Technology guidelines for Classroom Assistants at IU during COVID-19

On this page:

Overview
Classroom Assistant responsibilities
Get help
Additional resources

Overview

For some classes at Indiana University, students gather in a physical classroom while the instructor leads the session remotely via Zoom. In these cases, the role of the Classroom Assistant is crucial for helping the class run smoothly. The assistant manages the classroom technology, ensures compliance with health and safety rules, and helps mediate communication between the students in the classroom and the remote instructor for the entirety of the class session.

Classroom Assistant responsibilities

Before the semester begins

Before the semester begins, communicate with the instructor as soon as possible to:

Confirm you have the Zoom meeting number and Zoom passcode (if one is configured) for the class.
Agree on an alternate, non-Zoom communication channel to use with the instructor (for example, mobile phone or text message) in case of technology problems.
Agree on contingency plans in case there are technology issues (for example, if the instructor drops off Zoom in the middle of a class session) or conduct issues (for example, students do not follow social distancing and mask protocols).
Schedule a test run in the physical classroom, where you set up the classroom technology and meet the instructor in Zoom.

15 minutes before each class session

Arrive in the classroom 15 minutes before the scheduled start of class to:

Disinfect the lectern: Each classroom will contain a spray bottle with an approved cleaning solution and paper towels. Do not spray the cleaning solution directly onto the computers or equipment as this can damage the equipment. Spray the cleaning solution on the paper towels and wipe the surfaces of the lectern and technology, including the computer keyboard, mouse, microphone, and touch panels. For additional cleaning supplies, contact:
- IUB Facility Operations: 812-855-8728
- IUPUI Campus Facility Services: 317-278-1900
Power on the classroom technology: Touch the control panel on the lectern to wake it up. Select PC to show the computer on the classroom's primary display.

In larger rooms, you may need to select Desktop PC, then Projector on the touch panel to show the computer on the classroom's video display(s).
Log into the classroom computer: Log into the classroom computer at the lectern using your IU username and passphrase.
Log into Zoom at IU: Click the Zoom shortcut on the computer desktop, log in and authenticate with Two-Step Login (Duo). In the upper right corner of the resulting screen, select Join a Meeting and enter the Zoom meeting number for the class. If the Zoom meeting has a passcode assigned, you will also need to enter the passcode.
Communicate with the instructor via Zoom: To confirm the instructor is connected to the Zoom meeting, you should see the instructor's camera image and the instructor's name in the participants list. In Zoom, turn on the classroom camera, unmute the microphone, and talk with the instructor. You should be able to see and hear each other.

During each class session

Steer the camera: Use the monitor arm to rotate the webcam to point at the students in the classroom as needed.
Be the instructor's eyes and ears in the classroom: Relay student questions and comments to the instructor, help students with the classroom technology, and work with the instructor to ensure that students are following social distancing protocols in the classroom.
Be prepared: In the event of technology or classroom conduct issues, be prepared to enact any instructions from the instructor.

After each class session

Log out of the classroom computer: Double-click the yellow Logout icon on the computer desktop.
Reset the classroom technology: If this is the last class of the day, power down the classroom technology by touching System Off on the lectern control panel.
Disinfect the lectern: Each classroom will contain a spray bottle with an approved cleaning solution and paper towels. Do not spray the cleaning solution directly onto the computers or equipment as this can damage the equipment. Spray the cleaning solution on the paper towels and wipe the surfaces of the lectern and technology, including the computer keyboard, mouse, microphone, and touch panels. For additional cleaning supplies, contact:
- IUB Facility Operations: 812-855-8728
- IUPUI Campus Facility Services: 317-278-1900

Get help

If you have questions or need help with the technology in your classroom, contact UITS Learning Spaces Support.