Classroom Assistance Network

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University Media Services runs a Classroom Assistance Network for providing operational support to all centrally-scheduled classrooms. This system operates from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and through 5 p.m. Friday when classes are in session. It consists of 5 key elements.

• Each classroom has an in-room control system (view) (controlled by button-pad or touch-panel control panel) that is also connected via Ethernet to the UMS Classroom Assistance call/help center.
• Each classroom has an IP telephone (view) that connects to the UMS Classroom Assistance call/help center.
• A Classroom Assistance Network staff person (view) will answer your call and work to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
• Each classroom has a web cam (view), mounted above the projector, which can be monitored by the UMS Classroom Assistance call/help center to verify images on the room’s projection screen.
• The Classroom Assistance Network uses software (view) that allows UMS call/help center staff to monitor, and communicate with the in-room control system to resolve basic problems immediately.

To use the Classroom Assistance Network, pick up the black phone (view) mounted on or near the AV cabinet and press "0". Your call will be received in the call center, and a caller ID system will provide the staff with the building and room number from which you are calling.

As you describe your problem, the staff member will access the information for your room and determine the status of the different pieces of equipment.

In many instances, the staff person can resolve the problem by sending a command to the controls in the classroom. In other situations, a technical support person will be dispatched by walkie-talkie to help you.

Of the calls for assistance coming from classrooms, about 50% of calls are resolved in under 2 minutes using the Classroom Assistance Network.