If you are planning a web video conference, we recommend that it be scheduled in a room that is outfitted with a necessary equipment and software. Check the Kenyon Reservations (KRES) room reservation system for this information.
Each camera has a medium- to wide-angle view of most of the classroom, so that groups of students and/or faculty can interact with a remote participant. The webcams have a built-in microphone for audio reproduction.
If you are unable to schedule a previously outfitted classroom, you can check out a USB webcam from the Chalmers Library circulation desk and plug it into the classroom computer of your assigned classroom. Faculty have administrator access on all classroom instructor’s workstations, and can install the webcam driver, which is installed automatically when it is plugged into the USB port of the computer.
If you are not comfortable managing the web conferencing session on your own, a Helpline or professional staff member can assist you in the process, and they can help get the call started for you. To make this request, please contact classroom support at 1-740-427-5711.
To set up a web conference meeting, you must first have an account with the service that you are planning to use (such as Skype, Google Meet, Zoom etc.) LBIS does not manage a general Kenyon account for web conferencing, therefore you must use your personal account. Note that the person that you would like to invite to a web conference must also have an account with the service you wish to use.
It is a good idea, several days before your session, to set up a test meeting to make sure all parties have the appropriate technology setup (camera, microphone) so that you will be able to communicate clearly and easily on the day of your web conference.
Technical notes:
- If you are unable to schedule a previously outfitted classroom, you can check out a USB webcam from the circulation desk and plug it into the classroom computer of your assigned classroom. Faculty have administrator access on all classroom instructor’s workstations, and can install the webcam driver, which is installed automatically when it is plugged into the USB port of the computer.
- It is best to hold a Web Conference session on a computer that has a wired network connection (as opposed to wifi) as the experience is generally better. All of the above listed classrooms have wired network connections in the classroom computer. They also have permanent attached webcams which can be pointed to the room.
- Skype: All campus classroom computers have Skype software installed, although only the specific classrooms listed above have permanent webcams. Skype works with any browser.
- Google Meet: You can use your Kenyon network account for Google Meet, since it is part of the Google Apps that Kenyon subscribes to. Anyone on the receiving end of your Google Meet can use Meet with any email address, they do not necessarily need a Google account. Google Meet works with the Chrome browser.
- A small colored light appears on the classroom webcam when a session is active.
- Zoom web conferencing software is an option that can be considered, but it must be downloaded by the individual wanting to use it, since it is profile specific. The free version of Zoom currently limits group conference calls to 40 minutes each.