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Where are the MMCs?
Though we’re all still navigating the continued presence of COVID, Rollins is moving forward with a new model of incorporating Multi-Media Carts (MMCs) and their capabilities into classes.
MMCs remain in a handful of classrooms across campus, selected with input from the Registrar’s Office, Scheduling & Event Services, IDT, the Provost, and Academic Dean. These permanent MMC rooms will accommodate courses that have come to rely on the ability to regularly bring in remote participants. The MMCs are considered part of the permanent technology for these rooms and are not intended to be relocated to other areas.
Though the MMC capabilities are valuable, the carts themselves are big and bulky. However, they were designed to be modular so the components could be repurposed. One of the new uses? Portable Polycom kits.
What is a portable Polycom kit?
Use these kits when you have an ad hoc or occasional need to have remote participants or virtual guests in classes or small events.
These kits contain everything you need to get going. This includes the Polycom (which is a wide-angle camera, an area microphone and speaker), a tripod, and cables to connect to your laptop or the classroom computer. You can project the video call and have hybrid participants engage in conversation. If you need to share content and see the speaker, simply share the screen so both in-person and remote participants can see. Instructions for setting up the Polycom Kit are included in each kit's bag.
The kits will be available for checkout to staff and faculty from the Olin Library and can be checked out for a 24-hour period. This is our pilot program for the portable Polycom Kits, and we’ll adjust their availability and checkout duration as we learn how the program goes.
Can I try a Polycom kit before classes start?
Yes! If you'd like to try using a Polycom kit this week, before classes begin, come to the Help Desk in Olin. We're open 8am-9pm Sunday through Thursday, and 8am-5pm Friday and Saturday. You can drop by and get help and practice setting these kits up for use in class.
What other Classroom Technology information is available?
How can I get help?
If your fall course will be impacted by the removal of an MMC, we encourage you to try the portable Polycom kit. If that does not seem to do the trick, contact the Help Desk. They'll be routing these requests to the Director of Support & Outreach to review in collaboration with IDT.
For other questions or issues, call 407-628-6363 for urgent issues or submit a ticket for general inquiries. The Help Desk, Events & A/V, and Instructional Design and Technology teams will collaborate to support you!
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