| In order to utilize the computers and audio/video technology in Rawls classrooms, you will need a valid Purdue Career Account login. The computers in these classrooms require that you use your login and password. In most cases, this will be the same as your normal Krannert login. If you have any questions, please contact the KCC Help Desk at kcchelp@purdue.edu. |
All of the classrooms in Rawls hall have a touch-panel interface which allows the presenter to control which inputs are sent to the projector. The following two files will help you understand how to use this system before you enter the room - however, we strongly advise that you spend time getting familiar with the classroom in which you will be teaching before your first day of class.
Start by downloading and reviewing the PowerPoint file below, then click on the Flash file (.SWF) to experiment with a simulation of how the touch-panel behaves.
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Presenting a class over a video conference, or on video tape, requires teachers to modify their teaching style and the materials they utilize. Don’t worry; the use of this technology doesn’t necessitate a complete change in your methods of pedagogy, just fine tuning your presentation to make sure all of your content is transmitted in a meaningful manner. For the most part, this means two things in a video class environment; making sure your text is large enough to be legible (ideally 18 point or greater), and limiting your physical movement in the classroom.
As long as you follow those two rules, you'll avoid 80% of the most distracting errors that teachers make in video education. However, there are a few more things that can help you polish your presentation for use on video.
Printed material:
- Any printed material should use at least 16-point font (this is the smallest you can even hope the far end will be able to read - ideally you'll want to use 20pt for most of your text, with the heading being even larger). This is readily apparent to anybody who has tried to view a video of an entire sheet of typed (12 point) paper. It’s impossible to read anything that small when it gets converted to video. If your content is more than 20 lines long, you are trying to squeeze too much information onto one page. Try to break the content into smaller pieces that can be presented one idea at a time. - You may have to retype overly large tables and graphs to ensure that they fit adequately on the screen.
- Prepare your slides/text in "landscape" mode. You've probably noticed that most TV’s are wider than they are tall. Keep this in mind when you prepare material. If you look at the document camera or overhead projector, you'll notice these are also setup for landscape mode.
- Using colors wisely: If you're making slides, use colors that provide high contrast to ensure readability. While it may not be intuitive, it’s preferable to avoid white and black. "Television isn't well suited to bright white and dark colors. For paper graphics, print the information on pastel paper. For slides and computer graphics, choose a medium background color (light blue, green, purple, grey) with slightly lighter type or illustrations."
- If the video will use picture in picture (PIP or a "talking head"), plan your slides/text around a blank corner so there will be room for your image. The easiest way to do this is to leave the title of your page left justified instead of centered, and skip a line before making your first point. This usually leaves enough space for your image. If this is not practical, discuss the slides with the video editor so that he or she knows which material is alright to cover up with your image as you talk about the slide - often the bottom points can be occluded while you discuss the upper subjects, then your image can be moved upward to cover the title and first few bullet points as the rest of the text is discussed.
Presentation style:
- Remain as motionless as possible. You may feel like this may reduce your dynamism in your local classroom, but it’s necessary to keep the far side from getting motion sickness while trying to follow you on camera. This doesn't mean that you have to do an Al Gore/automaton impersonation, just try not to pace around, and reduce the amount and frequency of your moves. - In order for the camera operator to maintain a good, tight shot of the presenter, the speaker needs to remain relatively stationary. This is often the most difficult transition for speakers who utilize motion to maintain the attention of their audience (which is normally a good technique). The need to remain motionless is increased when the image of the speaker is being inserted PIP (Picture in Picture, i.e. talking head) over top of other material, because this requires an even tighter shot on the presenter. Trimming down unnecessary movement also applies to items placed on the document camera. If material is of varying dimensions or font sizes, the image must be repeatedly zoomed in-out, which just slows down the presentation and adds frustration for all of the users. In addition, if you point to an item on the document camera, keep your finger/pen movements slow, video conference equipment will just blur any fast motion. Don't tap or wag your pointing device over an important point for emphasis, just hold it stationary.
- Keep your lapel microphone centered (not on a pocket or collar) and close to your throat. It should be at the second button on your shirt (probably the 1st one you have buttoned) or just below the center of your collar bone. If the mic is lower, it won't pick up your voice adequately, if it’s to the side, you'll have the same problem, with the additional annoyance of being significantly louder/softer if you happen to turn your head.
- Once your microphone is in place, try to leave it alone. Don't tilt your head to talk into the mic, or try to lift the mic up with your hand as you talk. Playing with your mic creates a lot of noise that isn't readily apparent to you, but will be very distracting on video (imagine somebody tapping on a microphone and rubbing cloth on it while you try to listen to a speech). The technician will balance your level, counting on you leaving the mic where it’s at. If you tilt your head down to talk into the mic, your change your level, and the technician will compensate, then you look up, technician compensates again = vicious cycle.
- Keep in mind that even when you're not talking, the other side sees and hears you. This is more important for group video conferences than it is for teleconferenced classes. Unlike physical meetings, you can't turn to make a side comment, or even sneeze, without it being heard. If there are multiple people in the video conference, even when you're not the center of attention (such as when another person is speaking), everybody can still see you quite clearly, which leaves little room for looking distracted/inattentive, constant doodling, or finally scratching that bothersome itch.
- Be mindful of what clothes you wear. Ok, this isn't critical, but it can make a difference. Clothes that have patterns, that are shinny or bright white, or that are very dark often display poorly on video. "Men should avoid black and navy suits and instead wear medium tone suits of grey, blue, brown, or beige with pastel shirts and interesting ties. Women may wear the same, or they may choose suits or dresses in brighter colors such as blue, pink, fuchsia, and green. Avoid large areas of white or very dark colors, busy patterns and horizontal stripes, and noisy or glittery jewelry."
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- Call 4-7700 (KEEP Support Number) to reserve room for desired date.
- Contact Chas DeLa regarding availability of equipment on desired date.
- Obtain the following information from other video conference participant(s).
- Contact Person’s Name.
- Contact Person’s office phone number.
- Phone number of the room where the conference is going to be held.
- Phone number(s) used for the actual video conferencing equipment.
- Speed of equipment.
- Schedule room for a test call.
- Coordinate call with conference participants.
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In order to be heard on tape, or by the far end of a video conference, you must use the microphone in front of you. The microphones should remain off until you are ready to speak. To use the microphone, press the "PUSH" button to activate the microphone (the green LED will glow when the microphone is activated).
Turn the microphone off by pressing the "PUSH" button again when you are through speaking. When your microphone is activated, a camera will zoom in on you to make you visible on tape/to the far end. Please be sure to turn your microphone off when you are done talking, since only one person may use the microphones at a time. If you can't tell the status of the LED, look up at the camera to see if it is focused on you. The camera will automatically return to a wide shot of the room when your microphone is turned off.
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A PowerPoint overview on how to use the touchscreen interface. 
