This is based on OUR experience so far! Not saying it’s the only way, but it’s worked for us with fast and good quality!
1. PREPARATION
Essentials:
– Laptop (not a tablet or phone). Minimum Processer i7, RAM 8GB+, SSD Hard drive. Windows (we haven’t tried a MacBook).
– Webcam: we recommend a Logitech c922 (retail $170)
– Internet connection! Faster the better. We are getting NBN installed. 5G is great, if not then 4G should be ok (can be slow during peak periods)
Nice extras:
– An external microphone. Not essential, but will give a better audio experience. We are using the Blue Yeti X (Retail $249).
2. SETUP A YOUTUBE CHANNEL
– If you don’t already have a YouTube channel, Google “how to create a YouTube Channel” and follow the tutorial called “How to Create a YouTube Channel for your Business” – https://www.wix.com/blog/2017/03/how-to-start-a-successful-youtube-channel-for-your-business/
3. SETUP YOUR SPACE
– Connect your laptop to the Internet.
– Position webcam where it gives your student the best ‘in class’ simulation. For our studio, we have positioned the webcam behind the teacher, but still ensuring we can see their reflection in the mirror.
– Connect webcam to laptop via USB cord. We needed a 10m cable extension cord as the laptop was a fair distance from the webcam.
– Attach microphone if using. Closer to teacher the better, especially if you are going to talk over music.
4. START STREAMING ON YOUTUBE
– Log into your YouTube channel. Click CREATE button (top right) and choose GO LIVE
– Give it a title, then make sure it’s set as UNLISTED unless you want to go PUBLIC.
– Scroll down to MORE OPTIONS and change camera setting to use your webcam
– Change microphone setting to your external mic. If not using an external mic, you could choose between using the mic on your webcam, or the laptop mic. Test out to see which one has better sound quality.
– Click NEXT, wait for thumbnail and then press GO LIVE!!
5. MANAGE YOUR STREAM
– You’ve now gone live! If you had chosen an unlisted privacy setting, then hit the share icon at the bottom of the screen, then copy and share with whoever will be viewing the class.
– YouTube has a live chat on the right hand side of the screen, where people watching can communicate with you, ask questions, ask you to repeat a move etc. If you have a large number of students tuning in, then its best to have an extra person helping out, who can monitor the chat and convey any messages to the teacher.
– Make sure you acknowledge the people watching at home and respond to any chat messages. It’s much more engaging that way! Re-creating the classroom environment in any way feasible/practical should be a priority.
FINAL TIPS
– Use a PC, not a Chromebook as its too limiting as we found out this week!
– Our webcam keeps trying to autofocus (we eventually figured out how to turn it off, using the Logitech App). If you’re teaching on your own, in a small space, that shouldn’t be a problem.
– Optimal visibility and audio are crucial for the best online experience! So try to invest a bit extra to get good sound and visual quality through your camera and mic.
– It’s odd at the start, talking to a camera instead of students in the room. But you will get used to it!
Jaya Karan
21 March 2020