Body
Description
This document outlines standards and guidelines chosen at Ohio University to ensure a consistent, user-friendly, and effective experience for students, faculty, and staff when using a Mac classroom computer in a Centrally Scheduled classroom.
These standards apply to all Centrally Scheduled classroom Windows and Mac computers across Ohio University Athens campuses, including hardware, software, and user support procedures.
Table of Contents
User Experience Principles
- Accessibility: Ensure all users, regardless of ability, can access and use classroom computers effectively.
- Consistency: Maintain uniformity in hardware setup, software interfaces, and user prompts. This includes a standardized Dock layout with key classroom applications and unified desktop wallpaper.
- Security: Protect user data and system integrity through secure login procedures and regular updates.
- Support: Provide clear instructions and easy access to technical assistance, including a locally stored Classroom Help file for quick access to support resources.
Windows Standards
Hardware
- Lenovo ThinkCentre M70Q
- Intel Core i5 Processor
- 16GB RAM
- 256 GB SSD
- Single 19+ inch monitor on a movable arm attached to the top of the instructor work station.
- Standard input devices are available in all classrooms.
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Webcam
- Presentation remote “clicker”
- Desktop USB Hub for connecting additional devices
- Additional devices are available upon request.
- Document Camera
- Plug-n-play USB-connected DVD/Blu-Ray player
- Hard-wired network connectivity that is stable and fast.
- Hardware provided in the classroom is refreshed on a 5-year schedule to maintain the reliability, warranty, and effectiveness of the technology in the room.
Software
- Supported Microsoft Windows operating system (defined as the current release (N) or one of the two previous major versions (N-1, N-2)).
- Minor updates are applied (nightly)
- Major updates are applied (between semesters)
- Commonly used educational software and productivity tools
- Microsoft Office (licensed to individual user)
- Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge web browsers
- Microsoft Teams
- Omnissa Horizon Client
- VLC Media Player
- Additional applications available for installation through “Software Center”
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Praat
- Matlab
- TopHat
- SPSS
- Omnissa Horizon Client
- Panopto
- Antivirus and security software (Microsoft Defender) is installed and active.
- Accessibility tools (e.g., screen readers, magnifiers) available upon request.
See Understanding the Standard Software Available in Classrooms for additional information.
Mac Standards
Hardware
- Apple Mac Mini
- M4 Processor
- 16GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD
- Single 19+ inch monitor on a movable arm attached to the top of the instructor work station.
- Standard input devices are available in all classrooms.
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Webcam
- Presentation remote “clicker”
- Desktop USB Hub for connecting additional devices
- Additional devices are available upon request.
- Document Camera
- Plug-n-play USB-connected DVD/Blu-Ray player
- Hard-wired network connectivity that is stable and fast.
- Hardware provided in the classroom is refreshed on a 5-year schedule to maintain the reliability, warranty, and effectiveness of the technology in the room.
Software
- Supported Mac operating system (defined as the current release (N) or one of the two previous major versions (N-1, N-2))
- Minor and major updates are applied in a timely manner
- Commonly used educational software and productivity tools are available via the “Self Service” app
- Microsoft Office (licensed to individual user)
- Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge web browsers
- Adobe Acrobat
- Crestron AirMedia
- Omnissa Horizon Client
- Panopto
- VLC
- And more…
- Additional applications available for install through “Self Service”
- Antivirus and security software (Microsoft Defender) is installed and active.
- Accessibility tools (e.g., screen readers, magnifiers) should be available via System Settings > Accessibility.
See Understanding the Standard Software Available in Classrooms for additional information.
User Access and Authentication
- Users (faculty, staff, and students) may log in using their university credentials via a secure login screen upon arrival at the instructor's desk.
- User access to the computer, once logged in, is limited due to the nature of the computer being in a public classroom. These computers are not designed to retain individual user settings, applications, or data from one session to the next. To use and save files, it is recommended to utilize online storage (i.e, OneDrive) or a removable storage device (i.e., USB/flash drive).
- Active sessions should automatically log out after a period of 50 minutes of user inactivity to protect user data.
- User accounts on the computer are created upon initial login and remain active on the computer until the user has not logged onto the machine within a period of 10 days. All user files saved on the machine will be lost when a user account is automatically deleted due to inactivity over 10 days.
Support and Maintenance
- OIT will periodically check/test classroom technology during the 2 weeks prior to the start of any semester.
- Classroom support is available during the semester upon request by contacting the Service Desk (740-593-1222, servicedesk@ohio.edu, www.ohio.edu/classroom-help)
- Classroom users will be informed of scheduled downtime or updates via Ohio University email.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
- Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience by contacting the Service Desk, completing post-ticket request surveys, or completing end-of-semester surveys that are sent out to current classroom instructors.
- Feedback and discussion about continuous improvement are welcome at monthly Teaching and Learning Advisory Community meetings. More info. Can be found at https://www.ohio.edu/oit/governance/advisory-communities/teaching-learning
- Feedback from faculty, staff, and students received via surveys, C.A.T.S. tickets, Faculty and Student Senates, and the Advisory Community is used to inform the decisions made annually about the upcoming technology refresh and what changes should be implemented.
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