Quick Guide to Get Started in the Classroom

Use this step-by-step guide to learn the basics of setting up and using a classroom at Utah State University.

Disinfect your workstation

When you first walk into the classroom, take a moment to properly disinfect the electronic devices you'll be using, including microphones, touch screens, keyboards, and mice. Spray a paper towel with the Electronic Disinfectant Cleaner and gently wipe down the equipment with the paper towel.

Prepare any devices you plan on using

Classroom Computers

Wake up the classroom computer by pressing any key on the keyboard then log in with your A# and password. Classroom computers have a variety of commonly used applications and additional software can be requested.

Laptops

Prepare your laptop (remember to plug it into power if needed) and connect it to the classroom system using the provided HDMI cable or, if available, wierelessly through AirMedia.

Document Cameras

Most rooms have a USB document camera connected directly into the classroom computer. Ensure it is powered on then open the document camera application on the desktop of the classroom computer. A few rooms have ceiling document cameras which are controlled through the classroom touch panel.
Learn more about document cameras here.

Turn on the displays

If you'll be sharing content from a computer or document camera, turn on the display(s) in the room.

Press the power button on the classroom touch panel and lower the projector screen if needed.
On the classroom touch panel, select the content you'd like to share.

If using Zoom, start the call on the classroom computer

Watch the Tutorial
1. Start the call
2. Adjust the classroom camera

Start your video in Zoom if it's not already started (in the lower-left corner of Zoom). If you don't see the classroom camera displayed in the self-view on Zoom, select the up arrow (^) next to the Start/Stop Video button and ensure the Av.io source is selected as the source.
Open the camera controls on the classroom touch panel by pressing the button with a camera icon on the top or far right of the touch panel.
While watching the self-view in Zoom, use the camera controls to move and zoom in/out the camera to the desired position.

3. Test the audio

Remove the microphone from its charging base and turn it on.
Clip the microphone 6-8 inches directly below your mouth.
In Zoom, press the up arrow (^) next to the Mute/Unmute button and select Test Speaker & Microphone.
Go through the test to ensure both speakers and the microphone are working.
- If either the speakers or microphone is not working, ensure the classroom computer is selected on the touch panel, the room and computer volume is turned up, and the microphone is turned on.
- *If running the web broadcast on a laptop, note that the classroom camera and microphone(s) will not be available for you to use.

4. Share content. If needed, remember to share the computer screen by pressing the green Share Screen button along the bottom of Zoom.
5. Start the recording. If using Zoom for class, record the class through Zoom. Otherwise, use Kaltura.

Kaltura Classroom

Open Kaltura Classroom

Double click the Kalture Classroom desktop shortcut on the classroom computer.

Log into Kaltura

Click "Log in" in the top right of the application and sign in with your A# and password.

Adjust the classroom camera

If you don't see the classroom camera displayed in the preview window in Kaltura, select the icon and ensure the Av.io source is selected as the source.
Open the camera controls on the classroom touch panel by pressing the button with a camera icon on the top or far right of the touch panel.
While watching the self-view in Kaltura, use the camera controls to move and zoom in/out the camera to the desired position.

Test the microphone

Remove the microphone from its charging base and turn it on.
Clip the microphone 6-8 inches directly below your mouth.
Speak into the microphone and confirm that the audio level is moving in the lower right of Kaltura.
- If no audio level is visible, ensure the microphone is turned on.
- If the microphone is on and you still don't see a level, press the icon and try a different microphone source.

Start the recording

Make sure to hit the stop button when finished recording

Tips & Tricks

Repeat Questions: Most classrooms do not have microphones for student comments. When a student makes a comment or asks a question, repeat it for the student viewing the class through Zoom or on the recording. This not only helps those connecting through Zoom, it also helps those in the classroom who may not have been able to hear the comment/question.

Camera Position: When possible, position the classroom camera so that the top half of your body fills the frame. This will help students better see your facial expressions and body language when viewed through Zoom or the recording.

Microphone Position: Position the microphone 6-8 inches directly below your mouth for optimal audio quality. This is especially important when wearing a mask.