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Software Installation Policy
Originally the Smart Classooms were designed to provide a network
connection and data projector, with faculty supplying their own
laptop computers. Because of the inconvenience of having to bring
a laptop computer into the room and set it up for each class, it was decided
to try a pilot program where computers with a generic suite of software were permantently installed in the
Smart Classrooms. By generic it is meant that all the Smart Classroom
computers are essentially identical "appliances" and have
installed on them the most commonly used campus software applications.
It was realized from the outset that the program would not
be able to provide customized installations wherein all the software
that faculty may want to use could be installed and maintained. The pilot
program was deemed a success, and since then every Smart Classroom
has been equipped with a computer. In order to provide computers in as many rooms as possible it was
decided that we would have to accept a sacrifice in the flexibility
of adding software.
Smart Classroom Software Suite
Software installed in the Smart Classrooms is maintained as a "Smart Classoom
software suite" and is identical on all Smart Classoom computers
(software
suite list). Any software added to the suite is added to all
the Smart Classroom computers. Currently, this is the only way that
we can effectively ensure reliable operation of the Smart Classroom
computers and have the ability to rebuild these computers quickly
in case of problems.
Options for Using Non-Standard Software in the Smart Classrooms
It is understood that if a faculty needs to teach using a specific
software program that is not installed on the Smart Classoom computer,
then the computer is of little use. There are several options for
using non-standard software in a Smart Classroom:
- Request that the desired non-standard software be added to
the Smart Classoom software suite.
With our present resources
the ability to add non-standard software is severely constrained.
Our basic policy for adding non-standard software to the Smart Classroom
software suite is as follows:
- Software must be 30mb or smaller in size when installed.
- Software must not require any changes to the existing Smart Classroom
hardware (e.g. extra memory, addition of internal boards,
external dongle, etc.)
- Classroom Support must be provided with a licensed
copy of the software.
- Use the following link to request that your software be
added to the Smart Classroom software suite:
Smart Classroom Software Installation Request
- Self install.
If the desired software does not meet the above criteria
but is only going to be used once or infrequently, the faculty
may install the software on the Smart Classroom computer themselves
before their class. Note that the software used to maintain
the Smart Classroom computers will automatically erase the installed
software overnight, so the non-standard software will need to
be installed before each class that it is needed in. If you
intend to use this approach, please notify Classroom Support
by email: Classroom Support
- Laptop.
If neither of the above options is adequate, the faculty is
encouraged to install the custom software on a laptop computer
and bring the computer into the Smart Classroom. The data projector
and network connection in the Smart Classrooms can be
connected to the laptop very easily. For help in getting
set up to use your laptop in a Smart Classroom contact Classroom Support at x5475.
- Department computer.
In exceptional cases, Classroom Support will consider
working with a department to enable a second computer (provided
and maintained by the department) to be installed in the Smart Classroom.
The department would then be in full control of all software maintained
on this second computer. If your department is interested in exploring
this approach contact Classroom Support
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