Using the equipment in blended synchronous learning spaces (new touchpanel)
This guide provides information on the in-room technology used to support the blended synchronous learning teaching mode
This guide is for new touch panels. For the older touch panels, use the old touch panel guide.
Blended synchronous learning (BSL) refers to learning activities that are conducted simultaneously for both campus-based and remote students as a single group. A number of University of Melbourne spaces have been upgraded with additional equipment to facilitate blended synchronous learning.
For information on using the touch panel in the following BSL spaces please refer to this guide:
- The Spot - 6015
- The Spot - 5013
Using the touch panel
The AV touch panel is the main control panel for any audio/visual equipment connected in the teaching space. From this panel you can make adjustments to cameras, microphones, displays and lighting. In BSL supported spaces you can also connect in-venue cameras, displays, document cameras and audio to remote participants through web conferencing platforms such as Zoom.
An interactive demonstration of the touch panel interface can be found below.
All destinations
Under All Destinations, presenters can select a camera or connected device to display throughout the teaching space.
Lectern computer: Displays the main lectern iMac.
Note: In order to see and hear remote participants through the AV system in the teaching space 'lectern computer' must be selected as the source
Laptop/wireless: Displays any connected external devices such as a laptops or iPad
Document camera: Displays the feed coming from the document camera
Student pods: Displays devices connected to a student pod
Presenter camera: Displays the camera feed aimed towards the presenter area
Audience camera: Displays the camera feed aimed towards the audience area
Web conference
Under Web Conference, presenters can select the device/camera to display in a connected Zoom meeting. This source will be visible to all remote participants in Zoom.
Cameras
Each space is equipped with two cameras - one captures the presenter area, the other captures the audience area. Both can be controlled via the AV touch panel using presets. Depending on location, there may also be predefined camera angles such as whiteboard area, wider presenter area and additional student pods.
Fixed presets
In addition to the camera and device selection options, presenters have the ability to display different commonly used camera views using fixed presets.
The fixed preset options include:
User presets
Presenters can use the user preset buttons to switch between custom camera views. To save a custom camera view, use the Pan/Tilt and Zoom buttons to manually adjust the direction the camera is pointing. Then press and hold one of the three user buttons to save the custom camera view for the duration of the class.
Note: The University of Melbourne logo will appear briefly when switching between different modes/cameras on the AV touch panel.
Microphones
A desk microphone and lapel microphone are available to use when moving around the room. Each BSL space has up to four handheld microphones to capture audience responses which can be passed around. Both the lapel and handheld microphones can be found in the charging dock next to the teaching area.
Student pods
In certain BSL spaces, there are student pods with fixed microphones installed to capture responses. Each pod has a dedicated microphone, power outlets and display cables for laptops. Participants then have the ability to share their laptop screen on the display behind their connected pod.
Important note: Microphones found on student pods are muted by default. Please use the touchpanel controls to unmute student pod microphones.
This guide was last updated 23 May 2022.
Please report any errors or omissions in this guide by submitting an LMS support request.