Video Linked Teaching (VLT)

How do I check if the VLT rooms are available and how do I book them?

Bookings may be viewed in the FCMIS Timetable using the Timetable portal at any time.

To check the availability of a room, connect to the Timetable, log in using your Massey credentials, then select the Check Availability & Book link under the heading "Bookings".

What do I need to do before using the VLT rooms for the first time?

You need to:

• For teaching and learning, request professional development from the Centre for Teaching and Learning VLT web site: http://vlt.massey.ac.nz

It is essential that you have people in each room to arrange the furniture during the 30 minute setup session prior to your booking. Note that the Technical Facilitator is not tasked to rearrange furniture; they will be too busy setting up the video conferencing connection to assist with the tables.

Do I need to separately book a technical facilitator when booking the rooms?

Your booking confirmation will show whether an ITS Technical Facilitator has been assigned.  If so, they will be there during the 30 minute setup session to help you connect. The facilitator will stay for the duration of classes to assist with setup changes.

For all other sessions (including meetings) it is expected that a single room pre-set will be used and that the Service Desk can be called for support once the sessions starts. on ext 82111.

For special events, please contact the ITS Service Desk to request a facilitator to stay throughout the session.

How do I make the resident computer running  Starboard software connect to the interactive white board (IWB)?

When Starboard software runs on a computer, it checks to see if there is a suitably licensed interactive projector attached to the USB port of the computer.  You can force the Starboard software to check by selecting Settings/Starboard/Check Connection from the menu.

If the IWB still does not connect to the PC, then remove the front panel from the lectern, locate the USB connection from the IWB to the Resident computer, unplug the USB connector from the PC and reconnect it after 15 seconds.  (Note: the IWB uses a USB – UTP extender due to the distance between the IWB and the computer; the yellow UTP cable is labelled as IWB USB and is plugged into a black UTP-USB adaptor).

Why do we have to attend a 30 min set up period?

The VLT rooms are innovative, interactive teaching spaces with flexible seating that are video linked. At least 20 minutes is needed before the students arrive to:

• Set up the seating to ensure that you and your class are all in camera and that the eye lines work
• work with the technical support staff to set up the cameras and other IT equipment in the room that you wish to use

Why can I not book meetings in the rooms, when Academic Board has a standing meeting in the room?

These rooms are in the teaching timetable and subject to the Universities timetable policy, which first lays down recurring weekly sessions that continue throughout the semester. In addition it was recognised that these new innovative, interactive, flexible, video linked teaching spaces would require a regular slot to accommodate professional development and practice sessions for academic staff new to the rooms, as well as technical training and a maintenance slot for support staff. The business case approved for the project included a Wednesday slot from noon – 4pm to provide for these activities as well as the Academic Board meetings to assist with the monitoring and promotion of innovative, flexible learning spaces as part of our vision statement to provide an exceptional and distinctive learning experience at Massey for all students.