Hybrid Technology FAQ for Faculty Fall 2020

What software is used in the classrooms to connect to my remote students?

Early this summer the University invested in a campus-wide Zoom license and it has been integrated into Bridges for faculty to use as their web conferencing tool. The equipment installed in the classrooms provides camera and audio, but Zoom will be the software tool you use to connect to your remote students.
If you haven’t already accessed your RWU Zoom account, you can find helpful articles in the MediaTech Knowledge Base: https://rogerwilliamsuniversity.freshservice.com/support/solutions/folders/18000059442

I heard that some rooms are getting “better” equipment than others. Is that true?

The majority of standard classrooms were installed with a camera and a ceiling microphone. Rooms that required more flexibility in terms of camera angles (i.e. labs, studios, and other spaces) were outfitted with mobile carts with a high-end camera/microphone and an additional expansion microphone. These carts can be moved around to accommodate different classroom setups and capture activity in different areas of the room. The cameras in the standard classroom are installed to capture the teaching area in the front of the room and can be set to a wide angle to allow for movement. The camera quality and audio pickup on both systems is exceptional.

How do I know whether my classroom will have the installed camera/microphone or the cart-based camera/microphone?

Please consult the classroom list located at https://rogerwilliamsuniversity.freshservice.com/support/solutions/18000039543

Can I use my laptop to teach my class in a hybrid format in an onsite classroom? What if I have an Apple laptop?

Yes! The technology that was installed allows you to teach using the podium pc in the room or your laptop. You will connect your laptop to the projector system as usual (using hdmi or vga depending on the classroom) and will connect via USB to the camera/microphone system. Basically, it’s just like hooking up an external webcam to your laptop. The equipment supports both PC and Apple laptops.

Can I use the podium pc to teach my class in a hybrid format in an onsite classroom?

Yes! The technology that was installed allows you to teach using the podium pc in the room or your laptop. If you use the podium pc you don’t need to connect any cables. Just turn on the projection system, choose the podium pc from the touch panel, log into the Zoom application through Bridges, and start teaching.

Will I be able to move the cameras to capture what I want?

Yes! Both the installed and mobile cart versions offer the ability to move the cameras and change angles. There are limitations with the installed cameras but you will be able to capture the entire front area of the room and some of the sides.

How do I move the cameras?

In rooms with Crestron touch panels, the Camera Controls can be found on the touch panel itself. In rooms without Crestron touch panels, there is a desktop link to an application for camera control.

How will my remote students see my PowerPoint or other content?

Remote students will see your PowerPoint or other computer-based content when you use the “Share Screen” feature in Zoom. You can also show videos from the computer and the remote students will be able to see and hear them.

Can I capture the whiteboard/blackboard using these systems?

Yes! The camera can be pointed at the whiteboard and is clear enough to read easily (assuming the far end students have a good internet connection). Zoom “mirrors” (flips) your video as a default, so you will need to uncheck “mirror my video” in your Zoom application. You will only need to change this setting once.

Will my in-class students and remote students be able to hear each other?

Yes! The microphones in the classrooms will pick up the in-class students and the speakers in the room will allow you and your class to hear the “away” students. We do recommend that the “away” students keep their microphones muted when they’re not talking to eliminate background noise.

If I move around the room, will my students still hear and see me?

In standard classrooms, the camera will capture you in the front teaching area and in rooms with mobile carts you can set up the cart to capture whatever area of the room you wish. You may want to set up a “wide shot” if you plan to move around a lot. The microphones will capture you as you move around the room.

What if one of my students can’t hear or see me, or I can’t see or hear them?

If a student is having technical difficulties, we recommend that they leave the Zoom meeting and then rejoin. Often this will fix the issue. If they are having further technical difficulties, we would recommend that they reach out to MediaTech for assistance.

I want all my in-class students to also be logged into Zoom on their personal devices. Is that a problem?

The University network has a robust amount of the bandwidth for our users. However, with Zoom and other streaming services, wireless bandwidth especially in areas where multiple users are on the same segment such as classrooms may have a sporadically degraded experience. Simply put, an HD stream may degrade to a lesser quality, while the audio tends to stay clear.

Can I use Zoom over wireless with my laptop while I teach?

Yes, but wired network connections are also available in most of the University’s classrooms at the teaching station. We recommend that you take advantage of these.

I heard that I won’t be able to use the Crestron touch panel in the room if I’m wearing gloves. Is that true?

The Crestron touch panels have been tested using the gloves that are provided in classrooms and they did work.

How do I get training?

IT is providing classroom technology training and highly recommends that you sign up and attend. Email mediatech@rwu.edu to get a link to sign up for training.

What if I still have questions after my training?

For questions about classroom technology (or any other technology-related issue at RWU), contact the MediaTech helpdesk via phone 401-254-6363 or email mediatech@rwu.edu

Will there be training materials in the classroom?

Training materials for using the hybrid teaching technology will be posted in the rooms in this Knowledge Base.

How do I get help if the technology isn’t working during my class?

For help during class, call 401-254-6363 and choose Option 2 for classroom and event support. A staff member will attempt to talk you through the issue over the phone first and a tech will be deployed if needed. We do expect that social distancing and other campus changes will make it more difficult than usual for us to get to your classroom quickly, so we ask for your patience and understanding.

How do I clean/disinfect the classroom equipment before and after use?

Cleaning wipes for technology will be provided in all classrooms. Please do not spray disinfectant onto the technology or use other cleaning products other than the wipes provided as it could damage the equipment.