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A Computer
A Computer
In the event that the Canisius campus (and its classrooms) are closed, you will need some essential hardware to teach. Basically, that's a PC or laptop that runs Windows or Mac OS X software. That PC should also include:
Any software you would use to teach. Microsoft Office applications, Adobe applications, or a screencaster are just some examples of what you may want on your computer.
D2L, Google Apps, and other software lives on the web, and are updated automatically. But you need an updated browser to access them. (Not Internet Explorer.)
Speakers and a microphone, if you plan to record video or web-conference. Test these before you need to use them.
Your power cable. If you have a laptop, remember to bring the power supply home with you each night, so that if campus is closed, you have it with you.
When you bring your laptop home at night, bring home the power cable, too.
Audio Equipment
Audio Equipment
Laptop PCs generally have microphones and speakers built in, but these vary in quality. Purchase a microphone headset for recording and web conferencing.
These are only two examples:
Other models and brands will work just as well, too.
If you are recording screencasts, a microphone and headset is essential. These are useful to have around for various purposes. For public health reasons, purchase one instead of borrowing it.
If you already have a Mic preamp, microphone, and headphones, perhaps for music recording, these are excellent choices for recording or web meeting, too.
If you don't own these, buy a microphone headset instead.
A Smartphone
A Smartphone
Depending on your course and discipline, teaching online with a smartphone only may not be practical. But it can be useful for periodically checking emails, course content, and other web resources. Plus, it can be a great video recorder if you do not have a webcam attached to your computer.
Your students might (need to) use a smartphone to access course content. Since they don't build and maintain course content, they need less features than you do. Most of our web resources (D2L, Google Apps) are mobile-responsive, but keep things mobile-friendly if you use software unique to our discipline.
Webcams
Webcams
You probably don't need a webcam for recording lectures. A basic audio file might do, or perhaps a screencast using slides. For web conferencing a webcam is helpful but not essential, since students can hear your voice and see your screen if you share it.
But if you'd like to record yourself writing on a whiteboard, or perhaps just your hand writing on a notepad, you can purchase a webcam, such as a Logitech c615 or c920, and a boom arm (here's an example; there's many options). Or, you can obtain an arm to hold your smartphone, and use it's onboard camera.
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