Online asynchronous | änˈlīn • āˈsiNGkrənəs |
AP.  present physically by themselves in a classroom, a faculty member(s) creates some or all course content for students, who will then engage with this material at a later time (i.e. not "live" as in hyflex or online synchronous scenarios.)

Introduction

If your plan is to create course material from a classroom (e.g. a video of you lecturing) for your students to access asynchronously from Canvas, Google Drive, or other place, then these instructions will guide you step-by-step on using the classroom technology for that purpose.  Please approach these technical instructions by knowing what you do/don’t want to do pedagogically in your class session(s). 

In this scenario, we recommend you use Zoom to make your recordings (i.e. create a Zoom meeting with only you present in it, and record that).  This scenario is sometimes referred to as using the classroom as a "teaching studio" (based on a successful pilot of spaces with faculty during Fall 2020). 

Feel free to skip sections that don't apply to you. 

Step 1: Pre-class checklist

Get ready for a class session!  Start by deciding what kind of recording you’ll be making:

• Video with you in it? (Use the AViPAS camera)
• Video of an object? (Use the document camera)
• Video of just the computer screen, with Powerpoint perhaps? (Use Zoom)
• Multiple things ( Use the appropriate cameras)

... so that you have in mind which cameras to use when you get to the classroom.

With that intent in mind, continue by following the Pre-class checklist.

Step 2: Preparing and using digital content with your class

Learn how to prepare content like files, Powerpoint presentations, audio and video content so it's loaded and ready to go for using in your class.

Step 3:  Connect your laptop

If you have a laptop, otherwise use the computer in the classroom (most classrooms have one.  If it does not, and you do not have a laptop, please contact us.)

Step 4: Microphone (Samson) for your online students’ benefit

The Samson wireless lavaliere microphone can be clipped onto your clothing, and will help your online students hear you clearly.

Step 5: Using the AViPAS (PTZ) camera (aka "Cyt-Fx4" in Zoom)

This camera is a very high resolution camera capable of capturing all the finer visual details of your classroom (e.g. whiteboard writing).

Step 6: Using a document camera (AVer)

A document camera is great for showing your students physical objects, like books, specimens, and more.  Some classrooms have document cameras, many do not.  If you need a document camera, please contact us.

Step 7: Switching between camera shots

If you are using more than one camera in class, you will likely need to switch between cameras.  Here's how.

Step 11:  Using the secondary monitor (Acer)

If you've ever used or seen other people using more than one monitor with their computer, this is the same idea.  Most classrooms now have a secondary monitor to help you, in conjunction with your primary display, projector, an/or wall-mounted display.

Step 12: Preparing and using digital content with your class

Learn how to prepare content like files, Powerpoint presentations, audio and video content so it's loaded and ready to go for using in your class.

Step 13:  Zoom settings

Unlike Zooming from your home or office, there are a few extra configurations you'll need to make so your online students can see, hear, and interact with you and your in-person students.

→ Reality check: What are your online students actually seeing and hearing?

Now that you have set up all the the technology in previous steps, it's helpful to know what you are actually recording for your students.  The link above will take you to a page that is highly suggestive of a "live" class, but the principles apply equally when you're making a recording.

Step 13:  When ending your time in the classroom-- a checklist

You're done... almost.  This checklist will help you, your students, and the Whitman community.

Need Help?

Here's how to get it.