Need help? 

Contact Classroom Technology Services (CTS) at cts@umass.edu or 413-545-5768 for help using a Flex classroom.

What do I need to bring to the Flex classroom?

All you need to bring is the device you will be using to share content from, such as your laptop. To make the most of the room, like using wireless sharing, we recommend having an updated version of the Zoom app installed on your device. 

Step 1: Wake up the classroom

1. If the touchscreen controller is idle when you enter the classroom, tap on the touchscreen. The room system will display the available controls for the room. 
2. If there is an AV controller available, use it to turn on projectors and select the input you are using. 

Step 2: If you need to share content in the room…

Option 1: Share your screen using an HDMI/USB-C cable 

1. Connect the HDMI or USB-C cable to your laptop. Your content will now display on the content screen(s).
2. (If available) On the AV controller, select the input you are using.
3. When you are done sharing, disconnect your device. 

Option 2: Share your screen wirelessly

You can share wirelessly from a laptop, tablet, or other mobile device with the Zoom desktop or mobile application installed. Sharing wirelessly does not start a Zoom meeting or require you to allow remote participants. 

 

Note: Sharing your screen wirelessly will share your WHOLE device screen. 

 

1. On your device, open the Zoom app.
2. In the Zoom app, select the Share screen button. 
3. In the top right corner of the touchscreen controller, find the 6-digit sharing key.  
4. In the Share screen popup, enter the sharing Key.
5. Select the Share screen button.  

6. (Optional) If there is an AV controller available, select the input as ‘Start Zoom’. 

Step 3: Use the classroom microphone

Updated classrooms have integrated microphones (see below). These microphones are very sensitive and can pick up voices in the classroom automatically during the recording period. Remind your students that due to the sensitivity of these microphones whatever they say during the class will be recorded, including talking to each other.

 

If you have questions about using the microphone, Contact Classroom Technology Services (CTS) at cts@umass.edu or 413-545-5768 for help..

 

To amplify your voice for in-room participants

You can use the microphones at the instructor podium to amplify your voice for the room. Depending on the room, you may have one or more of the following: 

1. Stand Mics: already set up and ready to be used

 

2. Hand-held microphone: pick up the microphone and toggle the power switch on, it will then be ready to be used. When finished, toggle the power switch off and place it back in the charging dock
3. Lavalier microphone: pick up the microphone and toggle the power switch on, it will then be ready to be used. When finished, toggle the power switch off and place it back in the charging dock

 

Step 4: If you have students joining via Zoom…

Option 1: Join a scheduled Zoom meeting (Recommended):

Scheduling your Zoom meeting ahead of time allows you to share your meeting information with students ahead of time. This will ensure the Zoom cloud recording is owned by you (the meeting scheduler). 

 

1. On the room’s touchscreen, tap the Join button. A dialog box appears.
2. Type in the Meeting ID.
3. Select the Join button. The room will join the meeting.

Option 2: Start a new Zoom meeting:

On the room’s touchscreen, tap the New Meeting button. A new Zoom meeting will begin.

Please note: If you are recording a meeting, we strongly recommend you schedule a meeting with your UMass Zoom account and join it from the room. 

To invite UMass participants to the Zoom meeting: 

1. While in the Zoom meeting: On the touchscreen, tap More. The More menu opens.
2. In the More menu, select Manage Participants. The Participants panel will open.
3. In the Participants panel, select Invite.
4. Enter the name of the person(s) you want to invite. 
5. Tap the name of the person(s) to select them. 
6. Select the Invite button. The guest will receive an invitation in their Zoom application and/or email. 

To invite External (outside of UMass) participants to the Zoom meeting: 

1. While in the Zoom meeting: On the touchscreen, tap More. The More menu opens.
2. In the More menu, select Participants. The Participants panel will open.
3. In the Participants panel, select Invite.
4. In the email field, enter the email address of the guest you want to invite.
5. Select the Invite button. The guest will receive an invitation in their Zoom app and/or email.

Step 5: To use the Digital Whiteboard

Does your laptop have touch or stylus inputs? If so, proceed with the steps below. If not, be sure to disconnect your device from the HDMI cable first before proceeding with the steps below. 

 

On the Zoom controller, tap Whiteboard. In the popup window, select the type of whiteboard you want to use.
Note: We recommend selecting Whiteboard for the best user experience. Classic Whiteboard is missing major features.

Step 6: Using the Document Camera

Note: Not all Flex Classrooms are equipped with a document camera. If you need one for your course, please contact Classroom Technology Services (CTS) at cts@umass.edu. 

 

1. Turn on the Document Camera
2. On the room controller, select the Document Camera input. 

Step 7: Before you leave the classroom…

Make sure to end the Zoom meeting.