Tech Set Up for In-person CIS 133

Description

Course: CIS133 Introduction to Web Design / Development

Modality: In-Person using MAO (in-person, Live-Online, asynchronous)

General approach: I allowed students to attend in any way they wished, and to change their attendance from week to week if necessary. The first week, before they knew they didn’t have to be in person, we walked through all the different ways one could attend, and how to do it.

Equipment

I used existing equipment in the classroom. For in-person students, I used an overhead display. The room actually has two overheads, but after several weeks of not remembering which one I had shared with the online students, I decided to only project to one screen. I also have two monitors at the instructor’s station. I used the one at the left (physically away from the projected screen) to hold secondary programs. I would drag the app I was presenting at the time to the right monitor. The instructor’s computer was where the microphone and the shared screen were run. I also turned around one of the student computers and faced it toward the front. On this machine, I logged into the online meeting so that I could monitor what was going on there at all times, even when away from the desk. I also used the webcam from this computer, as it would better capture both me and my board writing. The students at home were required to join with their microphones on, but not their cameras. Their voices came out over the speakers on the overhead projector. Not a great quality sound, but everyone could hear them (and help me understand when my old frazzled ears didn’t quite pick up the diction).

Programs

Besides the programs used for the class content (Chrome, Windows Explorer, and VS Code) I used Big Blue Button. This program both broadcasts live and records. I was able to capture videos for the asynchronous students to watch, or others to review. These videos are sadly not made available by default, but I had to remember to go into the app several hours later (when the video had finished compiling) and make the presentation public. I sometimes forgot to be timely with this.

Reflection

What worked?

All in all the setup worked very well. Big Blue Button has a tendency to lose the shared screen and webcam streams. However, it plays a sound when it is lost. As long as one is attuned to that sound, it only takes a minute to reconnect. Because I tried to stay in the frame in the camera, I had to limit my perambulations somewhat, but I’m not sure that was a bad thing. The students have VERY MUCH appreciated the ability to choose whether they came to class or attended virtually or asynchronously from week to week.

What can be improved?

I am still looking for ways to improve the asynchronous students’ experience. But getting little feedback is hard. However, I have had two students who never darkened my doors, but have (mostly) kept up with the work.

Contributor

For more information, contact Gregor McHardy (Scottsdale Community College) gregor.mchardy@scottsdalecc.edu