To record lectures through Otago Capture, we currently use two different systems in respective lecture theatres:
‘Classroom Capture’ is a software-based solution that is installed on the computer in the lecture theatre. Under this system, the same computer that is running powerpoint slides and Youtube videos etc for the lecture, is also running an application in the background to record the audio and display output of the computer.
‘Capture+’ instead uses a separate piece of hardware that is installed in the lecture theatre alongside and independent of the computer. If you’ve ever noticed a silver or black box near the computer in a lecture theatre that says “Echo360”, this is a Capture+ device. This piece of hardware is responsible for recording whatever goes into the projector and speakers in the room.
While it may look suspiciously similar to a Transonic DVD player, this device offers a significant increase in reliability of lecture recording.
However, the Lecture Theatres team, along with eLearning, have begun replacing our Classroom Capture set-ups in Dunedin with Capture+ installations. We have now completed the transition in several teaching spaces, and we plan to complete the remaining twelve before the start of Semester One. This will mean that Classroom Capture is completely retired from all the lecture theatres managed by ITS Teaching and Learning Facilities.
We have been spurred to accelerate this upgrade because of certain glitches with Classroom Capture that were giving rise to reliability issues this year in our dual-boot lecture theatre environment. However, even looking beyond the improved reliability that Capture+ offers, this is a significant upgrade that offers several advantages:
Firstly, this upgrade is good news for Capture users who wish to bring their own computer to class. Because Classroom Capture is software based, and run from the lecture theatre computer, any inputs to the projector or speakers in the room that don’t go through the lecture theatre computer can not be recorded. Capture+ is not limited in this way, and so allows lecturers to deliver a lecture using their personal laptops, while still having the results recorded. Edit: Please note that temporarily (as of March 2017) the ability to record screen from laptop is unavailable in several new Capture+ locations: CASTA, CASTB, CASTC, CASTD, SDAV1, SDAV2, BURN5. We expect this functionality to be added by the 2018 teaching year.
Secondly, this upgrade is good news for Capture users who prefer to use a Mac. Classroom Capture was only available at Otago in a Windows version. So even while using the lecture theatre computer, Classroom Capture recording is only possible when the computer is booted as a PC. Capture+ is not limited in this way, and the lecture theatre computer can be booted either as a Mac or as a PC.
Thirdly, this upgrade is good news for Capture users who may wish to record lectures with camera. Classroom Capture lacked the functionality to receive a video input alongside the display input that is projected in the classroom. Capture+ brings the ability (so long as the classroom is wired and set up for this function) to record actual footage of the lecturer delivering the class.
Fourthly and finally, this upgrade is good news for Capture users who might wish to livestream a class. Classroom Capture lacked this functionality, but every Capture+ location is now capable of livestreaming.
For all these reasons, but especially the prospect of improved reliability, we are pleased to be moving ahead with this change.
