For courses with a face-to-face component, there's value in scouting the space before the start of term to become familiar with the setup, technology, and specialized equipment or tools that will be used there. Where most classrooms are unlocked during the day, specialized rooms like labs, kitchens, or shop rooms typically require the swipe or tap of an ID card. Professors who are unable to get into a room should notify their school assisstant to arrange long-term access, but Campus Security can provide emergency access on request.

Standard Classroom and Equipment

Most classrooms have whiteboards, digital podiums, and a video data projector (VDP).

Whiteboards require dry-erase markers and erasers that are typically made available through the School/Campus office. The school assistant can explain how to request, access, or use these or other standard office supplies. Please erase any writing on the boards before leaving the classroom.

The classroom podium has a computer that unlocks with any Fanshawe username and password, or can connect an external device to the projector. The digital podium will send audio and video from the selected source to the VDP screen to display  presentations, documents, videos, etc. for the class to see. 

For guidance on using the digital podium, including connecting your own device, refer to the general High Tech Classroom Guide (PDF). If your room has a different podium design or a wireless setup, you can view a short video walkthrough for any of these through the Podium Playlist.

For any problems encountered with classroom technology while teaching, contact the IT Service Desk for assistance. Most classrooms have a phone that connects directly to ITS, and there is an IT Service Desk ‘Live Help’ bottom on the desktop of each classroom computer. They are also available through these contact methods:

As teachers gain classroom experience, they typically come to appreciate that best laid plans occasionally do not go as intended, and this can be particularly true when working with technology. In the worst-case scenario, it can be beneficial to have a “plan B” lesson or activity to avoid the unexpected loss of learning time. In any case, please remember that the class must end on time so that students can proceed to their next course and so that the next group can enter the learning space.

Specialized Space and Equipment

Faculty who teach in a specialized space (e.g., lab, shop, kitchen) will be provided with a tour and introduced to the Technician(s) and/or Manager(s) responsible for those spaces during the School- or Campus-specific orientation activities. Professors will be informed if they need to complete any additional health and safety or equipment-specific training to be able to work in these spaces.