Lecture 13: Classroom Technologies
To Be Covered:
- Teaching Technologies
- Computer
- Microphone
- Speakers
- Projector
- TV
- Document Camera
- Interactive Whiteboard
- Smartboard
- Tablets
- Learners
- Teacher-led
Computer(s):
- Access to Lecture PC
- Usually linked to projector
- Possible access to Learner PC’s
- Often linked to network drive / own learner “folder” and printer
- Both possibly linked to internet, but not a given
- Possible sound (headphone or built in speaker)
- Might run Windows 10 / Ubuntu Linux or Apple (MacOS) or ChromeOS (Google Chromebook)
- Possible access to webcam and microphone
- You might have “rights” to install programs and apps, or you might need to ask IT Department to
install apps of programs for you
1 2
Microphone Types (WCW):
- Wired microphone (see picture to the left – 1)
- Clip-on microphone (picture to the right – 2)
- Wireless microphone
- All 3 will need power (battery or plugged in), so remember to see that it is switched on, and check
the battery power levels if you need to
Speakers:
- May be Wired or Wireless
- Might not be present in classroom, check and TEST beforehand (NB)
- Check/test the loudness of the speakers
Advantage of Wireless (might have to buy your own)
- Will be loud enough if you buy/choose right
- Can be moved all over the class (classroom needs differ)
- Can be used in other classes or during meetings as presentation tool
Disadvantages:
- Moving means possible damage and theft (may be damaged or stolen)
, What To Expect:
- Some schools have sounds systems so intricate, they can change microphone settings with a tablet
app, or volume settings, per speaker, in the app.
- Some schools barely have a wired microphone, linked to a large speaker/amp duo.
- It is thus NB to adjust your expectations to the school you’re going to work at
- You should also find out what resources that school has
Bi-Modal Teaching:
- This takes place when you teach a class with a webcam and microphone recording, and some of
the class is there in person, and some of the class is “attending class” from home (virtually there)
Projectors:
- Projects images/content onto a screen/wall
- If there is not a screen, then improvise and hang a sheet or piece of large paper (or use paint)
- Can be fixed to the roof, or on a table somewhere
- The lamp lasts a few thousand hours, then it becomes dim
- The replacement of the lamp light costs roughly R3000 +
- It is therefore NB to switch it off when not in use
- TEST BEFORE USE – especially in Big Halls
Settings that can be changed
- Brightness
- Contrast
- Shape of Projection (keystone) etc
Projector Things:
- Different ports connecting your PC/Laptop to the projector = VGA (blue) and HDMI
- Make sure that your PC/Laptop has the right port available or use a converter cable or device
You can turn your projector Wireless:
- Connect to Laptop or Tablet
- Using Easycast Dongle (or similar) (R1000 +)
- Or Apple TV for Apple (R2000 +)
Some are wireless already, but then you can only connect to it, or the internet. One at a time.
These are old ports, they’re not new. The newer projectors have HDMI ports
To Be Covered:
- Teaching Technologies
- Computer
- Microphone
- Speakers
- Projector
- TV
- Document Camera
- Interactive Whiteboard
- Smartboard
- Tablets
- Learners
- Teacher-led
Computer(s):
- Access to Lecture PC
- Usually linked to projector
- Possible access to Learner PC’s
- Often linked to network drive / own learner “folder” and printer
- Both possibly linked to internet, but not a given
- Possible sound (headphone or built in speaker)
- Might run Windows 10 / Ubuntu Linux or Apple (MacOS) or ChromeOS (Google Chromebook)
- Possible access to webcam and microphone
- You might have “rights” to install programs and apps, or you might need to ask IT Department to
install apps of programs for you
1 2
Microphone Types (WCW):
- Wired microphone (see picture to the left – 1)
- Clip-on microphone (picture to the right – 2)
- Wireless microphone
- All 3 will need power (battery or plugged in), so remember to see that it is switched on, and check
the battery power levels if you need to
Speakers:
- May be Wired or Wireless
- Might not be present in classroom, check and TEST beforehand (NB)
- Check/test the loudness of the speakers
Advantage of Wireless (might have to buy your own)
- Will be loud enough if you buy/choose right
- Can be moved all over the class (classroom needs differ)
- Can be used in other classes or during meetings as presentation tool
Disadvantages:
- Moving means possible damage and theft (may be damaged or stolen)
, What To Expect:
- Some schools have sounds systems so intricate, they can change microphone settings with a tablet
app, or volume settings, per speaker, in the app.
- Some schools barely have a wired microphone, linked to a large speaker/amp duo.
- It is thus NB to adjust your expectations to the school you’re going to work at
- You should also find out what resources that school has
Bi-Modal Teaching:
- This takes place when you teach a class with a webcam and microphone recording, and some of
the class is there in person, and some of the class is “attending class” from home (virtually there)
Projectors:
- Projects images/content onto a screen/wall
- If there is not a screen, then improvise and hang a sheet or piece of large paper (or use paint)
- Can be fixed to the roof, or on a table somewhere
- The lamp lasts a few thousand hours, then it becomes dim
- The replacement of the lamp light costs roughly R3000 +
- It is therefore NB to switch it off when not in use
- TEST BEFORE USE – especially in Big Halls
Settings that can be changed
- Brightness
- Contrast
- Shape of Projection (keystone) etc
Projector Things:
- Different ports connecting your PC/Laptop to the projector = VGA (blue) and HDMI
- Make sure that your PC/Laptop has the right port available or use a converter cable or device
You can turn your projector Wireless:
- Connect to Laptop or Tablet
- Using Easycast Dongle (or similar) (R1000 +)
- Or Apple TV for Apple (R2000 +)
Some are wireless already, but then you can only connect to it, or the internet. One at a time.
These are old ports, they’re not new. The newer projectors have HDMI ports
