Projector Based Static Classroom Setup

New Classroom Considerations

If you are moving your static classroom, the following options should be considerations (Check with John Stritt for support in moving the classroom equipment):

  • You should be able to move the equipment but try to save as much of the necessary wiring as it will assist you in the new location.
    • Wiring that should be saved includes:
      • Two category 5 lines that go from the teacher station to each camera. Try not to cut the ends off of either of these cables.
      • Audio lines that go to each speaker that will be located behind the teacher station. These lines will go back to the teacher station
      • All microphone cables. You will probably find these audio lines located on a wall adjacent to student desks. These lines will run clear back to the teacher station.
      • *Optional Wireless Mic System: You may elect to use a wireless mic system instead of the table mics. See explanation below.
    • The rest ofthe existing wiring will be eliminated.
  • Projector versus TV viewing setup
    • The projector system provides students a larger viewing area. Estimated cost for putting in a projectors system is $1,100 for a projector, $200 for a ceiling mount, $600 for service installation. - Estimated cost $1,900.
    • Other optional cost items:
      • An additional consideration is that the instructor no longer has the viewing station and must rely on their computer monitor. Recommended that you upgrade the teacher monitor to a 17 to 19 flat panel monitor. Est cost is $500 to $700.
      • Wireless Mic System - Estimated cost $750.
    • Existing televisions can be used for regular television use within other classrooms.
    • Should require less maintenance as the television solution as when one tv goes down, it impacts the entire system.

The following is a room diagrahm with setup explanation:

Setup Explanation:

Teacher workstation - The location of the teacher workstation is important as several wires from the camera, audio system, microphone system, and the video projector must connect into the workstation. If the workstation is located against an exterior wall, the wiring can go down the wall and into the side of the workstation. If the workstation is located away from the wall, consideration must be taken to determine how the wires will get to the workstation.

A - Audio speakers will be located on the wall behind the teacher workstation. Audio lines will need to be run from these speakers to the teacher workstation.

B - Microphone Options:

Using existing microphones: Six microphones will be located on student desks. The audio connection is using done at the wall adjacent to the student desks. These audio lines will then run back to the teacher workstation. If student desks are located away from the wall, considerations should be made regarding running wires in floor back to the teacher workstation. One additional microphone is located at the teacher workstation. No wiring considerations are needed as this mic will be connected directly into the teacher workstation. A wireless and/or ceiling microphone system is also a consideration to replace the desktop mic system.

*Wireless microphone: If you have moved your distance education classroom and prefer or decide not to use the regular microphone system, a wireless Polycom mic could be used. The polycom system will have a connection into your regular wiring system (gentner). The cost for this wireless system is $750. This can be purchased from Cytek Media Systems - Att: Bill Jones. 785-295-4200

C - There are two cameras - instructor and student camera.

The instructor camera will probably be relocated on a side wall that is in direct line with the computer monitor. This allows the teacher to view students on the computer monitor while still giving the impression that they are looking at the instructor camera. If the teacher station is located in the middle of the room, the camera may be located on the back wall. Two wires from each camera will need to be routed back to the teacher workstation.

The student camera will be located at the front of the room. If you are using a projector system, make sure that the camera is not in line with the projector as the light from the projector will be in conflict with the camera.

Special note on camera and audio speaker stands - As the existing cameras are currently located on the TV rack or setting on top of the TV monitors, you will need camera stands that will attach to the wall. At ESU 10, we used the audio stands to mount our cameras on. We then went to Video Kingdom and purchased some audio speaker stands ($25).

D - The computer monitor will be the viewing station for the instructor. Recommended that you purchase a flat panel monitor to improve student viewing by instructor. For additional information, go to the followng link - http://tvdec.k12.ne.us/0405/ipequip.htm#monitor

E & F - Projector and viewing screen -

For best results, the projector should be mounted to the ceiling. The projector will be located approximately 9 feet from the viewing screen. Be sure and have electrical connection in the ceiling for your projector. Information about projector and ceiling mounts can be found at the following link - http://tvdec.k12.ne.us/0405/ipequip.htm#projector

The viewing station can be a pull down screen approximately 5 ft high by 6 ft wide. If you have a white flat wall, this could work as your viewing area.

Lighting issues - The lumens (brightness) of your projector, outside lighting, and lighting in your classroom all impact the quality of the projected image.

Classroom Images