Below are some sample options for streaming instruction. These options can be mixed and matched based on your specific needs.

Instructor to Many Students

One Instructor to Many Students Diagram

One instructor on their computer transmits to many students, each on their own computers.

Difficulty to Use: Low
Difficulty to Implement: Low
Cost: Low
Support Needs: Low

Equipment Needed:

Instructor:

• 1 x Webcam
• 1 x Microphone/Headset

More information on this model »

Instructor to Classroom

One Instructor to One Classroom Diagram

Difficulty to Use: Low
Difficulty to Implement: Moderate
Cost: Moderate
Support Needs: Moderate (1 Person)

Equipment Needed:

Instructor:

• 1 x Webcam
• 1 x Microphone/Headset

Classroom:

• 1 x Camera
• 1 x Room Microphone
  (per 10 students)
• Speakers
• TV / Projector

More information on this model »

Classroom to Many Students

One Classroom to Many Students Diagram

One instructor in a classroom transmits to multiple students, all on their own computers.

Difficulty to Use: Moderate
Difficulty to Implement: Moderate
Cost: Moderate
Support Needs: Low

Equipment Needed:

Instructor & Classroom:

• 2 x Camera (front and back of the room)
• 1 x Codec
• 1 x Microphone (lapel)
• 1 x Room Microphone (per 10 students)
• 2 x TV/Projector
• Speakers

More information on this model »

Classroom to Classroom

Classroom to Classroom Diagram

One instructor on their computer transmits to a classroom of students, all viewing through a single computer.

Difficulty to Use: High
Difficulty to Implement: High
Cost: High
Support Needs: High (2 people)

Equipment Needed:

Instructor & Classroom:

• 2 x Camera
  (front and back of the room)
• 1 x Codec
• 1 x Room Microphone
  (per 10 students)
• 1 x Lapel Microphone
• 1 x Speakers
• 3 x TV/Projector

Classroom:

• 1 x Camera (front of the room)
• 1 x Room Microphone (per 10 students)
• 1 x Speakers
• 2 x TV/Projector

More information on this model »

One-Way Streaming

Any of the above options can also be one-way or asynchronous. One-way streaming can be done with the assistance of RRC eTV Learning Technologies.

Use of the eTV studios for streaming requires booking in advance. Streams are handled on a first come first served basis.

Difficulty to Use: Low
Difficulty to Implement: Low
Cost: Low
Support Needs: Low

Contact RRC eTV Learning Technologies for more information

One Classroom to One Classroom

Classroom to Classroom Diagram

One instructor on their computer transmits to a classroom of students, all viewing through a single computer.

Difficulty to Use: High
Difficulty to Implement: High
Cost: High
Support Needs: High (2 people)

Equipment Needed:

Instructor & Classroom:

• 2 x Camera
  (front and back of the room)
• 1 x Codec
• 1 x Room Microphone
  (per 10 students)
• 1 x Lapel Microphone
• 1 x Speakers
• 3 x TV/Projector

Receiving Classroom:

• 1 x Camera (front of the room)
• 1 x Room Microphone (per 10 students)
• 1 x Speakers
• 2 x TV/Projector

Risks and Rewards

This model is expensive to set up and maintain. Support staff are required on both ends to ensure a quality student experience. It is difficult to engage students in this model and the receiving classroom can feel left out if another instructor or staff member is not present.

Technology Considerations

The sending and receiving classrooms must have a good quality camera that tracks the speaker as well as microphones for everyone, which are expensive. An excellent quality internet connection is required on both ends. Both rooms must be well lit and quiet, adjustable lighting is ideal. This is best done as a permanent solution and is not mobile.

Example Scenarios

Classroom Setup

One Classroom to Many Students

One Classroom to Many Students Diagram

One instructor in a classroom transmits to multiple students, all on their own computers.

Difficulty to Use: Moderate
Difficulty to Implement: Moderate
Cost: Moderate
Support Needs: Low

Equipment Needed:

Instructor & Classroom:

• 2 x Camera (front and back of the room)
• 1 x Codec
• 1 x Microphone (lapel)
• 1 x Room Microphone (per 10 students)
• 3 x TV/Projector
• Speakers

Risks and Rewards

This model is effective when the receiving students are far away and wouldn’t otherwise have access to any instruction. Since students are accessing the course on their own devices, they are relying on their personal internet connections and specific devices. It is vital that students accessing remotely have a chance to practice their setup a few times before classes start so they don’t miss out due to technical issues.

