The Learning Spaces Technology [LST] group provides consulting, design, installation, training, management and support for 300+ technology-equipped University Classrooms [UCRs] across campus and classrooms assigned to departments.
Classroom Updates
Beginning Fall semester of 2020, all UCRs will have webcams and microphones for use with UICapture software for lecture capture and podcasting, and Zoom software for synchronous classroom delivery:
• Camera - Huddly Go, web conferencing camera, 150-degree wide-angle lens, USB HD webcam on flexible arm mount
• Microphone - MXL AC-404 USB Conferencing boundary mic
Beginning Fall semester of 2021, all UCRs will have Solstice Pods for in-classroom wireless content sharing, and Zoom-compatible document cameras:
• Wireless Presentation Device - Mersive Solstice Pod with unlimited connections
• Document Camera - WolfVision vSolutions Cam document camera
Need Help? Contact ITS Help Desk
Phone: 319-384-4357 [HELP]
Email: its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu
University Classroom Technology Guide
Capturing Computer Video & Audio
This guide shows how to capture and share video and audio in University Classrooms [UCRs] using equipment and software installed in the room. Each UCR has a camera, microphone, and software to facilitate teaching and learning, either in-person, or through virtual instruction.
Cameras & Microphones
Each UCR is equipped with both a camera and microphone for use with Zoom, Panopto, and Skype for Business in the delivery of classroom activity. Cameras are generally of two types, and include the lectern-mounted Huddly Go camera, and the wall/ceiling-mounted Pan-Tilt-Zoom [PTZ] camera. Microphones are generally of two types, and include the lectern-based and wired MXL USB Web Conferencing, and the wireless microphone in either the Wireless Body Pack version, or the Wireless Handheld version.
Cameras
Huddly Go Webcam
- Typically attached to lectern and mounted on flexible mount that can be positioned to capture instructor, class, whiteboards, or other instructional activities
Pan-Tilt-Zoom [PTZ] Camera
- Wall/ceiling-mounted and remotely adjusted via A/V Control Panel Interface to focus on the instructor, classroom, whiteboards, or other instructional activities
Microphones
MXL USB Conferencing Microphone
Lectern-based microphone that may be moved [limited to USB cable length] to best capture speaker and/or classroom audio while remaining connected via USB cable.
- Captures most audio within 15-feet but cannot amplify speaker's voice through A/V system
Wireless Microphones
Wireless Microphones amplify a speaker's voice through A/V system and should also function as an audio input source for the lectern workstation, Zoom, UICapture/Panopto, and Skype for Business.
Wireless Body Pack Microphone
- Typically found mic drawer of A/V rack
- Consisting of a wireless body pack transmitter and wired lapel microphone
- Battery powered [by alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries, or charging base]
Wireless Handheld Microphone
- Typically found mic drawer of A/V rack
- Battery powered [by alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries, or charging base]
Using Cameras & Mics with Zoom, UICapture/Panopto, and Skype for Business
UCRs are equipped with a lectern workstation/computer that includes software that works with installed cameras and microphones to record, upload, and share video and audio; additionally, each UCR lectern workstation/computer is typically configured to automatically enable the supported software below to use installed cameras and microphones.
Zoom
- Cloud-based conferencing platform that allows users to communicate, broadcast, capture, and share live, in-person instructional activity to learners using a variety of built-in tools like chat, polling, breakout rooms, and other engagement functions
UICapture / Panopto
- Cloud-based lecture capture platform with broadcasting, recording, editing and media management capability that allows hosts to deliver online instructional activity
- Includes ICON/Canvas content management integration
Skype for Business
- Cloud-based conferencing platform that can be used for sharing live, in-person instructional activity that includes Microsoft Outlook integration
While each UCR lectern computer is typically configured to automatically enable the camera and microphone in the room to use the above software, user's can manually select the learning space's camera and microphone should the need arise:
- In Zoom, Panopto or Skype for Business, navigate to the Camera [or Video] selector and select Huddly Go [or PTZ] camera to share your video image
Special Instructions for Laptop Users
Each UCR lectern provides users an HDMI Personal Device Connection to use with the learning space's A/V equipment; however, be advised that classroom cameras and microphones do not capture audio or video inputs directly to, or from, HDMI-connected personal devices.
- To approach this issue, it is suggested for users with HDMI-connected personal devices to simultaneously capture sessions along with the learning space's lectern computer as separate recordings, to be uploaded, and later be edited/merged [if necessary] before sharing
Capturing Quality Video & Audio
UCRs are set-up for a wide range of users and a broad array of instructional activity and the following steps are recommended to produce good quality results when capturing computer audio and video.
- Check audio and video signal with each new session
- Zoom and Panopto apps prompt users to check video signals and audio input levels before starting session or recording
- When checking video signal, adjust camera position to best capture desired activity or material for each class session
- Position microphones to capture desired audio for each class session
- MXL USB Web Conferencing Microphones captures a 180-degree arc of sound and may be moved on lectern to point to center of activity being captured
- Lapel microphones from Wireless Body Packs should be positioned on lapels or button plackets and free of direct contact with clothing to avoid capturing distracting noise
- Handheld Microphones should be positioned 6–12 inches from speaker's chin [dependent on audio input levels]
- For Virtual Instruction
- Repetition of in-room audience/student questions or comments by host/instructor is advised so they may be heard and captured, as UCRs are not typically equipped to amplify or capture in-room audio from audience/students [please note, some learning spaces are equipped with a series of ceiling-mounted microphones to capture audio throughout the room]
- Document Camera & Zoom Capture
This Guide as PDF
Visit the COVID-19: Classroom Experience site for additional information regarding University Classroom expectations for the 2021 Fall semester.
For information regarding the COVID-19 Operational Response for Custodial Services, Building Operations and Maintenance and/or the UI Operational Plan for Cleaning and Disinfecting of Building Spaces, please visit the Facilities Management.
For assistance with classroom technology issues, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 384-HELP [4357] or its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu
University Classroom Support
Email the ITS Help Desk at its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu