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Classroom Technology

Classroom Technology

 

Modern classrooms are equipped with powerful tools that enhance teaching and learning. This page provides guidance and best practices for using classroom technologies effectively — from lecture capture systems that record and share lessons, to smartboards that foster interactive engagement, and A/V tools like microphones, cameras, and document cameras that ensure clarity and connection. Explore each section to learn how to make the most of your classroom’s technology and create a more dynamic, accessible, and engaging learning experience.

Classrooms at Cranbrook Location

 

Many COTR classrooms include built-in lecture recording. They normally capture the image on the large screen and overlay it with a smaller video of the instructor. When recording is complete, the video is sorted and uploaded to Kaltura Cloud. We refer to this entire process as ‘hardware lecture capture.’

Before class:

Let IT Services know your class schedule so recordings can automatically be routed to you. Otherwise, you’ll have to request the release of each video file individually.

Visit your classroom to determine the layout, camera locations, and microphone set-up. Particularly in terms of camera placement, it is good to turn everything on and see how best to deliver and record your lecture.

During class:

The process is extremely simple:

  1. Unlock the system by logging into the Control Touchpanel.
  2. Attach the wireless microphone to your shirt. Some microphones have a lanyard with magnetic clasp you can wear around your neck.
  3. Press the record START button on the Control Touchpanel.
  4. Teach your class normally.

At end of class:

  1. Press recording STOP on the Control Touchpanel.
  2. Remove microphone and place in charger.
  3. Close system and log-out of Control Touchpanel.

The resulting recording will be uploaded to Kaltura, but unavailable to anyone except administrators. Once you add the video to your COTROnline course page, it will be available to your students.

One Classroom Example (remember that the technology is not necessarily the same in every room!)

Audio Visual functions in our classrooms are controlled by a variety of different touch panels.

They may have simple buttons and a volume knob, or complex graphical controls similar to your smartphone. The more features offered in the room, the more complex the panel.

Because the different generations of room control systems are so … different, we recommend you schedule a one-on-one orientation with IT staff for the classrooms you expect to use, especially if you need to use the more complex features like UC (Unified Communications).

Zoom and Microsoft Teams are examples of Unified Communications applications. Both are used extensively in education. A select few of our classrooms are outfitted with the latest technologies to support these platforms. These are ‘top-end’ classrooms, often fitted with the latest gear like Catchbox microphones and multiple PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras.

Definitely request an IT orientation if you need to use all the features of these classrooms. The control system is more complex and sometimes there are quirky pc settings required to get the best results.