Return to Rutgers
As we welcome faculty back to campus for in-person classes, we realize that it may have been a long time since many instructors have stepped foot in a classroom. At the same time, our newer faculty may be teaching in DCS classrooms for the first time. To help ease the return to classroom instruction, we have provided an overview of all things related to classroom technology, along with some of the special circumstances that might arise due to COVID-19. Our staff is always available to meet and review your technical needs. If you still have any questions after reviewing the information below, contact us and we'd be happy to discuss further.
Who We Are
Digital Classroom Support (DCS) designs, installs, and supports the use of classroom technology in the general-purpose classrooms on the Rutgers-New Brunswick. This technology includes anything you might use to teach in-person classes, including projectors, computers, microphones, document cameras, and much more. Our support staff is located on each of the New Brunswick campuses whenever classes are in session and is available to assist you over the phone, remotely, or in-person.
Classrooms
DCS is responsible for nearly 300 general-purpose classrooms on the New Brunswick campuses. General-purpose classrooms, as opposed to department-controlled rooms, are centrally scheduled and available for class use by any department. You can search through our list of classrooms on the Find a Classroom page. Once you find a classroom, click on it to view a panoramic photo, technical details, campus locations, and more. You can also view pages specifically devoted to specialty rooms, including Active Learning Spaces, Conference & Lecture Capture Spaces, and Screening Rooms.
In-Room Technology
In nearly all of our rooms, our equipment is connected to and controlled from a Digital Classroom System. You can learn more about each type of system and access relevant videos and instructions on our In-Class Technology page. The Videos, Tutorials, and Instructions page also contains a complete list of helpful resources for all the technology we support. You can learn about a specific room's technology by looking it up on the Find a Classroom page. If your room does not have equipment, you may request a loan or delivery of portable equipment by visiting the equipment request page.
Many faculty have inquired about using microphones to ensure that their voice is heard through their mask. You can check if your classroom has a microphone by looking it up on the Find a Classroom page and checking the "Specific Items" section of the Classroom Features. Rooms without mics are small enough that they typically do not necessitate them. Following one-semester of in-person classes taught under the mask requirement, we have found that masks do not typically change an instructor's need to be amplified. If you are concerned that you may need a microphone in a smaller space, we ask that you first attempt to visit your room or view the classroom page on our site to ensure you require one. This will help us reserve enough equipment to accommodate everyone in need. If you feel that you still require a microphone, please fill out an Equipment Request form.
Getting Assistance
DCS has staff on each New Brunswick campus whenever regularly scheduled classes are in session. Our Help Desk on Livingston Campus is our central hub for getting assistance. If you need immediate assistance in a classroom, please call them at 848-445-3612. You can also email the Help Desk at dcs@rutgers.edu or fill out the below request forms:
- Fill out an Assistance Request if you'd like someone to help you by phone or in-person before or during a class.
- Request equipment if you'd like to borrow or have a piece of equipment that is not already in your room delivered.
- If you are interested in using videoconference technology in your class, complete a Videoconference Support form.
- Use the Report a Problem form to notify us of a non-urgent classroom technology issue.
- View our list of upcoming workshops. DCS has prepared a slate of sessions designed to ease your return to campus.
Lecture Capture
Instructors may opt to record their classes to accommodate students that cannot attend or for many other pedagogic reasons. DCS can help you record in any of your classrooms. The solution used to record will vary depending on your classroom type and your personal preference. To begin, look up your classroom on the Conference & Capture Chart. Once you know your room's capability, click on it below to view your various options. If you are not sure where to begin, fill out a Videoconference, Streaming, & Recording Request. We will use the information you provide to work with you to develop a plan.
These rooms are equipped with everything needed to record. In these rooms you can capture video and audio of you and your students as well any content you wish to share. You can use Zoom, Webex, Kaltura, or BigBlueButton to record. Click on the instructions below for more information:
These rooms have cameras and microphones that can be used to record the instructor, as well as the capability to capture class content such as slides. In CESs, you can use Zoom, Webex, Kaltura, or BigBlueButton to lecture capture. Click on your preferred option below for detailed instructions:
Audio & Lecture Capture Rooms have microphones that instructors can use to record their audio while also having the capability to record content from the system's computer, such as slides. Choose from your preferred option below for detailed instructions:
- Using Zoom in an Audioconference & Lecture Capture Room
- Using Webex in an Audioconference & Lecture Capture Room
- Using BigBlueButton in an Audioconference & Lecture Capture Room
- Using Kaltura to Record in an Audioconference & Lecture Capture Room
Videoconferencing and Streaming
Certain classes have been designated and scheduled as converged, meaning that some students will attend in-person at the same time that other students attend online. However, participants in fully in-person classes might not be able attend class-in person if they need to quarantine or are prevented from doing so due to other COVID-related issues. Many DCS classrooms are equipped with technology that can help you videoconference or stream your class for anyone who is not physically present. The following scenarios outline your options based on who is unable to attend and what classroom you are using. Select a scenario from the list below for more information. Regardless of the scenario that applies to your class, you may also wish to peruse our Converged Learning page, for an overview of technology, teaching practices, and support relating to converged courses.
