Hybrid Classroom AV System
Last Modified on 03/15/2021 2:04 pm EDT
This article describes the background, usage, and simple troubleshooting for the Wharton hybrid classroom AV system. If you are teaching from a classroom, you will likely encounter this system, which is designed to simplify teaching to remote participants, and cut down on the number of things you need to touch in the classroom.
Before you begin, you will need:
- A laptop with one of the following sets of jacks on it. These will likely be found on the sides or back of your laptop.
| USB- C |
| USB and HDMI |
 | OR |  |
The Hybrid Classroom AV System
The classroom hybrid AV system was designed in tandem with the Distance Learning Booth, and functions in a similar way. It is installed in a number of rooms in Huntsman Hall.
To use this system, you will need to bring your own laptop. This simplifies the setup to one or two cables, and keeps you from having to use the touch panel. The only device you will need to touch is your own. If you have a device that requires an adapter, you will need to supply your own. Classroom Support will not be able to supply you with an adapter. The traditional lectern's PC cannot be used when the room is setup for hybrid classroom use; the in-room cameras and microphones will not work.
You can use any web conferencing platform with this system, however Classroom Support has had the best results with Zoom.
To learn how to use the new system, watch this video or, for written instructions, click
Note: The traditional lectern is not part of this new system. There is a new hybrid lectern in the center of the room.
Wharton Classroom Hybrid AV System
- Plug your laptop into the hybrid lectern. Use either the single USB-C cable (preferred), or the pair of USB and HDMI cables. Do not use all three at the same time.
- If your laptop has a wired network connection port we recommend using that for better connectivity. We also recommend plugging your laptop charger in -- video conferencing uses a lot of power.
- Once connected, your laptop image will show on the confidence monitor for your own view, as well as the side projection screens for the local students. This may take up to 30 seconds to complete.
- Open the web conferencing application you will use to teach your class (Zoom, Bluejeans, etc.)
- In the web conferencing application's settings, select the following:
Camera – Logitech PTZ Pro2
Microphone – USB Audio
Speakers – HD Video
Zoom Users: please make sure the additional following audio settings are in place:
Noise Suppression - Low
Echo Cancellation - Auto (under advanced audio setting)
Share your content with both remote and local students by sharing your screen within the web conferencing application.
If you need to adjust your volume, do so on your laptop.
Best Practices
There are a number of suggestions that will help provide you the best experience in the hybrid classroom:
- Cleanliness - Wipe down the lectern and user cables before and after use.
- Clothing - Wear lighter neutral colors without patterns -- they look best on camera.
- Classroom Teaching Position - Stay within 2 feet of both sides of the lectern, or you will no longer be on camera. Try not to walk in front of the lectern to keep the camera from constantly trying to focus.
- Microphone Position - If using a lapel microphone, please make sure it is placed 4" below your chin and centered. Otherwise, the microphone will not pick up very well.
- Connecting your laptop - If you have a USB-C jack on your laptop, we recommend using that one. It's also a good idea to use the network cable at the hybrid lectern; it will provide a more reliable connection than WiFi.
- Annotation - If you have a tablet that you teach from, you can connect to the meeting from that device, then share its screen. Make sure to mute the microphone and speaker on your device to prevent feedback.
- Classroom Whiteboards - Writing on the whiteboard will be captured by the camera as well, but only in the center and only the lowest visible board. This means you'll have three writing surfaces; the non-moving board, and the two that can be rolled in front of it.
- Local student presentation - If you have students presenting with you in the room, it's best to have them email their presentations to you ahead of time so they can be shared from a single laptop. Alternatively, local students can join the web conference and share their screen from their own laptops, but they will have to mute their own microphone and laptop speaker. Remote students sharing presentations do not have to worry about this.
- Volume changes - If the system is too soft or too loud, make adjustments from the volume control on your laptop. The volume has been optimized for all users from the touch panel, and only minor changes should be necessary.
- Student Questions - When in-room students want to ask a question, please make sure they speak up so the room microphones can pick them up loud and clear.
Troubleshooting
Having trouble? Try these quick tips, or contact Classroom Technology using the information below.
- No image showing anywhere - Try re-connecting the cable(s) to your laptop. If the USB-C is not working, try switching to the HDMI and USB (if available).
- Camera is not showing up on screen - It's important to connect the cables to your laptop before opening Zoom or Bluejeans. Disconnect the cables, leave the meeting, then reconnect the cables, then open Zoom or Bluejeans.
- Cannot hear remote students / No audio from laptop - Make sure you selected HD Video as your speaker output in your web conferencing app's settings. Also, select HD Video as the audio output in you laptop's audio settings.
- Remote students cannot hear you - Make sure USB Audio is selected as your microphone in your web conferencing app's settings. Also, select USB Audio in your laptop's audio input settings.
- Feedback from local student laptops - If students in the room with you also join the web conference, they will need to mute both the microphone and speaker on their laptop to prevent loud squealing noises (called feedback).
- Nothing is working, what do I do? - Unplug from the hybrid system and just use your laptop for basic web conferencing and screen sharing. Contact Classroom Support to let us know you have a problem; we may be able to help during class, and will follow up afterwards.
Scheduling a Hybrid Classroom
Wharton Facilities handles the scheduling of all Wharton Hybrid Classrooms. Need to schedule a room? Contact Facilities at
scheduling@wharton.upenn.edu.
Questions?
Call Classroom Support: 215-573-0402
Email: class-tech@wharton.upenn.edu
Scheduling or room reservations: scheduling@wharton.upenn.edu
