A Mobile Kit for Lightweight Capture and Conferencing
Primary Presenter: Duncan McBogg
Co-Presenter: Chris Evans
Organization: University of Colorado Boulder
Role: Learning Space Designer
Track: Demonstration with some hands-on
Level: Cutting Edge
Abstract: In October of 2011, CU-Boulder’s Academic Technology Engineering unit developed a "Swiss Army Knife” field kit prototype to provide quick and easy setup of software-based lecture capture, web collaboration, and/or conferencing tools. This session will detail the benefits and drawbacks associated with USB-based A/V capture devices, with some emphasis on the software variables to consider before implementing a similar concept. For more information about the hardware design associated with this session, please visit: http://oit.colorado.edu/blogs/at/field-kit-capture-and-conferencing
Bio: Duncan is a learning space designer at the University of Colorado Boulder. He is responsible for classroom technology design, emerging technology evaluation, and core expert support of lecture capture, videoconferencing and web collaboration technology. Before joining CU, Duncan was the staff engineer, trainer and multimedia specialist for CEAVCO Audio Visual in Arvada, CO. Duncan is a Certified Technology Specialist. He holds a Master of Social Sciences degree and a graduate certificate in Designing eLearning Environments from the University of Colorado Denver.
Description: The increasing usage and adoption of software-based videoconferencing and web collaboration tools demonstrate the growing demand for groups of people to work in multiple locations without being tied to a particular hardware platform. In October of 2011, CU-Boulder’s Academic Technology engineering unit developed a "Swiss Army Knife" (easy to set up and all-in-one) prototype intended to provide quick and light setup of lecture capture, web collaboration and conferencing tools via relatively affordable mainstream consumer products. The mobile nature of the hardware solution featured in this proposal will enable delivery of educational content and collaboration in a variety of building spaces that may not be otherwise equipped with audiovisual and/or conferencing technology. The aim of the hardware design is to provide a quick-and-easy portable set up for lecture capture, conferencing, and collaboration; while increasing the quality of the conference or recording by using an external HD camera and a high-quality external microphone. The USB webcam and microphone connect to a USB hub, which allows user’s to connect to a computer via a single USB cable. The modularity of this hardware and small components lets users pack the equipment into a lightweight carrying case. The camera connects to a flexible mount, which lets users quickly place the camera at various heights and angles. The microphone offers excellent echo cancellation and performs well in varying size spaces. For more information about the hardware design associated with this session, please visit: http://oit.colorado.edu/blogs/at/field-kit-capture-and-conferencing In this session, Chris Evans and Duncan McBogg will describe their design and research processes, as well as some of the important findings and lessons learned from their research and testing. Attendees will also learn about some of the challenges associated with using USB-based consumer hardware tools for web collaboration and software-based lecture capture.