Getting Started - Merlyn for Educators

Welcome to Merlyn, your AI classroom assistant!

Has your IT admin already set up your network and device? If not, first have them check out the admin installer guide to get started!

If so, great! You're ready to get going. Follow the steps below to get started!

	Laptop and device setup	Download and install the desktop app and browser extension.
	What's in the box	Make sure you have unboxed everything and plugin your Merlyn USB Receiver to your laptop.
	Your Merlyn remote	Check out what you can do with your Merlyn remote.
	Desktop App	Make sure the desktop app is open.
	Sign in	Sign in to the desktop app using your school credentials.
	The Merlyn Menu	Explore the Merlyn Menu to get to know what Merlyn can do!
	Can't find your remote?	Lost your remote in a busy classroom? Find out how to find your remote!
	Give it a try	Step back and navigate, try voice requests, and see what Merlyn can do!
	Talk to Merlyn	See a list of voice requests, print out a copy for your classroom, and give Merlyn a try!

Be sure to check out our Teacher Toolkit, where you can find resources, check out new features, and access support.

   Laptop and device setup

There are two applications that require installation in order to use Merlyn. You may need to go into your Self Service Admin Portal to download the approved applications. If you have trouble downloading or installing any of the following software, please contact your district IT Admin for support. 

Downloads

The following software must be installed on your laptop for Merlyn to work properly:

Browser Extension for both Windows & Mac		This allows you to control your browser using Merlyn. Download the browser extension for Chrome and Edge browsers. Please be sure to verify your default browser is set to either Chrome or Edge.
Desktop App for Windows		This adds Merlyn as a background service to your computer to process voice requests. Download for Windows.
Desktop App for Mac		This adds Merlyn as a background service to your computer to process voice requests. Download for Mac.

IT Admins, if you are planning to distribute our applications to PCs via MDM, please install the WinUSB driver located at the bottom of this page before installing the desktop application to ensure full compatibility.

   What's in the box

Connect your laptop

Get started using Merlyn, your AI classroom assistant! Merlyn can automate your everyday workflows so you can focus more time and attention on students. 

Plug your Merlyn USB receiver into your laptop or computer to control it using Merlyn. Ensure the Merlyn Desktop App and Browser Extension are running and signed in on your laptop. If Merlyn software has not been installed for you, please see “Laptop and device setup” below. If you are a Mac user, you will see a message that the keyboard is not identified when you first connect the Merlyn USB receiver to your laptop. Simply press the “Quit” button to continue with installation.

You are now ready to use Merlyn to orchestrate your lessons!

  Your Merlyn Remote

You can use the remote control to control your laptop and talk to Merlyn from anywhere in the classroom. To learn more and see what your remote can do view the remote guide.

Desktop App

Check that the desktop app is open before signing in. Navigate to the toolbar in the lower right corner, click on the upward facing arrow to reveal the hidden icons, and drag the Origin icon to the toolbar to pin it (Windows). Click on the Origin icon to open the Origin Desktop app.

Sign In

 

From your Applications (Mac) or Program Files (Windows), launch the Merlyn desktop app. You'll be prompted to log in where you will use your district credentials. 

The Merlyn Menu

Want to access Merlyn Chat, get support, or access other helpful tools?
Click on Merlyn in your system tray, press the orange button on your remote, or hold the microphone button and say “Open Merlyn.”

Ways to access the Merlyn Menu

Can’t find your remote? 

Click the Find My Remote button on the toolbar menu using your laptop or computer mouse. You’ll hear a melody that will help you locate the remote quickly so you can get back to teaching with Merlyn. 

Step 1 

Locate the Merlyn avatar to open the Overlay

	On a PC Locate the Merlyn avatar to open the Overlay. Windows Find the Merlyn avatar on your PC laptop in the Taskbar which is towards the bottom right of your screen.
	On a Mac The Merlyn avatar is located in the menu bar in the upper right-hand corner of your screen.

Step 2

Click the Find My Remote icon

Clicking the avatar will open up the Overlay. Once the Overlay is displayed, click on the remote icon to hear a chime.

Give it a try

Navigate presentations Try using the Air Mouse to click and open a link in your presentation.	Navigate your browser Try using the D-Pad to switch between tabs in your browser window, or to navigate between slides in a presentation.

   Talk to Merlyn

See a list of voice requests to use with Merlyn.

Try saying ”Search YouTube for videos about grasshoppers.”	Select a video with your air mouse and then try using phrases like “Enter full screen,” “Play video,” or “Pause Video.”

Merlyn Chat

Use AI to ask questions and get classroom-safe answers to engage your students.  Access Merlyn Chat by clicking the icon on your remote or in the Merlyn Menu.

Talk to Merlyn	Delve Deeper
Press and hold the microphone button on your remote, or type directly in the text box.	View citations for the sources used to generate Merlyn’s answer.

The Teacher Toolkit

Visit the Merlyn Teacher Toolkit at portal.merlyn.org to find user guides and educational materials, discover new features, send feedback, and get support. 

For more information see: 

Frequently Asked Questions or Contact Us. 

Additional Files:

• MerlynMindWinUSBSetup_MDM_PConly.msi7 MB