Technology will inevitably need more time and attention than it did in a regular classroom setting. Add some ‘tech time’ into your lesson plans. In case of malfunctions, Classrooms Support staff are available to troubleshoot hardware (by phone, and in person if needed) via Classrooms Support (434) 982-4586 or [email protected]. 

The instructor station will have two computer monitors so that you can see both your content and your remote students, via Zoom (if applicable).  As always, a PC computer will be available. Many instructor stations have plastic screens between the instructor and the class. Use this form to request a plastic shield for your classroom computer station.  

A number of classrooms are being outfitted with new microphones to allow students in the classroom to be heard clearly over Zoom. In some classrooms, there will be an overhead ‘globe’ microphone near the classroom computer, or a wearable microphone to capture the instructor’s voice. More guidance is available from Classrooms Support (434) 982-4586 or [email protected]. 

 If your course is discussion-heavy, use this form to request access to an improved classroom microphone setup.  

Most classrooms will have two cameras; you can use one at a time. One points at the students, and the other at the instructor station. Both can be adjusted.  

 If class activities are centered on student-to-student interaction, keep the camera on your students rather than yourself. One Fall 2020 PR course instructor tells it this way: 

…"(the students) explained that they didn't actually need to have the camera pointed at me at all.  They very much prefer to have the camera always pointed at the classroom where they can see the other students.  …Basically the students on Zoom move from seeing the classroom to seeing the PowerPoint, but they never look directly at me.  If I want for them to see me, I actually move into the classroom among the students (keeping distance of course). " 

(Note: If you wish to try this approach, make sure you double-check with your in-person students that they are comfortable being on camera during class.)

Teaching exclusively from your own laptop inside the classroom is not recommended if you will be recording your class or attempting to include remote students.

If you decide to use your laptop, you will be able to display from your laptop to the classroom screen, but you will not be able to use the classroom microphone and camera(s) via your laptop. That said, bringing a laptop or other external device can be helpful for displaying your content or accessing breakout rooms. Some faculty bring an iPad and writing stylus to use as a whiteboard. 

If your course will be recorded or include remote students, use the classroom document camera instead of writing on the board. The board is unlikely to be clearly visible in recordings.  

Recommended Practice: write by hand on a piece of paper under the document camera, instead of writing on the board. Use a heavy ink pen such as a Flair or Gel Pen. A notepad works well. 

To use the document camera, open the document camera via the touch-panel at the instructor station. Then select “PC” again on the touch-panel, and return to the computer. Open the software “Sphere2” or “Sphere.”  This ensures that what you show on the Document Camera will appear both on the classroom screen and in your recording.