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.

GAAD Events

Thursday, May 17, 2018, marks the seventh annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking and learning about digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities.

GAAD is for people who are involved in design, development, usability, procurement of technology and its use. GAAD provides events for people interested in making accessible and usable technologies for people with disabilities.

GAAD events listings

GAAD provides a listing of international events including virtual events.

Microsoft Inclusive Classrooms GAAD events

Microsoft is hosting free online events leading up to and on May 17. The events focus on reimagining accessibility and creating more inclusive classrooms

Read more at about the events.

GAAD Events at Red River College

An Introduction to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 – presentation

May 17, 2018, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
DM13K Notre Dame Campus

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 are an international standard that defines how to make digital and web content more accessible for people with disabilities. This introductory presentation is facilitated by Jim Hounslow, Instructional Designer with TLTC. This presentation is designed for faculty and staff who create digital course materials or web content.

Register to participate in this presentation

CAPAL’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines COP webinar

May 17, 2018, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

A webinar on using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines as community of practice.

The Canadian Association of Professional Academic Librarians’ Web Content Accessibility Guidelines community of practice is hosting a webinar presented by Gregg Vanderheiden (PhD), Professor in the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland. University and college libraries are trying to support students of all ages and abilities including a surprisingly large number who have invisible cognitive, language, and learning (CLL) disabilities. Although many think of accessibility as just for people with disabilities, there are many strategies that can make computers easier to use that are more subtle — and that can be useful to all users.

Registration options:

• Register to participate in this webinar in DM13K Notre Dame Campus
  – or –
• Register to view this webinar from your workspace

Reimagining Accessibility for Today’s World – film

May 17, 2018

A short film on reimagining accessibility for today’s world by Microsoft.

Discover practical ways to build a more inclusive environment and how accessible technologies such as Microsoft 365 enable everyone to create, communicate and collaborate. Whether you are looking to ensure productivity for your diverse workforce or to increase your organization’s reach and provide delightful services to customers with disabilities, the “Empower every person: reimagining accessibility” short film is for you. The film features IT and accessibility leaders from Microsoft and our partners: US Business Leadership Network, Be. Accessible, TD Bank Group, and Rochester Institute of Technology.

Registration options:

• Register to participate in this webinar in DM13K Notre Dame Campus, 2:00 pm
  – or –
• Register to watch this film from your workspace

Other GAAD Events:

Introduction to Screen Readers Deque Systems Webinar
Learn more and register for this free webinar May 17 at 12:00 noon

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) webinar
Learn more and register for this free webinar 12 noon, May 17

Using WordPress for Accessible Web Development
Learn more and register for this free webinar May 17 at 1:00pm

WebEx Requirements

1. A good quality webcam. For meetings between staff, a laptop webcam will be fine but not ideal.
2. A good quality headset that includes headphones and a microphone.
3. A decent internet connection. At least a 3G (2Mbps+) internet connection is required. The college network is ideal.
4. A quiet, well lit room.
5. Login to WebEx by going to http://redrivercollege.webex.com and using your RRC credentials. This will create your account.
6. Download the WebEx Desktop Client. Run the client to ensure that it works smoothly.
   Download the WebEx Desktop client for Windows.
   Download the WebEx Desktop Client for Mac.

In your LEARN course, click “Communication” then “WebEx”

This will take you to the LEARN WebEx integration where you can view and schedule classes.

Click “Schedule More Events”

To Schedule events in WebEx click on “Schedule more events” in the top right corner of the page.

Enter Event Details

Enter your class/event details including the name of the event, the time and duration of the event and the WebEx account you want to use. Most people will use the WebEx Meeting Center account.

Click “Schedule”

This will schedule your event so that students can see it upcoming.

Click “Host” to start your event

When the event time comes up, go to WebEx in your LEARN course and click “Host” to begin your meeting.

Students can now “Join” your event

Students can join your event/class by going to the WebEx page in their LEARN course and clicking “Join” next to the appropriate event.

Your WebEx Desktop Client will now open

You can see a list of class participants and begin your event as usual.

Close the window or click “End Meeting” when you want to end your class/event.

Viewing Recordings

Go to the WebEx link in your LEARN course and click “Event Recordings“. You can now view the recording of any past event by clicking on “View Recordings“.

The first link is the link to download the recording. The second link is the link to stream the recording online. Students have access to these recordings as well as the instructor.

Making accessible video and audio

Captions, Transcripts and Descriptions

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 identifies the need for recorded video and audio to have a text transcript and captioning (Success Criteria 1.2.1, 1.2.2 and 1.2.3). Video and audio should also include descriptions (Success Criteria 1.2.5).

Captions

Captions are text versions of the audio that appear on screen in synch with the spoken word in video and animation. Captions should be used in video but are not required for audio. Captions can either be closed or open. Closed captions (CC) can be turned off, where as, open captions are always visible. Captions are required for people who cannot hear the content. They also aid in greater understanding of the content for people who may not be fluent in the language and for those who prefer to read captioned text.

Who depends on captions?

• People who are deaf and cannot hear the audio.
• People who are hard of hearing and cannot hear some of the content.
• People with cognitive and learning disabilities who need to see and hear the content to better understand it.

Example

This video, Introduction to Disability and Accessibility, provides captioning.

