Video Conferencing/Live CASTING

HARDWARE

There are several options for accessing a device with a camera and microphone for video conferencing (Google Meets, Staff Zooms, etc)

  • The easiest and most flexible options is to use a laptop or Chromebook (point at the teacher)

  • Desktops have speakers but require a microphone and (optional) camera.

    • You can watch via desktop and use your phone for the audio (how).

    • Webcams (camera/mic) can be purchased by schools/departments from Central Stores (~$40)

    • Document cameras (camera/mic) can be used but these tools will be prioritized for showing writing and lab type demonstrations.

    • Central Stores also sells headphones for $4 and headsets with microphones for ~$16.

  • If you are regularly participating in video conferencing as part of your job duties and do not have access to one of the above options and do not wish to use a personal smart phone, you should talk to your school administrator about ordering a webcam from Central Stores and/or visit TechSpot for a Chromebook before school starts.

Teachers should be able to

  1. Create static room links (via Google Classroom or Calendar)

  2. Invite students to Meets

  3. Mange microphone and camera settings

  4. Establishing behavioral norms

  5. Mute, expel participants, and manage the chat

  6. Share their screen, window, or tab with sound

  7. Manage other tools (Jamboard, Padlet, etc) during a Meet

  8. (advanced) Set up and Breakout rooms

  • Review these meeting tips (GCSD HAS THE "PREMIUM FEATURES" NOTED)

  • Review the instructions for using nicknamed meetings if they're creating video meetings in Classroom. This helps ensure that students can't join video meetings without the teacher present.

Security Enhancements to Google Meets

WHEN/WHAT TO LIVE CAST

Short live video calls are a great way to touch base with your remote learners. However the following precautions should be taken into account when sending a live image of yourself and your class out into cyberspace.

  1. Remember you cannot know for sure who is seeing the cast. Therefore, the teacher's camera should face the teacher, not other students. Likewise be sensitive about having remote students turn on their cameras as some are not eager for others to see or hear what is going on in their home setting. Personal identifiable information should be protected from access by those not in the class. Present your screen to remote students.

  2. Live sessions should be brief when used for teaching.

    • "Zoom fatigue" is a real thing

    • We are aware that our older Chromebooks can glitch in a busy video conference. We have tested many platforms and tools and have our best suggestions to make the best of the situation posted here.

  3. Live casting Instructions and critical information is not sufficient to reach all your learners. This information must also be provided in a permanent form, such as a recorded video or document for students to access asynchronously.