Portfolio (And Thesis and Dissertation Defense) Technology Issues
Portfolio, thesis defense, and dissertation defense technology needs are handled in similar ways. Please Note: Thesis and dissertation defense presenters are expected to reserve their room and make ETU aware of their date. This will not be done for you.
If you are planning on presenting a portfolio using PowerPoint we recommended that you store your presentation and bring it on a USB flash drive. You will be expected to pre-load your presentation in the 30 minutes prior to your portfolio "block". (i.e., for a 9am-12 noon presentation, please arrive at 8:30 to pre-load.)
Technology support is provided by the ETU (Educational Technology Unit) staff.
Below are some frequently asked questions about technology for the portfolio presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Am I required to use a computer or other technology for my
portfolio presentation?
A: Using technology is not a requirement for passing one’s portfolio
presentation.
Q: I have not used technology much during my time as an IS student yet
I am considering using a certain software application during my
presentation. What should I do?
A: If you are planning on using a software application or technology
for your presentation, yet you are unfamiliar with the application or
technology, you should either reconsider its use or devote your time
to becoming familiar with it well before your presentation.
Q: I am preparing my presentation using a program that is not Microsoft Office. Will I be able to present using another program?
A: Due to time constraints, you will have to present your presentation
using the software available on the computer in your room. Rooms 121
and 245 (as well as Moore 3320) have computers and projectors permanently installed in the
room. Room 228
will have a projector and a laptop. All computers will be running Windows with Office. If you create
your presentation on a Mac and will be presenting on Windows or vice- versa you should verify that the formatting will look OK. The computer
lab in 118 has dual-boot iMacs which will run MacOS and Windows so you
can check your work.
If you are using a program other than Microsoft Office, such as
OpenOffice or iWorks, try to save your documents in Powerpoint format
to ensure your best chance at compatibility. Please be aware you may
have formatting/display issues and you should budget time prior to
your presentation date to test and fix any problems.
We cannot assist you with cleanup of formatting issues, including on the day of your
presentation.
Q: Do I need to reserve the workstation and projector, or overhead
projector?
A: There is no need to reserve either the workstation and projector,
or overhead projector, since they will be set up in advance.
Q: I understand the computers installed in 111, 121 and 245 will run
Windows or MacOS X. Can I switch platforms for my presentation?
A. Because of the tight scheduling and the amount of time it takes to
switch platforms, only Windows will be running in 111, 121 and 245.
Q: What should I do if I am not planning on using the workstation and
projector during my presentation?
A: If you are not using the workstation and projector for your
presentation, please push the "blank" button on the projector remote
to turn off the display.
Q: Will I need my account and password to use the workstation?
A: No. The workstation that you will have in the room will already be
logged into a guest account. Do not log off or shut down this
workstation.
Q: How will I load my presentation onto the computer that I will use?
A: You should bring your presentation on a USB flash drive and run
your presentation directly off of it. Alternatively, you can bring it
on a flash drive or CD to one of the practice sessions which you can
then copy into a folder that will hold all of the day's presentations.
You can also e-mail yourself your presentation and download it to the
desktop folder. Please give your presentation file your last name or a
unique name to prevent confusion with the other presenters.
Q: When can I load my presentation onto the computer that I will use?
A: Morning presenters will
have a brief time period to load their files prior to the morning
presentations, and afternoon presenters will have a brief time
period to load their files prior to the afternoon presentations. The room will be available for loading presentations 30 minutes prior to the start of the session.
Q: Can I use my own laptop during my presentation?
A: No. We cannot accommodate requests for using personal laptops for
presentations because 1) additional, and often unavailable, time is
needed to set up the laptop with the projector; and, 2) there is no
guarantee that a personal laptop will work properly in our environment
and we may not have the time or staff to troubleshoot any problems
that could arise on a personal machine.
Q: Can I play a DVD?
A: The computers have DVD drives and you can show DVD videos using the VLC application.
Q: How much time will there be between presentations?
A: Generally there is very little time in between presentations so
please make sure you have rehearsed your presentation to avoid any
last-minute surprises.
Q: Will I be able to practice my presentation in a classroom with a
workstation and projector?
A: Official practice sessions are usually scheduled only for Spring portfolios. If you wish to schedule a practice session at another time, please submit it using the GSE&IS Room Calendars. Please note: any practice that you schedule on your own will not necessarily have technical support available if you run into problems.
Q: Can I request a practice setup in the classroom where I will be
presenting?
A: Please check to see if practice sessions are already scheduled. If they are not, you will need to make a room reservation for your classroom in advance to be sure there is time scheduled. Please note: any practice that you schedule on your own will not necessarily have technical support available if you run into problems.
Q: Where can I get help on the day of my presentation?
A: ETU has offices on the 2nd floor in rooms 209, 211, and 213. You
can also call x51911.