If you have any questions, fill out a Videoconference, Recording, & Streaming Support form and we can help you explore your options, develop a plan, and conduct virtual class meetings.
Look up your classroom on the Conference & Capture Chart and click on your room's "Capability" type below. Note that if your room does not have the capability you need, you may fill out a Videoconference, Recording, & Streaming Support form.
This room allows students to watch a video feed of the instructor or students, view class content (e.g. PowerPoint), and hear both the instructor and in-room students. If you wish, remote students can also participate in class discussions; their voices will be audible in the room as their faces show on the rear display and one of two displays at the front of the classroom. To videoconference (two-way communication) or stream (one-way broadcast), select instructions from the list below, based on what you would like to do and which conferencing tool you would like to use. You may request to have someone from DCS assist you in preparing for class and to help you connect during class time by filling out a Videoconference & Streaming Request Form.
These rooms are equipped to enable students to stream class so they can watch a video feed of the instructor, see content (e.g. PowerPoint), and listen to audio. Camera-equipped spaces are not tailored for allowing remote students to participate via a video connection. Select instructions from the list below, based on which streaming tool you prefer to use. You may request to have someone from DCS assist you in preparing for class and to help you connect during class time by filling out a Videoconference & Streaming Request Form.
These rooms are equipped to allow students to listen to the instructor's voice and view content (e.g. PowerPoint) over the web. Select instructions from the list below, based on which streaming tool you prefer to use. You can request a portable camera that can be used to stream video of you or may request to have someone from DCS assist you in preparing for class and to help you connect during class time by filling out a Videoconference & Streaming Request Form.
If an instructor is well enough teach, but unable to come to campus due to a temporary need to quarantine or isolate, they may deliver the course remotely. Most instructors opt to do so by holding class entirely online. However, if faculty opt to have students continue to attend in their classroom while they teach remotely, DCS has various spaces that can be used to conduct classes in which the students are in-class but the instructor, and possibly some students, are not. To learn about your classroom's capability, locate it on the Conference & Capture Chart. Then, select your room's capability below to get more information about the options available to you. Note that if your room is not listed or if your room does not have capability you need, you may fill out a Videoconference, Recording, & Streaming support form.
Your room is equipped to allow for two-way communication, viewing, and content sharing. Select instructions from the list below, based on which videoconference tool you prefer to use. Someone in the classroom will need to join your session during class time. You may request to have someone from DCS assist you in preparing for class and to help you connect during class time by filling out a Videoconference & Streaming Request Form. Please contact the DCS Help Desk with any additional questions.
Videoconference: Your classroom is capable of receiving your audio, video, and content (e.g. PowerPoint) for student viewing via a web stream. Select instructions from the list below, based on which streaming tool you prefer to use. Someone in the classroom will need to join your session during class time. You may request to have someone from DCS assist you in preparing for class and to help you connect during class time by filling out a Videoconference & Streaming Request Form.
- Using Zoom in an Audioconference & Lecture Capture Room
- Using Webex in an Audioconference & Lecture Capture Room
- Using BigBlueButton in an Audioconference & Lecture Capture Room
In addition to your students being able to hear and see you and your content (e.g. PowerPoint), if you would like to be able to hear and/or see your students, fill out a Videoconference & Streaming Request Form. In smaller rooms, DCS can provide a microphone and camera to capture all students. In larger rooms, we can set up a dedicated camera and microphone that students can come up to when they wish to participate.
Accessibility
Rutgers University is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment for everyone connected to the University. As events unfold due to COVID-19, the Rutgers community must still ensure the accessibility of web-based information and courses as well as provide disability-related accommodations so that all students, faculty and staff can fully participate. Students with disabilities may be impacted differently when switching from in-person to online instruction. Faculty should be prepared to provide and/or revise student accommodations as needed and to work with their campuses’ Office of Disability Services as questions arise related to academic accommodations. The following web resources have been prepared for faculty and students to ensure that courses continue to be accessible for students with disabilities:
- Accessibility and Accommodations During COVID-19
- Accessibility Resources for Remote Instruction
- Faculty Resources for Accessible Online Courses
- Tips for Faculty Providing Accommodations Online
Also, Rutgers Access and Disability Resources and The IT Accessibility Team are prepared to answer any questions or concerns related to creating accessible content during the COVID-19 situation. Please feel free to reach out at: Radr@echo.rutgers.edu or accessibility@rutgers.edu.