Classrooms Extended/Duplicate Displays

If you are having a hard time using the classroom technology and it appears like nothing is on the Monitor or Screen.

When logging into the PC in your classroom, the computer may mix up which display is the “main” display. For our classrooms, we consider the projector + podium monitor to be the main display, and the TV on the rear wall to be the “extended” display. 

An extended display means you have two or more monitors connected to one PC, but they do not show the same thing. Many people using an extended display setup will have their main work program (excel, word, etc) on one monitor, and a web browser on another. 

It is up to you how you’d like to configure the main + rear displays in your classroom. To switch between “Extended” and “Mirror” modes, please see the directions below.

Shortcut: You can press function + F8 button to bring up a menu that lets you select how you want to orient your monitors.

1. Find your mouse pointer, and on the desktop (of either display) right click to bring up a menu. Select “Display Properties” from the menu. This will bring up a new window that should look similar to this:
2. Scroll down that window a little and you’ll see an option for “Multiple Displays”. Click on that box and you’ll see several options. The two most relevant to you will be:
   
   
   1. Extend these displays - this will put you into an extended desktop setup, where the rear monitor will NOT show the same content as the projector + podium. You could have your PPT notes, or other teaching content that the students wouldn’t be able to directly see. 
   2. Duplicate these displays - this will make the rear monitor show exactly what is on the projector. You may want to use this so you can see your content as you speak towards your students, without needing to stay at the podium or turn your head to see the projector. 
      
      

3. Towards the top of the Display options window you’ll notice an “Identify” button. Click this and it will show you which display the system considers to be “1” and which is considered “2.” This will let you change the orientation of the displays, so when you’re in extended desktop mode you know whether you need to drag the mouse or applications to the right or left to bring them to the other screen.

4. If you’re having trouble with these steps, please email us at helpdesk@arcadia.edu or call 215-572-2898 and we’d be happy to help.