Best practice input selections for recording in the classrooms
Every classroom and Computer Lab on campus has the capability to record your screen and some form of Audio and Video from the room. There are three main types of classrooms you need to be aware of before you can make the right choice for recording.
Those three types are: Rear camera and Lapel, Webcam and Lapel, and Webcam only. Since Panopto and Zoom both have the capability to capture and share your screen, we are simply discussing the inputs for Audio and Video available to you on the classroom computers. We have other videos and documents covering Zoom and Panopto in more detail if you would like to become more familiar.
There are some special rooms on campus with cameras at the front of the room for Zoom capture of the audience. Other special rooms have audience participation microphones called Catchbox. Catchbox is recorded to the computer along with the Lapel audio.
You are welcome to choose any settings you wish. These are our recommendations for best results. We would gladly discuss your specific needs if you would like as well.
Webcam :
Rear Cameras : Static:
Rear Camera and Lapel:
These rooms are the most capable rooms on campus. They are set up to capture as much of the front of the room as possible, but will be able to capture handwriting on the chalkboard as their primary concern.
A few of these rooms have PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) options on the control panel for more close up or wide shot options. Check the Control panel for “Preset” to see what quick options may be available for your specific needs.
In Panopto or Zoom, look for “Video (00 Pro Capture SDI)” for your primary video and “USB Audio Codec/Lapel” for your audio settings.
In Zoom, speakers should be set to “Same as System”. You will need to wear the lapel in this setting. There is no audio adjustment available for these. Simply clip it to your shirt and turn it on. There are rechargeable batteries in the drawer. Swap out a set of batteries from the charger before you start for best results.
With this setup you can walk anywhere in the room and be heard in the recording. The students' questions may not be heard, so for best results try repeating the question before you give your answer. This will both assure your student that you understood their question, but also put the question into the recording for those watching later.
If this room has a Catchbox, simply toss the mic to the student and have them repeat their question. Any audio from a Catchbox will be put into the recording with the same audio input “USB Audio Codec/Lapel”. Please be sure to put the Catchbox back on it’s charging base at the end of your class.
If you are a chalkboard user, you may also consider trying the Document Camera. Every classroom on campus has a Document Camera and most of them can be used as a “Secondary” source in Panopto or Zoom. For the students in the classroom, you would simply need to press “Doc Cam” on the control panel for them to see an image of what you are writing on the projected image. Although the camera in the back of the room does capture the Chalkboard well, the Document Camera is another option for a highly detailed image.
Webcam and Lapel:
These rooms have the same voice capture audio as our best rooms, but the video capability is limited.
In Panopto or Zoom, look for “Logitech Webcam C930e” for your primary video and “USB Audio Codec/Lapel” for your audio settings.
In Zoom, speakers should be set to “Same as System”. You will need to wear the lapel in this setting. There is no audio adjustment available for these. Simply clip it to your shirt and turn it on. There are rechargeable batteries in the drawer. Swap out a set of batteries from the charger before you start for best results.
With this setup you can walk anywhere in the room and be heard in the recording. The students' questions may not be heard, so for best results try repeating the question before you give your answer. This will both assure your student that you understood their question, but also put the question into the recording for those watching later.
If you are a chalkboard user, for best results, try using the Document Camera. Every classroom on campus has a Document Camera and most of them can be used as a “Secondary” source in Panopto or Zoom. For the students in the classroom, you would simply need to press “Doc Cam” on the control panel for them to see an image of what you are writing on the projected image.
Webcam Only:
This is the least capable of the three options. However, as long as you are aware of it’s limitations you can easily record, stream and create good content for your students.
In Panopto or Zoom, look for “Logitech Webcam C930e” for your primary video and audio settings.
In Zoom, speakers should be set to “Same as System”.
With this setup please be aware your voice can only be heard from about 8ft (2.4m) away from the webcam. Audio is also drastically impacted if you face away from the webcam and talk. For best results, stay standing or sitting behind the teacher's desk. If you are a chalkboard user, for best results, try moving to using the Document Camera. Every classroom on campus has a Document Camera and most of them can be used as a “Secondary” source in Panopto or Zoom. For the students in the classroom, you would simply need to press “Doc Cam” on the control panel for them to see an image of what you are writing on the projected image.