Synchronous Classroom Teaching Options

Shenendehowa is committed to providing a substantive instructional experience for in person students and students enrolled in Completely Virtual Learning (CVL). The NYSED guidance requires that attendance be taken daily whether in person or learning remotely. Asynchronous (videos) and synchronous (interactive streaming live) instruction will be provided to our remote students. The objective is to provide students with the resources and instruction to master the course content. In addition, remote students need to feel part of their class and school.

The following three scenarios map out how teachers can use district-provided technology to synchronously teach classes. Every teacher in the district will have access to Scenario #1. We encourage you to test this scenario before the start of the academic year. Please reach out to the PD Team with any questions that you may have.

Demand for technology is extraordinary, recognizing the global nature of the pandemic. Availability and delivery of technology listed in some of the scenarios will be ongoing and subject to availability.

Scenario # 1 - Classroom PC, Presentation device (Projector/Activpanel), Chromebook

This scenario is the base model and is what most teachers have for classroom equipment.

Advantages: Teachers will be able to broadcast a live classroom session presenting from their classroom PC. Remote students will be able to see the presentation and hear the teacher. Additionally using the teacher's chromebook they will be able to see the teacher or their fellow classmates depending on which way the chromebook camera is facing.

How do I do this:

  1. On your classroom PC you will start a Google Meet from your Google Classroom or using a nickname. If you haven't previously, allow Meet to use your camera and microphone. Slide the camera cover to the open position if you do not immediately see an image.

  2. On your Chromebook connect to the same Google Meet. MUTE your microphone and sound on the Chromebook. Position the chromebook throughout the lesson so it captures either you teaching or your students depending on where the focus is.

  3. Don't forget to present now your entire screen if you'd like the remote students to see what is being projected to the in-class students.

Limitations and solutions: Although the remote students will be able to see and hear the classroom the sound will not be as robust as scenarios #2 & #3. Because of this you should repeat student questions so remote students can hear them. You should also endeavour to stay within about 10-15ft of the classroom PC, ideally facing towards it when speaking. Please feel free to rotate the PC so it faces where you would normally teach from.


Scenario #2 - Classroom PC, Presentation Device (Projector/Activpanel), Chromebook and USB Omnidirectional Microphone (Available only in select sites - on order)

Advantages: Teachers will be able to broadcast a live classroom session presenting from their classroom PC. Remote students will be able to see the presentation and hear the teacher. Additionally using the teacher's chromebook they will be able to see the teacher or their fellow classmates depending on which way the chromebook camera is facing.

How do I do this:

  1. On your classroom PC you will start a Google Meet from your Google Classroom or using a nickname. If you haven't previously, allow Meet to use your camera and microphone. Slide the camera cover to the open position if you do not immediately see an image.

  2. On your Chromebook connect to the same Google Meet. MUTE your microphone and sound on the Chromebook. Position the chromebook throughout the lesson so it captures either you teaching or your students depending on where the focus is.

  3. Position the omnidirectional microphone as far from the teacher stations as possible and as close to the center of the room as able. Connect the microphone to the usb port on the side of the PC. Switch to your google meet, click the three vertical dots in the lower right corner and choose settings. On the audio tab, change the default microphone to the USB one that you just plugged in.

  4. Don't forget to present now your entire screen if you'd like the remote students to see what is being projected to the in-class students.


Scenario #3 - Classroom PC, Presentation Device (Projector/Activpanel), Chromebook and Cisco HomeKit (Available only in select sites - on order)

Advantages: Teachers will be able to broadcast a live classroom session presenting from their classroom PC. Remote students will be able to see the presentation and hear the teacher. Additionally using the teacher's chromebook they will be able to see the teacher or their fellow classmates depending on which way the chromebook camera is facing.

How do I do this:

  1. On your classroom PC you will start a Google Meet from your Google Classroom or using a nickname. If you haven't previously, allow Meet to use your camera and microphone. Slide the camera cover to the open position if you do not immediately see an image.

  2. On your Chromebook connect to the same Google Meet. MUTE your microphone and sound on the Chromebook. Position the chromebook throughout the lesson so it captures either you teaching or your students depending on where the focus is.

  3. Position the Cisco homekit as far from the teacher stations as possible and as close to the center of the room as able. Connect the Cisco homekit to the usb port on the side of the PC. Switch to your google meet, click the three vertical dots in the lower right corner and choose settings. On the audio tab, change to the default microphone Room USB one that you just plugged in. On the video tab make sure the room kit mini hd camera is selected as the camera. The camera should be changed to the Room Kit.

  4. Don't forget to present now your entire screen if you'd like the remote students to see what is being projected to the in-class students.here we explain this model.