Developing and adding skills to your technology toolbelt can help you deliver your content and engage with students that may have unforeseen absences and needs at the start of term.
The purpose of this guide is to provide recommendations to help prepare you and your technology for the term.
SURVIVAL STRATEGIES
- Know the tech
- Plan Ahead
- Reach Out Early
I. KNOW THE TECH
Discover the technology available to you inside and outside of the classroom. Download, setup, and configure the applications ahead of time and familiarize yourself with them ahead of the term.
Your Software Toolkit
Learning Management System
- Canvas – canvas.dartmouth.edu (setup guide). Prepare for term by placing as much in Canvas as possible. See a Learning Designer for advice on how to organize!
Additional Teaching Tools
Recording and Video Management
File Sharing and Collaboration
Don’t see what you need?
Contact the Service Desk to inquire about your additional software needs.
II. PLAN AHEAD
Resilient Course Design
- Minimize the effects of external disruption on student learning by using Resilient Course Design (overview)
Classroom
- Familiarize yourself with the recording options and set up in case you need to provide a recording or stream of your class
- If you know your classroom assignment, visit the space to try out the AV (AV Instructions)
- Submit your classroom capture request as soon as you know your room assignment (request)
- Order additional technology you may need through the computer store (computer store)
Account and Login
- Know your Dartmouth ID and Password for logging in to Canvas, Zoom, and other Dartmouth supported applications
- Have a backup option for Duo authentication. Consider setting up a second device, or picking up a Hardware Token (keychain fob) from The Computer Store.
III. REACH OUT EARLY
The start of the term is busy for everyone. Resources may be constrained during the first two weeks of term. Connect with your technology teams ahead of the start of term.
o Technology training (Training and Support)
o Classroom Tech Orientations (Request Orientation)
o Learning Design and Innovation (email LDI@dartmouth.edu)
o General Technology Support (Request Help)
USING ZOOM or PANOPTO IN THE CLASSROOM
If you are planning to record or stream your class, we recommend the following strategy:
- Plug your computer into the AV system and display your content in the room
- Open Zoom (or Panopto) and select your desired camera, microphone, and speakers
- Click on record to start the recording
Each classroom is physically unique, but they can be broadly categorized into three sizes (small, medium, large). Additional features have been included to improve the recording experience in the medium and large spaces.
Please consult with Classroom Technology Services if you have questions about these setups.
Small Classrooms (estimate 1-20 students)
In small classrooms, the audio and video for the recording/stream will be captured using the built-in camera and microphone of your computer or the classroom computer.
If the audio pick- up from your computer is insufficient, wearable microphones that interface directly with your computer can be purchased or ordered through the computer store (more details can be found under equipment recommendations).
Medium Classrooms (estimate 20-50)
In medium classrooms, there will be a USB cable connection that you can plug into your computer to provide an audio feed from a wearable microphone available in the room.
Large Classrooms (estimate 50-100+)
In large classrooms, there will be a USB cable connection that you can plug into your computer that provides both an audio and video feed of the classroom microphones and cameras.
Note: Classroom Capture is available in most of the large classrooms (and in some medium classrooms). Please visit the classroom capture overview page for more details on availability and scheduling details.
EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Every course operates differently, and the classroom audiovisual systems may not support your means of instruction. The follow is a curated list of equipment that may be helpful in supporting your teaching needs:
Personal Amplification
A portable voice amplifier can be used to amplify the presenters voice in classrooms without any included audiovisual technology. All centrally controlled teaching spaces with installed AV systems include microphones for speech reinforcement. Please consult with Classroom Technology Services for more information.
Wearable and Wireless Microphones for Laptops
If the recording audio quality from your computer is insufficient, use a wearable microphone connected to your computer. Some examples that can be purchased or ordered through the Computer Store are the Samson SWXPD2BLM8 or the Rode WIGOII. Supply chain delays can extend fulfillment time, please check with the Computer Store for availability.
Discussion Microphones
If you need to capture a discussion in a recording or stream, you can use an additional microphone connected to your computer for broader pickup. One option is the Rode WIGOII, a two microphone kit. The first microphone is worn by the presenter and the second can be placed on a surface further in the room.
Another solution is to use a boundary or 360º microphone on a seminar table or surface near the center of the room. An example 360º microphone is the MeetingOwl.
Both microphone options can be ordered/purchased through the Computer Store.
Please consult with Classroom Technology Services if you have more questions or additional teaching needs.