Language Learning Lab
Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures

 X-Class Multimedia Teaching Software and Hardware

The X-Class classroom management and teaching software is used for multimedia presentations, video and audio distribution and computer training during classes. Combined with the Pro-One AV Controller hardware, the software can show DVDs, VHS cassettes, the image from an Elmo document camera, and anything on the instructor's computer and project it on a ceiling mounted projector and screen or any on any computer screen in the Language Learning Lab. The software runs on the instructor's station on the right hand monitor, which frees the teacher to use the left monitor for running other programs and performing student monitoring tasks.

This system is very useful for language teaching and testing and showing computer media (documents, sound, text, video, websites) to a group. Teachers can use traditional language lab functions like random and fixed paring, group conference, intercom and all-call for students to practice oral commutation with the headphones and microphones, talking over the computer network.  Combined with the Student and Teacher DLL recorder software, oral tests can be given by playing an audio file, and the students' responses collected to the instructor's PC for burning to CD or saving to evaluate later. The teacher can also monitor students' computer screens and remotely assist them by taking control of the computer and even show their work to the rest of the class. Access to the Internet and other programs can even be blocked to make sure students focus and remain on task in class.

The Pro One AV controller is located in the instructor's desk below the DVD and VCR players. It remotely controls all audiovisual equipment by a control panel on the desk (pictured on the right)  or in the X-Class software.



To power on and use the AV presentation system, follow these steps;

►Push the On Off Switch on the Pro One AV Controller located below the DVD and VHS players above the power outlet. You will hear a beep and see a red LED on the machine.

►Adjust the large volume knob for the ceiling mounted speakers.

►Turn on the computer, monitors and document camera.

►The switch is on the rear right of the device next to the word "Elmo".

The Elmo projector must be on to be able to see the left computer monitor.

●Press the "RGB1" button to view and project the left computer display.

●Press the "RGB2" button to view and project the right computer display.

●Press the "MAIN" button to view and project the document camera.

►Image adjustments can be made on the Elmo device panel or with the white mouse by clicking the on-screen menus.

►To turn on the ceiling mounted projector,  press "Power On" under "Projector Control" on the Pro-One AV desktop panel.



►Hold this button down until the ceiling projector turns on. To turn off the projector, press the button twice.

►The projector will take at least a minute to warm up and show the screen.

►On the panel (or the X-Class program if the computer is on) select the device you wish to show.

The red LEDs light up to show which device you are projecting and controlling with the panel..

●PC
●DVD
●VCR
●CASSETTE (not yet installed)
●VISUALIZER (Elmo camera)
●NOTEBOOK (a laptop PC)

►Use the arrows on the right to run each device by remote control, or use the Panasonic remote controls for more advanced DVD and VCR functions.
►To use a laptop, plug it into the power outlet, and plug the monitor, network, and audio cable into the appropriate jacks.

►Now that everything is turned on, it's time to use X-Class!  This program runs automatically on the right hand monitor when the computer starts.

The following pictures highlight the program's commonly used features:

●The X-Class main screen with map of the room, student group controls and the Teaching, and AV panels.



●Audio visual machines can be selected with the menu on the right of the screen or the Pro One panel as described above..



●"Video Project" and "Screen Project" on the drop down menus to the right choose either the VHS and DVD player or computer image.

●The video output to the projector can also selected on the Pro-One desktop panel by pressing "VGA/PC" or "VIDEO".



●Sound sources, microphone, DVD and VHS devices (aux in), or a combination can be selected as a sound source for broadcast.

●The Teaching Panel is used to control sound, intercom, and to monitor and remotely assist and communicate with students.



●"Student Monitor" and "Remote Aid" can be used to check up on students and help them by remotely controlling their computers.



●The teacher's left hand monitor displays up to four students' PCs. "Remote Aid" gives the teacher intercom voice contact with the selected student and complete control of the mouse and keyboard in order to assist him or her.



●The Language Panel launches the DLL Recorder for audio and video broadcasting and accesses paring and group conference features.

●The Application Panel monitors what programs students are running and can automatically launch software for students, and transfer files to students' computers.



●Teachers can launch a program for the students by remote control to get them started.

●Any file or folder can be copied to any student or group of students to work with in class.

●Teachers can monitor and shut down whatever programs students are using and block Internet access to keep students focused.

●Multiple Choice Quizzes can be made up on the spot and answers recorded by the teacher's computer.

●By clicking "Start/Exit" on the lower left of the screen, teachers can turn on, turn off, or reboot any/all computers, and even take attendance by prompting students to log in. The students' names appear next to the station number on the room map.

This is only a sample of the program and hardware funtions. For more detailed information consult the following resources:

Sun-Tech International Group Limited (the Manufacturer's Website)

Steffri Multimedia (the vendor's website.)

X-CLASS Pro Training Website

X-CLASS Pro Demo Video

X-CLASS Pro User's Manual

X-CLASS Pro Installation and Configuration Guide

This page is maintained by The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
Northeastern Illinois University - 5500 North Saint Louis Avenue - Chicago, Illinois, 60625-4699.
For more information about the Lab visit LIB-451, call (773) 442-4753, or click the menus on the left.