Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is CTec?
2. Why have only “standard” equipment types in each room?
3. What if you want to use some form of media not installed?
4. How can I develop material or train on preparing media for technology classroom use?
5. What are CTec’s supported facilities?
6. What are CTec’s policies?
7. What software is installed on classroom computers?
8. What equipment training is available?
9. What resources are available for Macintosh users?
10. What is an audience response “clicker” and how does it work?
11. How are your rooms designed?
12. Are Distance Learning classrooms available?
13. Are accommodations available for addressing disabilities?
14. What classrooms have been recently renovated?
15. How do I schedule the use of a classroom?

1. What is CTec?

CTec quite simply stands for Classroom Technology. This designated group of technicians are supervised through WVU’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) Academic & Instructional Technology unit. CTec supports technology in specified “general purpose” classrooms, centrally scheduled through Facilities Scheduling.  As such, the CTec staff works with faculty in a variety of academic departments to provide training, troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and system support for these facilities.  CTec staff are also available for consultation with university-wide instructional technology installations.

2. Why have only “standard” equipment types in each room?

By providing similar instructional technology equipment in all CTec supported classrooms, we hope to provide faculty with the knowledge of what to expect and how to operate the system in these facilities. Although some classrooms will always have their own nuances, CTec wishes to provide a central mechanism for standardization, advice and equipment support.

3. What if you want to use some form of media not installed?

Limited conversions between media types (such as VHS videotape to DVD) can be done by CTec. Please reference our Media Conversion webpage for more information.

Additional equipment (such as slide or film projectors) is available for loan through the Media Services department of the WVU Library. You can bring this or your own equipment into technology classrooms that have portable equipment input panels. Instructions are available on each [cref classrooms classroom's instructional web page]. Testing this equipment prior to your event is strongly encouraged; Please contact CTec to schedule a testing session.

To schedule a facility where instructional technology is available, contact the classroom’s scheduling coordinator. Most WVU “General Purpose” classrooms can be scheduled through Facilities Scheduling.

In addition, groups such as C-SPAN, PBS, and NASA provide streaming media online.  Limited on-campus accessibility is also available through the WVU Libraries Mediasite streaming site.

4. How can I develop material or train on preparing media for technology classroom use?

A. Technology Training Workshops and services are available from the Office of Information Technology.  Workshops are scheduled regularly and by special request, including faculty development on instructional technology, eCampus tutorials, electronic thesis and dissertation (ETD) support, and many other resources. Training is typically free-of-charge throughout the year for anyone wishing to create his or her own instructional materials. Workshops are regularly available. Call 304-293-4444 for a quarterly schedule of workshops.

B. The Instructional Technology Resource Center (ITRC) assists faculty and staff in the development of multimedia products for integration into their curriculum using a variety of equipment and software. Their expertise includes instructional design, information architecture, interface design, and technology integration.

C. The Learning Center at Health Sciences (CBLC) provides workshops designed to help individuals use computers effectively for teaching, learning, and research. This center makes available different authoring, desktop publishing, graphics, file translation, database, statistical spreadsheet, and word processing software. Health Sciences programs which relate to specific classes and/or programs are also available.

D. Media Services (formerly the Audio-Visual Library)is located on the lower level of the Wise Library Complex and lends out audio visual materials. Advance preparation is strongly recommended. To contact them, please call 293-4019.

5. What are CTec’s supported facilities?

CTec supports classroom technology at WVU through instructor training, audio-video consultation, facility design and installation standards, as well as maintaining specific instructional technology-enhanced classrooms on the Morgantown campuses. We are constantly working with administration, faculty and staff to improve and expand the level of service provided. Please contact us at 304-293-CTec (2832) for more information.

6. What are CTec’s policies?

Several policies regarding Classroom Technology services, as well as hardware and software standards are available online, but are subject to change. Please contact us directly for specific inquiries.

7. What software is installed on classroom computers?

Information on classroom computer configuration and installed software is available, but subject to change without notice and should serve as a guide only. Each classroom installation can have differences from this list. Please contact CTec or visit the particular classroom installation for more information.

8. What equipment training is available?

Please call CTec at 304-293-CTEC (293-2832) to set up a specific training session that works for you and the classroom’s availability. Training is also available in our office’s mock classroom. Additional on-line training is available on our training page.

9. What resources are available for Macintosh users?

Most CTec classrooms include a standard PC running Windows 7.  Currently, the following classrooms are equipped with Intel-based Macintosh computers which can “dual-boot” and have Mac OS X:

• Life Sciences Building G11
• Life Sciences Building G15
• Life Sciences Building G21
• Life Sciences Building G23
• Woodburn Hall Room 116

Additionally, all CTec classrooms accept laptop input for projection through a standard VGA connection.  Please make sure prior to your class or event that you have the necessary laptop display adapters if required.  CTec does not provide adapters.

10. What is an audience response “clicker” and how does it work?

11. How are your rooms designed?

CTec has developed Standard Classroom installation standards for renovated or newly installed technology classrooms and labs. These guidelines have been developed to create a university-wide standard for system functionality commonly requested by users and equipment that has a good record of maintenance and performance. These guidelines are based on experience with past installations, on-going classroom maintenance, and feedback from users and WVU administration.

12. Are Distance Learning classrooms available?

CTec does not support WVU’s ‘Distance Learning’ (DL) classrooms.  All DL facilities such as through the IViN Interactive Video Network are coordinated by Extended Learning and feature distance learning connectivity codecs, separated speech/sound systems with audio processing and echo cancellation, instructor and student cameras.

13. Are accommodations available for addressing disabilities?

CTec works directly with WVU’s Office of Disability Services to help make accommodations to fit the individual need. Closed caption decoders, large screen monitors, assistive listening systems, and external video/audio outputs are a few ways that accommodations can be made.

14. What classrooms have been renovated recently?

Under the direction of the Provost’s Office, the Classroom Technology group (CTec) works directly with Facilities Management for instructional technology classroom design and annual renovations. Over the past several years, many newly created (or newly renovated) instructional facilities have had technology installed and designated as CTec-supported rooms. Our renovations page lists CTec’s most recent renovations, as well as some expected in the near future.

15. How do I schedule the use of a classroom?

To ensure a classroom’s availability, one must reserve the room through Facilities Scheduling.  This allows certain assurances, including the use of a facility at the time needed for the length required.  Links to the room schedule are available on each of the CTec Classroom web pages.