Topics Map > Instructional Services
Blended Learning Recommendations
Classroom Information and SupportGrainger College of Engineering Room Information: go.engineering.illinois.edu/rooms. Technology Enhanced Classrooms supported by Technology Services: go.illinois.edu/classrooms for classroom equipment listings or to request training. |
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In Class Activity
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Alternatives for Blended Learning Environment
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Additional Considerations
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Using Laser Pointer or Pointing Device
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Use a digital pointer so that it shows up on the screen for anyone viewing either in class or online.
Options:
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Make sure to test optional devices in classrooms prior to class to ensure everything works as expected. |
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Using Black or White Boards
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Use a digital writing surface so writing is captured for viewing online.
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In lecture capture equipped spaces, the presenter camera cannot capture blackboards, whiteboards, or projector images with sufficient quality for remote learners. Text/Image size, contrast, ambient room lighting, and outside lighting can all effect the camera's ability to capture this content. Lighting is critical for camera recording, please leave as many classroom lights on as possible. |
| Passing Physical Examples/Walking Away from Lectern |
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Moving around the presentation area or through the classroom can be energizing and engaging for in-person students, but this makes it more difficult to capture the class for online students. |
| Class Q&A or Discussion | Ceiling mics are available:
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Proper microphone placement is critical for quality audio recording. We recommend placing the microphone centered on your chest approximately 3-5 inches (the width of your palm) below where your collar bones meet your sternum. Not all clothing is conducive to this placement and we recommend using a lanyard or ribbon if your clothing does not suit this placement. |
| No ceiling mics available: When there are no ceiling mics to capture audience discussion, consider alternatives:
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For synchronous environments it is helpful to enlist a moderator for the online students. Online students could use the chat to ask questions and the moderator can relay those to the live classroom. For asynchronous, leverage the discussion tools to engage students from both the in person and online sections. |
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| Multiple Displays to Show Different Content | Most of our lecture capture hardware is not capable of capturing multiple screens of content. Most rooms only capture the primary screen, generally:
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Ensure that the AV system is on for all recorded classes. If your instruction does not require the use of the projector, many room systems can be started as “Audio Only” or Video Mute/Blank options may be used. Either option stops displaying the content to the projector and recordings, but leaves video displaying on confidence monitors for notes or other instructor-only reference material. |
| Using Zoom | For rooms equipped with conferencing, ensure the Zoom settings are correct and that no other devices in the room are connecting to the conference call.
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Check your room setup and schedule a training to test out Zoom in a classroom prior to class time. Additional equipment and configuration may be needed depending on the room capabilities. |