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Hybrid Classroom Technology

Hybrid Classroom Technology



This Self-Help guide pertains to the Hybrid Classroom Technology installed in Newton 202, 204, 205, 214, Welles 24, 26, 121, 123, South Hall 338, and 340. 

Hybrid Classroom Self Help Guide for Instructors

1. Connecting Your Laptop

  • Hybrid Classroom systems connect via HDMI/VGA and USB.

  • Adapters: Bring any necessary adapters if your laptop does not have full-size HDMI/VGA or USB ports.

2. Audio Setup

  • Ceiling microphones capture in-person participants.

  • Lapel microphone captures the presenter’s voice.

  • Goal: Ensure all participants (in-person and remote) can hear clearly.

3. Video Setup

  • Auto-tracking camera: OBSBOT Tiny (USB-connected)

    • Tracks presenter movement throughout the space.

  • Document camera: Elmo MX-P2 (USB + HDMI/VGA)

    • Displays documents or physical content to both in-person and remote participants.

4. Presentation Tips

  • The system cannot do everything automatically. Adjust your style if needed for optimal audio/video experience.

  • Screen sharing: Use Zoom/Teams to share content so both in-person and remote participants can see it.

  • Single-display rooms:

    • Display remote participants during discussions instead of content.

    • Allows in-person participants to see remote classmates easily.

Steps

  1. Turn on the system via the Extron Touch control panel. (South 338 shown, other rooms similar)


    Image showing the classroom AV system start screen for South Hall Room 338

    South Hall Start Screen


  2. Connect the HDMI (preferred) or the VGA/External Audio connections to present video to the system. Adapters may be needed for laptops without full size versions of these ports. 


    Image of a HDMI cable connector
    HDMI cable connector
    Image of a VGA cable connector and a 3.5mm Headphone connector
    VGA cable connector and a 3.5mm Headphone connector




  3. Connect the USB cable labeled "USB AUDIO/VIDEO" to your laptop.


    Image of a USB cable that carries Audio and Video signals from the classroom AV system to your laptop.
    USB Audio and Video cable



    If using your laptop, an adapter may be needed for machines without full size USB ports. The "USB AUDIO/VIDEO" cable connects the audio from the ceiling microphones and lapel microphone, the OBSBOT Tiny Camera, and the Elmo MX-P2 Document Camera. 

    If using the Dedicated PC in the classroom, the USB connections will be automatically switched from the "USB AUDIO/VIDEO" cable to the Dedicated PC when the PC is selected as an input. There is no need to plug the "USB AUDIO/VIDEO" cable into the Dedicated PC. 


  4. Set your Audio and Video Settings in your video conferencing software. (Zoom and Microsoft Teams shown, others similar) 


    Image of Zoom Microphone and Speaker Settings
    Zoom Microphone and Speaker Settings
    Image of Zoom Camera Settings
    Zoom Camera Settings
    Image showing how to enable High Fidelity Music mode in Zoom.




    Image of Teams Device Settings Button Location
    Teams Device Settings Button Location
    Image of Teams Speaker Settings
    Teams Speaker Settings
    Image of Teams Microphone Settings
    Teams Microphone Settings
    Image of Teams Noise suppression settings and camera settings.



     Note: Noise suppression should be turned off in Zoom and Teams as the Hybrid Classroom System has noise suppression built in. 


  5. The OBSBOT Tiny Camera has auto tracking features that can be controlled with hand gestures or with an app. Note: In order to successfully utilize the hand gestures to control the camera, manually aim the camera so that you are standing with a plain background behind you before attempting to perform the gesture. 


    Image of OBSBOT Tiny Auto Tracking camera
    OBSBOT Tiny Auto Tracking camera

  6. These spaces also have a Elmo MX-P2 Document Camera that can feed its video signal into the projection system and also into the presenters laptop via the "USB AUDIO/VIDEO" cable. If you would like to share the video feed from the Elmo document camera into video conferencing software such as Zoom, select "MX-P2" as the camera. See image in Step 4. 


    Image of an Elmo MX-P2 Document Camera
    Elmo MX-P2 Document Camera




  7. There is a lapel mic that provides vocal support to the space itself and also feeds audio to remote participants via the "USB AUDIO/VIDEO" cable. This microphone, combined with the ceiling microphones provide more robust audio support for the remote participants. 


    Image of NADY wireless lapel microphone and transmitter
    NADY wireless lapel microphone and transmitter
    Image of a Shure ceiling microphone
    Shure ceiling mic



    If the audio levels are not adequate for the space or for the remote participants, they can be adjusted via the "MIC CONTROLS" menu on the Extron touch controller in Welles 121, 123, South 338, and 340. 


    Image of the Extron Touchscreen AV system controller showing the Microphone controls button.
    Extron Touchpanel Audio Controls button
    Image of the Extron Touchscreen AV system controller showing the Microphone controls.
    Extron Touchpanel Audio Control


    In Welles 24 and 26, audio levels can be adjusted via the "MIC CONTROLS" menu on the Extron touch controller. 


    Image of the Extron Touchscreen AV system controller showing the Microphone controls button.
    Extron Touchpanel Microphone Controls button
    Image of the Extron Touchscreen AV system controller showing the Microphone controls.
    Extron Touchpanel Microphone Controls



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