iSchool Rooms: Classroom 53

iSchool Classroom 53 is located in the basement of 501 E. Daniel Street and is best fit to host in-person sessions but can also host hybrid sessions. This article provides an overview of the classroom features and how to use its technology.

Room Overview

iSchool Classroom Room 53

Room Features:

  • Seating for 34
  • Cage Control Panel
  • Built-in Mac Mini
  • Laptop Display & Speaker Connection (HDMI & USB-C)
  • Wireless Connection (Apple Devices Only)
  • TV Displays (2 primary, 6 auxiliary) 
  • Camera
  • Ceiling Mic
  • Ceiling Speakers

 Room Technology Documentation

Using the Cage Control Panel

This control panel is located in the unlocked black metal cage mounted on top of the desk at the front of the room (note that the cage may be closed/latched upon arrival). There is a silver box with three labeled buttons in the middle of the cage that change what displays on the TVs in the room. Click the input you need and allow the system a few moments to respond.

  • BUILT IN: This button projects the built-in PC to all of the displays and is connected to the room's built-in speakers, camera, and microphone.

  • HDMI: This button projects your laptop screen when you plug it into the HDMI cable at the desk (HDMI or USB-C connection). You will not have access to the room camera or microphone using this method but will be able to play audio.

  • WIRELESS: This button allows you to project your Apple device wirelessly via AirPlay by providing a connection code on the screen. You will not have access to the room camera or microphone using this method but will be able to play audio.

Using the TV Displays

Room 53 has a total of eight TV displays. The two main displays are in the front and back of the room, with the other six on the side walls acting as auxiliary displays.

Main Displays

  • To power the main displays, use the remote at the front desk or manually turn on the TV. The TV's power button is located on the bottom edge, below the TCL logo/indicator light. 
    Power button under the main display screens.
  • The TV input should not change regardless of what's selected at the control panel. 
    • If the source needs to be changed to match the control panel's output, set the back TV display to HDMI 1 and the front TV display to HDMI 2.

Auxiliary Displays

  • Need to be manually turned on by pressing their power button on the bottom edge, below the TCL logo/indicator light. 
  • All six TVs will default to displaying content on the main displays
  • Each TV has an HDMI cable attached to the back so students can connect their devices to them.
    • HDMI 1: Display the device connected to the HDMI cable.
    • HDMI 2: Matches the output of the control panel.

Using the Built-in Mac Mini

  1. Turn on the TV displays you would like to use 
    • The two main TVs can be powered using the remote control, and the six side wall TVs need to be manually turned on.
  2. Press BUILT IN on the cage control panel.
  3. Sign in to the built-in Mac Mini using your NetID and password
    • If the room uses a wireless keyboard and/or mouse, make sure they are turned on by checking the power switch at the bottom of the device.

Note: If the TV displays don't show the Mac Mini's screen, you may need to change the source on each manually. See the "Using the TV Displays" section above for more information. 

Using a Laptop

  1. Turn on the TV displays you would like to use 
    • The two main TVs can be powered using the remote control, and the six side wall TVs need to be manually turned on.
  2. Press HDMI on the cage control panel.
  3. Find the HDMI/USB-C cable on the front desk. 
  4. Connect either the HDMI cable or the attached USB-C adapter (dongle) to your laptop.

Note: If the TV displays don't match the laptop's screen, you may need to change the source on each manually. See the "Using the TV Displays" section above for more information. Additionally, when using a laptop, you will not be able to access the room's cameras. 

Using Apple AirPlay

  1. Check that your device is connected to the IllinoisNet wireless network.
  2. Make sure the Apple AirPlay screen is displayed on the TV; if not, repeat step 1. 
  3. On the laptop, go to System Preferences > Displays and select the proper room from the available displays in the Add Display drop-down.
    Display options in system settings.
  4. Select the room that you are in to project to it. 
  5. Enter the 4- digit AirPlay password displayed on the TV.
    • This password changes regularly, so you do not need to save or remember it. 
  6. Choose the screen you would like projected (e.g., desktop, an application window, or a media file). 

 

Need further support? Contact the iSchool Help Desk by calling 217-244-4903 or 800-377-1892, live chat through Tech Chat, or emailing ischool-support@illinois.edu.

Additional general room information, including pictures and layouts, can be found in the Building Facilities section of the iSchool website.



Keywords:
classroom, class, room, "53", AV, "501", daniel, AirPlay, hybrid 
Doc ID:
163236
Owned by:
Saira G. in School of Information Sciences
Created:
2026-08-10
Updated:
2026-08-11
Sites:
University of Illinois School of Information Sciences