Syllabus

• How the VC will work
• On what campus will the instructor be?
• Will the instructor visit other campuses (if so, how often or when)?
• Will the sessions be recorded, and if yes how and when will they be used?
• What should students do if the VC session is interrupted because of technical issues?
• Importance of being on time
• How to use microphones and other issues that are unique to the situation

Planning

• Prepare a script in order to avoid dead air (this should identify the major classroom activities and how long you plan to spend on each).
• Provide handouts, agendas and lecture notes to students (this should be done before class through email or Blackboard).
• Watch the timing. The connection ends abruptly at the end of class time.

Class Management and Etiquette

• Absolutely no food or drinks in any of the classrooms (not even bottled water).
• Turn off all cell phones. Even if muted, they can create interference.
• Encourage/require students to sit in the front rows of the classrooms.
• Introduce all participants.
• Use names of students when addressing them.
• Speak clearly – but don’t shout.
• Respect the time-lag for media, motion, and audio.

Remote Site Considerations

• Do not deliver lectures or have classroom discussions at the SEND site that the RECEIVE site(s) cannot participate in. RECEIVE site students will feel neglected.
• If possible, occasionally teach from the receive site(s) during the semester.
• Delegate—ask one or two students to take the lead to become familiar with the Crestron panel.

Useful Tips

• Pastel/pale colored clothing is best for video.  Avoid white, black, plaids, stripes, and flashy jewelry.
• Because of the camera, you cannot walk around the classroom but will need to stay at the podium to stay on camera.
• Avoid excessive gestures and “tics” (tie straightening, touching hair, tapping, etc).
• To simulate eye contact with students look into the camera instead of the monitor. When writing on a board and showing visuals, pause regularly to look into the camera.
• Check the console monitor periodically, especially when you move or switch activities.
• Avoid looking at the monitor for extended periods. When you look at the monitor, you lose eye contact with the camera, hence with the remote audience. Monitors placed below or in front of the cameras make it easy to glance at them without losing eye contact.