Read our book "Equipment You May Find in Teaching and Learning Rooms"

16. General Tips for Using Teaching Spaces

These tips apply to all teaching rooms, regardless of size, layout or the type of equipment available. They are designed to help you feel prepared, confident and able to make the most of the technology in the space.

There is a document version of this you can print or download at the hub homepage.

Before Your Session

1. Visit the room in advance (if possible)

Take a moment to understand the layout and the equipment available.
Locate the control panel, microphones and input ports.
If the room is unfamiliar, a short visit beforehand can help avoid delays during teaching.
You can check the room availability via web timetables. To book a room reach out to timetabling team via "[Shared] Timetabling" <timetabling@qmul.ac.uk.>

2. Bring any required adapters or cables

Some laptops need USB‑C, HDMI or other display adapters.
If your own device will not connect, the teaching PC is always available as a reliable alternative.

3. Log in early

Allow a few minutes for the teaching PC to start up and for software to load.
We hope colleagues will extend courtesy to one another by finishing sessions on time, allowing a smooth transition for the next class.
Open your slides, videos or links before students arrive to minimise interruption.

During Teaching

4. Stay within microphone range

If using a lectern microphone, try to stay near the lectern.
In rooms with lapel or handheld microphones, use them when moving around.
Clear audio supports both the student experience and automatic captions.

5. Select the correct source

Use the control panel to choose the device you want to display.
When switching between laptop, PC, visualiser or tablet, check that the display updates.

6. Check what students can see

Look at the main screen or confidence monitor to confirm the correct content is showing.
In dual‑screen rooms, make sure both screens display what you intend.

7. Manage audio levels

Adjust volume using the control panel to avoid audio that is too quiet or too loud.
If playing a video, test the sound briefly before showing it to the full room.

8. Use the visualiser for physical materials

Useful for handwritten notes, books, objects or diagrams.
Select Doc Cam / Visualiser on the control panel before using it.

9. Keep a backup plan

If your laptop has connection issues, switch to the teaching PC.
Save essential materials to OneDrive or email so you can access them quickly from any device.

After Your Session

A polite reminder to finish on time and allow a short changeover for the next class using the room.

10. Log off

Sign out of the teaching PC to protect your files and ensure a clean start for the next user.

11. Shut down the AV system

Use End Session, Shutdown or Power Off on the control panel.
This resets the room and helps prevent technical issues for others.

If Something Goes Wrong

12. Know who to contact

Urgent support during teaching:
Call 6555 from the room phone, or 020 7882 6550 from a mobile.
Non‑urgent faults:
Raise an IT ticket with as much detail as possible.
TELT or teaching‑technology queries:
Raise a ticket marked FAO TELT.