• Orient yourself to the console and controls.  Each console is slightly different in configuration throughout the system.
  
• If you are only transmitting to one additional site, you can manipulate the remote cameras from your tablet.  If you are transmitting to two or more additional sites, you will not be able to manipulate the remote cameras from your tablet.
  
• When using the document camera, check the monitor at the console to visualize what you are sending.  if colors are critical, you might need to modify the samples you are showing since the colors are altered in the transmission.
  
• Make frequent eye contact with the camera in the center of the rear classroom wall.  This will make it appear as if you are looking directly at the students at the remote sites.  Avoid using only the console monitors.  Make frequent eye contact with the students in the classroom.
  
• Minimize hand movements. Anchor yourself next to the console or hold on to a pen/pointer.
  
• When you arrive in the classroom, clip on the microphone and position Camera 1 to set a good "portrait shot" of yourself (head and shoulders). If you decide to sit during the class, reposition the camera to a lower level. If you join the students in the "audience" for demonstrations, reposition Camera 2 to the desired location.
  
• When you work from the console, frequently switch to Camera 1 as you elaborate on a point between on-screen slides or materials on the document camera. Switch at least every third or fourth "slide". The students' number one complaint regarding distance learning is that they don't see the instructor on camera as often as they would like.
  
• Switch activities/presentation styles approximately every ten minutes. Students do not want a "talking head" at the podium. Students will "zone out" easily unless the pace is frequently altered.
  
• Move materials slowly on/off the document camera. It is easier to place a full stack of materials on the document camera platform and "pull away" than to slide a sheet off and reposition a new sheet.
  
• Use blue paper for materials projected from the document camera. If white paper is used, you might reduce the glare by switching to the negative view.
  
• Avoid overhead transparencies. If you have materials already made on transparency film, you might insert blue paper into your photocopier to transform to hard copy sheets. If you must use the transparency format, try placing the film on the light box on the console before placing it on the document camera platform. This may minimize the glare. The light arms on some document camera models have also been positioned to block overhead lighting and minimize the glare.
  
• Minimize the use of glossy magazine pages and book pages.
  
• Use blue paper and print when using the document camera as a "chalkboard" replacement. Use a medium to wide stroke marker when you print. Always put a couple of blank sheets under the writing paper to reduce staining the document camera platform.
  
• Use standard fonts for on-screen presentations and with the document camera. Avoid "frilly" fonts. Do not use print smaller than 32 points. DO NOT USE ALL CAPITAL LETTERS EXCEPT IN TITLES OR TO EMPHASIZE A SINGLE POINT! Use traditional upper and lowercase lettering.

Document provided by the Western Illinois Education Consortium.