Technology Considerations

The sending classroom must have a good quality camera that tracks the speaker, lapel microphone, and room microphone(s) which are expensive. The sending classroom must also have an excellent internet connection. It is up to the students to ensure that they have a working microphone/webcam as well as a stable internet connection.

Example Scenarios

Instructor to Classroom

One Instructor to One Classroom Diagram

Difficulty to Use: Low
Difficulty to Implement: Moderate
Cost: Moderate
Support Needs: Moderate (1 Person)

Equipment Needed:

Instructor:

• 1 x Webcam
• 1 x Microphone/Headset

Classroom:

• 1 x Camera
• 1 x Room Microphone
  (per 10 students)
• Speakers
• 1 x TV / Projector
  (per 10 students)

Risks and Rewards

This model is effective when the receiving classroom is far away and wouldn’t otherwise have access to any instruction. The single instructor makes this model easier to deliver. It is important that there is a support person in the receiving classroom to ensure that technology is working properly and who can provide feedback to the instructor and answer questions for the class. The instructor will have to be skilled in engaging a class that is not in the same room. Classroom management and engagement can be challenging, especially for large classes.

Technology Considerations

The instructor must have a good quality microphone and webcam as well as a well-lit room and an excellent internet connection. The receiving classroom must have a good quality camera that tracks the speaker and room microphone(s) which are expensive. Two or more displays are ideal for larger classes. If this class is going to be synchronous (two-way), an excellent quality internet connection is required.

Recommended Hardware

Instructor Hardware

Microphone/Headset:
A good quality USB headset is recommended. This will allow for clear audio without distracting background noises (traffic, office, children, pet noises etc.) and will easily connect to any computer with a USB port.
“Logitech H390 Wired ClearChat Comfort USB Headset” is an easy to use, good quality headset that is generally available for $60 or less.

Webcam:
Many webcams will be sufficient. If looking to purchase a webcam the “Logitech C920 HD Pro” is a good quality webcam available for less than $100.

Classroom Hardware

An ideal scenario would be a dedicated WebEx classroom with dedicated Cisco hardware. This may be available or in development and we recommend reaching out to your coordinator/chair/program manager for more information.

Microphone:
A classroom mic must support noise canceling to be effective. A microphone placed in front of speakers that does not include noise canceling will often result in a feedback loop.
The “Phoenix Audio Duet” USB speaker and microphone combination is recommended and available generally for less than $200.

Webcam:
The “Logitech C920 HD Pro” is a good quality webcam available for less than $100 and includes an adjustable stand allowing for accurate positioning of webcam.

Example Scenarios

One Instructor to Many Students

One Instructor to Many Students Diagram

One instructor on their computer transmits to many students, each on their own computers.

Difficulty to Use: Low
Difficulty to Implement: Low
Cost: Low
Support Needs: Low

Equipment Needed:

Instructor:

• 1 x Webcam
• 1 x Microphone/Headset

Risks and Rewards

This model is the easiest and cheapest to accomplish. The instructor must be well prepared for class and know how to teach to students who are not together in the same room. This involves engaging students online in an interactive way. The class sizes for this model are limited and students will have to be prepared to set up their own technology.

Technology Considerations

The instructor must have a good quality microphone and webcam as well as a well-lit room and an excellent internet connection. Students must have time to prepare their own technology before classes and a few practice sessions will be required before the official start of classes. Students must also have a good internet connection for two-way communication.

Recommended Hardware

Microphone/Headset:
A good quality USB headset is recommended. This will allow for clear audio without distracting background noises (traffic, office, children, pet noises etc.) and will easily connect to any computer with a USB port.
“Logitech H390 Wired ClearChat Comfort USB Headset” is an easy to use, good quality headset that is generally available for $60 or less.

Webcam:
Many webcams will be sufficient. If looking to purchase a webcam the “Logitech C920 HD Pro” is a good quality webcam available for less than $100.