Because all our online classes are live and interactive, you will need to have some basic online media tools to effectively participate in our courses.

Additonally, most of our online classes are integrated with our in-person classes, so students online will potentially be interacting directly with the in-person class/students. Because of this we need everyone that is participating online to have basic equipment that will ensure that this interaction is possible without distraction for any others participating in the class sessions.

The equipment and tips below will also help improve any online calls that you might have for any other online needs, so investments here can help you in other areas as well.

The list below provides guidelines for the varoius items needed along with specific recommendations.

Camera

You will need to have a camera that is capable of producing high quality video images in the light available where you will be participating.

• Minimum: 720p resolution at 30fps (frames per second)
• Ideal: 1080p resolution at 30fps
• Exceptional: 4k resolution at 30fps

Although some cameras provide faster fames per second, sometimes 60pfs of faster, we don't recommend using that as it does not really help the quality of the online video (for classroom purposes) and can slow-down your computer to process that faster speed.

If your camera is not able to display your image due to low light, see the section on Lighting below.

Some recommended cameras:

• Webcam - Logitech C920x HD pro Webcam
• Webcam with smart tracking - OBSBOT Tiny 4k Webcam

Special note for classes requiring more than one camera

We have some classes that indicate that multiple cameras are required or strongly recommended for the course. This is due to the fact that the student will need to show both his or her face as well as some other device (electronic equipment, other devices, etc.). Additionally, having 2 cameras in any class where students are doing manual work (i.e. anything hand-written), will be a benefit to allow the student to easily 'show their work' in the class.

In this case the second camera does not necessarily need to be as high quality as the primary camera. This is because the camera can usually be set in a fixed position and provided with extra light. This might be a good use of an older web cam that isn't quite up to par with current standards, but can show a reasonable image.

For this we recommend an inexpensive web cam, mounted on a tripod or otherwise 'suspended' above the 'work area' (desk) with one or more lights (like a desk lamp) aimed directly at the work surface.

Some suggestions for equipment:

• Webcam
  • any extra/old web cam you have at home
  • if you don't have an extra one check at Goodwill or other resale shops (just make sure that they will work with your computer/operating system)
  • you may have an old camera that can connect to your computer via USB cable
• Tripod
  • If you have one at home use it, if not check at Goodwill or other resale shops - you can usually find them for around $10
  • Camera Clip () these allow you to 'clip' any webcam or camera that has a threaded camera mount (most webcams today have these) to anything above the work surface
• Lighting
  • Use a standard desklamp with a 150watt (or greater) equivalent LED light bulb
    • NOTE: You can put a 150watt equivalent light bulb in a lamp that that has a 60-watt limit because the LED doesn't actually use 150watts
  • If you don't have a desklamp check Goodwill or other resale shops (usually you can find them for around $10)

Additionally, you will need to have some software to manage switching between the two cameras. We recommend using OBS Studio. This software is free and works on any operating system. It has become the standard for most video podcasters (and the software that we use in our Online Media class).

Headphones / Ear buds

All students participating must have (and use) headphones or ear buds in class sessions. Using your computer's speakers will often result in feedback or an 'echo' effect and will distract from the class session.

If your computer has Bluetooth then we suggest using a bluetooth wireless device to prevent cords limiting the students movement during class.

The most important part of the decision process is to find ones that can be comfortably worn for the length of the class time (or multiple class times).

NOTE: We do NOT recommend any 'noise cancelling' headphones or ear buds. These use additional sound waves to 'cancel out' external noise. This introduces more audio levels into the students ears and can lead to hearing loss.

Microphone

Students must also have a microphone other than the microphone built-into their laptop. Laptop microphones can produce poor quality audio and also introduce echo, making it hard to understand the student in a classroom setting.

Ideally the microphone would be placed directly onto the student to ensure the best sound quality.

The best way to do this is to purchase a 'headset', which come in two different styles:

• headphone-style headset - headphones for hearing and a 'boom' microphone for speaking
• wired earbud-style headset - earbuds for hearing and a microphone build into the cable
• earbuds with mic functionality - earbuds that can provide both listening and speaking functionality
  (these are common for phones and are usually Bluetooth connected)
  NOTE: Be sure to test these before planning to use them in class to make sure that your speach is clear

Lighting

If your camera is not showing your face well, and the image is dark, you will likely need add more light to your face. You do NOT need to go out and purchase additional lighting equipment (unless you are in the Online Media class). You can just relocate yourself to be close to a south-facing window, or you can move a lamp behind the camera so that it shines light on your face. Usually a 100-150 watt equivalent light bulb will provide enough light for most web cams. If that doesn't work, try 2 lamps or increase the wattage of the light bulb.

If you are planning to participate in the Online Media class you can invest in an inexpensive 'ring light' that you can use for class as well as class projects. These often sell for under $30.

• 10" Ring Light with 50" Extendable Tripod Stand

Internet Connection

In order to participate effectively in our online live class sessions, you will need to have a 'high speed' connection. This means that you must ensure that your download AND your upload speeds are high speed. Here are some guidelines:

• Minimum suggested:
  • Download: 10Mbps
  • Upload: 5Mbps

We suggest that you actuall test your speeds and not rely on what your Internet service provider lists that they provide because these are usually their maximum speeds. You can test your upload and download speeds at: https://www.speedtest.net/
Be sure that you are not running any other Internet program on your computer or any other devices in your house when you do the test.

Is this all necessary?

Well, if you want to participate in a live, interactive class and have a chance at a good learing experience, then yes. If you just want to sit and passively watch, then no. However, be aware that if your technology is causing a distraction within our online class sessions, we will have to block you from actively participating until you resolve the issue. Focusing on technology issues will definitely distract you from the class as well. So we strongly encourage you to invest in good equipmpent so that you get the best experience from our online classes.

How can I be sure?

Although you can run tests between yourself and a remote friend (via a Zoom call, etc.), the best way to ensure that your gear works AND to even get some help fixing problems is to participate in one of our pre-class equipment test sessions. We run these a couple times before each semester begins. This allows you to test your equipment direclty with the online system that we will be using in class. And we'll have time to help you work through any issues you might have.

All registered students will receive an invite to these test sessions once they are schedule. So be sure to register for your class early so you don't miss the opportunity to participate in one of these test sessions.

And if you have any questions you can just use our Contact Us form on the web site to ask any tech questions you have.