9.5 Teaching Technology

Teaching live sessions and recording lessons, tutorials, demonstrations, worked examples, and messages requires appropriate technology. The quality and professionalism of the technology that is used affects the “value perception” of students – pay attention to it as it matters.

The following are some considerations:

• Microphone. A good quality boom microphone with USB connection (e.g., Blu Yeti) is recommended, although many USB microphone/headset combinations work as well. Do not use laptop microphones as they pick up ambient sound and create an echo. Likewise, Bluetooth headsets are not recommended as they have poor audio sampling and very “tinny” sound.

• Headset. A headset is required. Do not use external speakers as they create an echo or feedback. A bluetooth in-ear headset works well and is less obvious and more comfortable when teaching or recording.

• Webcam. Use an external, high-resolution (4k recommended) web-cam rather than laptop built-in cameras. If you use a laptop camera, be sure to adjust the height of the laptop to create a better and more realistic angle. Reduce direct light behind you and be sure that the work area of proper lit.

• Office Area. Teach and record in an area that has minimal echo, ambient sound, and a proper backdrop. Inspect your backdrop for clutter or other items that you do not want to record. If teaching in Zoom or Teams, consider using a custom Northeastern Logo background.

• Whiteboard. Annotations and ad-hoc writing are essential when teaching online just as they are when teaching in a classroom on campus. Instructors need an electronic whiteboard or at least an inking and screen or slide annotation facility. Teaching using a computer with a digital pen such as Microsoft Surface makes this simple. Using an iPad Pro with a whiteboard app as a second screen also works. Alternatively, an iPad Pro with the Scribble whiteboard app that is projected into the shared screen of the instructor’s laptop also works well. For simpler and less expensive inking on a non-touchscreen laptop or desktop, a Wacom touchpad can work as well. In a pinch, a webcam pointed at an actual whiteboard (or perhaps an old-school chalkboard) or even a sheet of paper can serve as a whiteboard. The ReMarkable e-ink tablet is a high-tech alternative to a sheet of paper.

• Video Hosting. Instructors should no longer use Youtube to post or share lessons or other instructional videos; instead use Panopto. Panopto has many benefits over Youtube or Vimeo, including being able to embed quizzes within videos, downloading of videos for offline viewing, and automatic transcription. It is also accessible in all countries, including China (Youtube is not available in China). Panopto has permissions which makes sharing across courses and instructors much easier. Lastly, Panopto allows better organization of videos using folders. It is the Northeastern standard for video content distribution.