9 New Synchronous Spaces Ready for Rutgers Classes

In preparation for the spring semester, DCS has introduced nine additional Synchronous Spaces, classrooms designed to connect with remote participants. While providing spaces that can be used to videoconference and stream classes has been a focus of ours for the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed us to accelerate these efforts. As a result, Rutgers-New Brunswick is well prepared to handle an anticipated increase in the need for classes that can be used to teach converged and remote instruction classes.

As part of this recent wave of installs, DCS deployed eight more Synchronous Learning Spaces (SLSs) based on a new design that is more user friendly and flexible. Instructors using any of these non-codec Synchronous Learning Spaces can start a videoconference session using Zoom, Webex, BigBlueButton, and other applications on the podium's computer, just as they might at their home or office. They can then use the options in Rutgers Room Control to select cameras, adjust volume, and send the conference video to various in-room displays. Area microphones in SLSs pick up the voices of participating in-room students without needing to pass around a microphone.

For a full description of our four types of Synchronous Spaces and a list of equipped classrooms, visit the Synchronous Spaces page.