Online asynchronous | änˈlīn • ˈsiNGkrənəs |
AP.  present physically by themselves in a classroom, a faculty member(s) holds class session(s) completely online for remotely connecting students.

Introduction

If you plan to teach synchronously (i.e. live) in an empty classroom where all students are joining remotely, 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).  Feel free to skip sections that don't apply to you. 

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!

Step 2:  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 3: Samson microphone 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 4: 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 5:  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 6: 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 7:  Using the Meeting OWL camera

The Meeting OWL camera features a near-360 degree view of your classroom, and has the built-in ability to automatically zoom in on whoever is speaking, making it especially helpful to online students during in-class discussions.

Step 8:  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 9: 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 10:  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.

post class

→ 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 "broadcasting" to online students.

Step 11:  Post-class checklist

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

Need Help?

Here's how to get it.