Classroom technology guide for hybrid teaching

All General Purpose Classrooms can both record and livestream classes via Zoom. To set up your classroom, read the following instructions:

  1. Visit Room Search to review your assigned classroom’s features, layout, and equipment.
  2. Review USB camera and audio connections, including a list of devices you can expect in your classroom. 

For a more in-depth explanation and some suggested workflows for using Zoom, see the sections below.

How to connect your laptop to classroom cameras and microphones

In all of our General Purpose Classrooms, there are two types of cables you must use to connect laptops to the classroom A/V: Content and Conferencing. 

The Content Cable(s) are USB-C and HDMI cables. The Conferencing Cable is a USB-A cable.

Image shows four cables. In order, from left to right, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and a USB-A cable with a red collar. Over the USB-C and HDMI cables, there is text saying “Content Cables.” Over the USB-A cable, there is text saying “Conferencing cables.”
Cables from left to right: USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, USB-A

If you plan to use Zoom to livestream or record, you must plug one of the Content Cables into your laptop, as well as the Conferencing Cable. If you are just presenting in person, you only need to plug in a Content Cable. 

The Content Cables carry audio and video signals from your laptop to the room. This includes PowerPoint slides, YouTube videos, and any other media you wish to present to the class. Because these cables offer a new audio output, you must set up the new output in your laptop’s sound settings. The correct setting is found in column J of the USB Camera & Audio list spreadsheet.

The Conferencing Cable allows you to connect to any speaker/microphone/camera A/V equipment installed in the room. These new options will appear in Zoom, and you will likely need to manually select them once the USB-A cable is connected to your laptop and Zoom is open. The correct settings in all of our spaces can also be found on the USB Camera & Audio list spreadsheet in columns E, F, and G, for Microphone, Speaker, and Camera, respectively. 

Suggested workflows

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Sharing the classroom with students who join online

Once all of the cables have been connected, follow the steps below to share your classroom in Zoom:

  1. Log into the Zoom desktop app via SSO, and start your meeting.
  2. Select your microphone/speaker/camera according to the USB Camera & Audio list spreadsheet.
  3. Share your full screen (for compatibility and ease of use).
  4. Start the recording if you wish to record (record to cloud).
  5. Teach as you would normally.
  6. End the meeting and unplug all cables.

Having a remote student/TA/lecturer present

If there is a remote participant, follow the steps below: 

  1. Log into the Zoom desktop app via SSO, and start your meeting.
  2. Connect the Content and Conferencing cables.
  3. Select your microphone/speaker/camera according to the USB Camera & Audio list spreadsheet.
  4. Check if you can hear the remote participant or speaker through the classroom A/V.
  5. Configure meeting settings to allow the remote participant(s) to share content.
  6. Proceed as normal. 

Still have questions?

If you’d like an in-room consultation or have any questions, feel free to contact us directly.