Transcripts

Transcripts are text documents based on the audio content embedded in video, audio, animation and interactives. Text transcripts do not have to transcribe the audio exactly and should include descriptions of important visual details. Transcripts are required for people who use screen readers who prefer to scan and read at a pace faster than the spoken word and benefit anyone who prefers to have readable and searchable text.

Who depends on transcripts?

• People who are deaf and cannot hear the audio.
• People who are hard of hearing and cannot hear some of the content.
• People who are blind who access text  content on a refreshable (dynamic) Braille display, which converts text into Braille.
• People who are DeafBlind, who cannot hear or see, who access text content on a refreshable (dynamic) Braille display, which converts text into Braille.
• People with cognitive and learning disabilities who need to see and hear the content to better understand it.

Examples

• The Introduction to Disability and Accessibility video, as in the example above, but with captioning and a transcript on YouTube.
• This video titled Empathy hosted in Microsoft video player includes customizable captions and a downloadable transcript.

Descriptions

Descriptions are often referred to as audio descriptions or described audio, and less commonly as video description. Descriptions can be included as an audio track or within the text transcript. Descriptions describes all necessary visual details in a video, such as who is on screen, where they are, what they are doing, their facial expressions, and any writing that is on the screen.

Who depends on descriptions?

• People who are blind or have low vision and cannot see the video.

Examples

The Introduction to Disability and Accessibility video in the above examples, but with described audio.

The Empathy video with audio description on YouTube.

Generating Captions and Transcripts using YouTube

YouTube does an excellent job at providing auto-generated captions but they may require some manual editing to clean up the text. YouTube’s captioning file is used as a transcript. You can also download the captioning file to edit and build your own text transcript.

If YouTube is not your preferred hosting platform, you can still use it to generate captions and a transcript.

Steps:

1. Upload a video YouTube to build the captions
2. Download the captioning file
3. Edit the captioning file for any errors
4. Upload the captioning file to your video on another platform
5. Include the text from the captioning file as a text transcription

Caption builders

If you prefer to use a dedicated caption builder, these services are recommended by Queens University, Penn State, University of Washington and W3C (World Wide Web Consortium).

• Amara a free, nonprofit service
• MovieCaptioner is available for Mac and Windows a fee
• MAGpie is a free captioning and audio description authoring tool
• Subtitle Horse is a free online service
• DotSub.com is a free online service

Further reading

Use automatic captioning in YouTube

An introduction to Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Descriptions by WebAIM (note: audio description is also referred to as video description or descriptive video)

BBC’s Online Subtitling Editorial Guidelines V1.1 (Note: captioning is referred to as subtitling in the UK)

How to Make Audio Descriptions by DigitalGov, U.S. General Services Administration

8 Benefits of Transcribing & Captioning Videos by 3PlayMedia

LEARN ePortfolio

Brightspace ePortfolio is a personal portfolio tool for storing, organizing, reflecting on and sharing items that represent your learning. You can include items such as documents, graphics, audio files, videos, presentations, and coursework to demonstrate your improvement or mastery in certain areas.

You can control what items you want to include in your portfolio, how they are organized, and who you want to share them with. When you share items with your peers, mentors, or potential employers, you can give them permission to view items, edit items, see or add comments, and see or add assessments to receive feedback.

Getting Started

Use this handy ePortfolio Learning Roadmap developed by Mohawk College to learn terminology and start navigating the ePortfolio tool in LEARN.

Creating and Adding Artifacts to your ePortfolio

• Creating and Uploading Files as Artifacts
• Tagging Artifacts
• Organizing Artifacts in Collections
• Adding a Reflection

Creating and Editing your ePortfolio Presentation

Presentations let you compile Brightspace ePortfolio items into a web project to showcase your achievements. Your presentations can have multiple pages. Presentations provide a polished, professional medium to demonstrate your learning and accomplishments.

• Creating a Presentation

Submitting, Sharing and Exporting Your ePortfolio Items/Presentation

• Submit an ePortfolio Assignment in the Dropbox
• Share an ePortfolio within LEARN or outside of the organization
• Exporting your ePortfolio to Brightspace to access after graduation

Instructor Resources

Most use cases of ePortfolio are user-led, however, instructors can create workflows for self-reflection, self or peer evaluation, and incorporate assessment activities to interface with ePortfolio.

• Adding ePortfolio Access to your Course
• Creating forms for surveys, self-reflection, or self and peer evaluation through forms
• Evaluation of ePortfolio forms, artifacts, and presentations

Export your ePortfolio to Brightspace to access after graduation

You are able to transfer artifacts from your ePortfolio to a free service provided at myDesire2Learn.

• View the following for an overview of EduDentity / myDesire2Learn:
  myDesire2LearnTM Getting Started Guide for Students
• Create your EduDentity/myDesire2Learn
  account
  • To access myDesire2Learn you will need an EduDentity account.  If you do not have one yet, you are able to sign up here: https://www.mydesire2learn.com/d2l/ed/cns/ca/serviceAgreement
• Log in to myDesire2Learn to activate your
  myDesire2Learn account
  • Access myDesire2Learn here: https://www.mydesire2learn.com
• Export ePortfolio work into myDesire2Learn
  • Log into LEARN through HUB or directly from: https://learn.rrc.ca
  • Click the following link to initiate your export to myDesire2Learn: https://learn.rrc.ca/d2l/eP/importExport/export/export_select_items.d2l?&actionType=13