Teaching With Technology Certificate Hub

This tip forces you to ask the dreaded question - "Am I prepared to go on if the projector bulb blows out?" Below are some ideas on how you may be able to prepare ahead.

For a blown projector

• Have printed copy of the presentation with you. You can always post the file in ANGEL after the fact for students.
• Write down the phone number for tech support
• If there's an overhead projector in the room, bring blank transparencies

Post backup files in multiple locations

• On a Flash drive
• On a your laptop
• In your ANGEL course (you can hide them from students if necessary)
• On your Penn State blog
• On the CLC Lab U drive

Cross Platform Quirks

• Use standard Microsoft fonts like Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, Times New Roman, Georgia. They're most likely to be installed on all computers.
• Be familiar multiple versions of PowerPoint - you may be forced to use an older or newer version of PowerPoint or use one on an alternate system.
• Office 2007 (Win)/Office 2008 (Mac) - Save files with the older .ppt extension rather than the new .pptx extension...just in case. You can do this under the File » Save As... command.

For Web sites or special applications, consider making back up screen captures...in case something fails to open "live".

Finally, listen to student suggestions - If you're lucky, one of them works for Media Services or the ITS Help Desk.

If you have any other suggestions or stories to share, let us know in the forum.