Connected Classrooms

Expanding the limits of the classroom with capture and streaming technology

What are Connected Classrooms?

Connected Classroom technology enables instructors to record and stream their class sessions as well as make them available to students via the password-protected learning management system. The recording and streaming capabilities help to address seating capacity due to social distancing requirements. In addition, the added technology provides greater equity to at-risk students through the synchronous streaming as well as asynchronous capture of course content.

Connected Classrooms functionality includes both the ability to use Zoom synchronously (Zoom Ready Rooms) as well as capture course content via the automated Mediasite capture system (Automated Capture Rooms) as an additional functionality for select classrooms.

  • Classroom podiums are equipped with both Mac and Windows computers (standardized with Zoom software) to give instructors the freedom and flexibility to teach in a consistent manner across any of our learning environments
  • A ceiling mounted, hands-free microphone automatically captures instructor speech directly into both the Mac and Windows computer
  • A ceiling mounted, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera captures instructor video directly into both the Mac and Windows computer
  • The camera can be adjusted using one of four presets, or manually via the touch panel control system (if applicable) or via an included in-room remote
  • A ceiling mounted document camera captures any content presented via the document camera table/drawer and can be shared as content from a second camera on both the Mac and Windows computer
  • Using the installed Zoom software, instructors can choose to Zoom synchronously and/or capture the course content using Zoom’s recording feature and upload the URL link anywhere
  • These rooms have all of the features of Zoom Ready Rooms
  • Instructors are able to capture content from any source available within the podium
  • Recordings are automatically scheduled, started/stopped, and securely uploaded to the learning management system for enrolled students to view at their own pace
  • Automated capture reduces the workload and allow instructors to focus on content, rather than setup and delivery
  • You teach your class as always, Mediasite captures and produces the finished video for you
  • Record content for students to listen outside of class, and free up classroom time for discussion

Getting Started Questions

ITS has a team of Student Assistants who provide support for faculty in Connected Classrooms through consultation services, training, and face-to-face support for Zoom. These students are available during our normal hours of operation to provide in-classroom Zoom support.

  • Configure Connected Classroom mic/camera and podium equipment
  • Setup and/or review meeting settings or breakout rooms prior to class
  • Create and assign breakout rooms
  • Help with audio or video issues
  • Moderate chat and polling
  • Record sessions
  • Manage breakout rooms

IMPORTANT: Student Assistants are not authorized to proctor or grade exams, assignments, or quizzes.

If you would like to sign up for Zoom assistance, please submit a ServiceNow request, and we will get back to you right away.

Classrooms contain an instructor podium with built-in Mac and Windows computers, laptop connectivity, DVD/Blu-ray player and document camera; large lecture halls also contain voice projection equipment. Classrooms may vary, however, so for an accurate list of the technology available in your assigned room please refer to our Classroom List, visit the Classroom Directory, or contact the ITS Learning Environments help desk at extension 4-5691).

ITS offers an online Classroom Training Course, as well as virtual live trainings throughout the year. Please check the IT Division Training Calendar to see more information. In addition, you may request help from a Technology Student Assistant (TSA) via ServiceNow.

Zoom-Ready Room step-by-step instructions are also available by selecting either TouchLink or Control Panel.

All classrooms are equipped with a telephone (typically located near the instructor podium) as well as signage containing the Learning Environments help desk phone number (4-5691).

ITS staff are available to assist you during the following periods:

  • 7:30 am-10:00 pm, Monday through Thursday
  • 7:30 am – 4:00 pm on Friday.

During Summer, ITS staff are available to assist you from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm.