one
• Turn on the PC first
• Let that warm up before
attempting the projector
• Give the kit time to wake up
• Don’t plug in the USB before
turning on the PC
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12. CD
Floppy disk
Memory stick
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13. Be careful…..
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17582542
Technology at tutorials 13

14. Seriously.....
• Check what is on your memory stick – including folder
names
• Images of family? Your home?
Technology at tutorials 14

15. File types
• Don’t assume that the PC
will have the latest
version of PowerPoint so
save as a PPT
• Then save as PPS
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16. If you use a Mac
• Check the file formats
• Check them again
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17. If you are taking your own PC...
• Make sure that it has a “VGA out” socket
• And that you know how to change the screen resolution
and enable the second monitor
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18. The Internet
• Eeeek!
• This presentation is
available on the
Internet
• I also have it stored
in Dropbox (in the
Cloud)
• I am showing you
the version on a
memory stick
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19. Wherever possible
• Have back-up screenshots of web sites
• Download videos so that you have a local copy
• Don’t rely on the web connection
Technology at tutorials 19

20. Be defensive
• Belt & braces
• Have a back-up
plan
• Question what
value is added by
the technology
Technology at tutorials 20

21. Any questions?
Technology at tutorials 21