Troubleshooting Guide for Educators

Technology is not always perfect or easy to work with. However, by having a step-by-step guide, it will help you better understand your computer and become your own mini IT Department. I have five problems and solutions that I have faced over my career as a teacher. These are not all of my problems and solutions that I have faced, but I have encountered them multiple times over the last three years. 

Image Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/jobs-and-careers/story/10-uses-of-technology-in-21st-century-jobs-1358394-2018-10-08

PROBLEM: There is network connectivity, but students' Chromebooks will not print.

SOLUTION: You will need to check if your Chromebook is connected to the printer correctly.

1. Select Time

2. Select Settings

3. Select Advanced

4. Select Printers under "Print and Scan" 

5. By Available printers to save, select Save

Also make sure both the printer and Chromebook are on the same network. 

PROBLEM: Printer prints out blank pages, but will not print pages with text.

SOLUTION: Make sure your printer is working at top speed!

1. Restart your computer

2. Resolve Ink or Cartridges Problems

3. Unclog the Print Head Automatically

4. Unclog the Print Head Manually

PROBLEM: A teacher calls you and says that the projector will not project from his laptop computer.

SOLUTION:

1.Press the A/V Mute button on the remote control to see if the image was temporarily turned off.

2. Make sure all necessary cables are securely connected and the power is on for the projector and connected video sources.

3. Check the settings on the Signal menu to make sure they are correct for the current video source.

4. Check the Display setting to make sure the brightness is turned up.If the projector does not respond when you press buttons on the remote control, make sure the remote receivers are turned on.

5. For images projected with Windows Media Center, reduce the screen size from full screen mode. 

6. If the other solutions do not solve the problem, reset all of the projector settings using the options on the Reset menu.

7. The projector may not be able to project copyrighted videos that you play back on a computer. For details, see the manual supplied with your computer.

PROBLEM: I can get the network in a room at one end of the hallway, but when I move to a room at the other end of the hallway, I lose the connection

SOLUTION: 

1. Reposition the router for a connection. 

2. Determine if there are many obstructions that could interfere with the connection.

3. Set up a Wireless Repeater. 

By making sure that the router is set-up, it is important to determine if you will need a different router system or placement depending on the building.  

PROBLEM: I just installed a Windows 10 update on my machine and it keeps freezing up.

SOLUTION:

1. Update your computer

2. Clear out unused files

3. Run a memory check

4. Run a disk check

5. Run a System File Check

I hope this guide helps you fix or update your current devices. When you update your systems and devices, you will give them a longer life to run more smoothly and efficiently.