There are two methods of video calling available to certain UConn Classrooms. To see a list of UConn classrooms and their capabilities, visit classrooms.uconn.edu. The two methods of conferencing are listed below:
Rooms without a camera will only list "Audio & Content" because you are able to use a microphone and screen-share in a conference call.
"Webex or Teams or Zoom"
This type of call is known as a web conference and is handled by a computer. Programs such as, but not limited to, Webex, Teams, Zoom, and Skype can be used in these classrooms from a personal device or the classroom computer. Please note that only Webex and Teams are centrally supported at the university. Learn how to make this calls in classrooms by reviewing this guide: Web Conferencing in a UConn Room
"Video Conference"
This type of call is very specific to certain UConn rooms. These calls are considered to be "Point-to-Point" and are only conducted directly between classroom systems. This conference type is used in Distance Learning because it allows ITS to connect classrooms across the state.
Similarities and Differences
Both methods allow camera, microphone, and screen-sharing.
Both methods (Webex and Teams) are centrally supported by ITS.
Both methods support many participants.
Only web conferencing can be conducted completely independent of a classroom (remote learning).
In a web conference call, all users join a central "room" with User Roles like "Host" and "Cohost."
Video conferencing is a point-to-point call, similar to a landline phone call. When the second-to-last participant leaves the call, the call terminates.
Available Classroom Types
UConn has four types of conferencing classrooms available.
Full: These rooms are used for intra-University distance learning.
Teach From: You can teach from, but not to, these classrooms. Your remote students can see you and your content and you can see and interact with them.
Teach To: You can teach to and from these rooms; however, there is no instructor-facing camera.
Seminar: You can teach to and from these rooms since the camera is pointed at the conference table.
The table below displays the different types of rooms, along with their respective available features. For visual diagrams of these rooms, visit Types of Video Conference Rooms.
Room Features | Seminar/Conference Room | Teach From | Teach To | Full Conference (Teach From/To) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ability to share content | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Instructor-facing Camera | ✔ | ✔ | X | ✔ |
Student-facing Camera | X | X | ✔ | ✔ |
Display in front of room to view other participants | ✔ | X | ✔ | ✔ |
Display in rear of room to view other participants | X | ✔ | X | ✔ |
Instructor Microphone | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Student Microphone(s) | ✔ | X | ✔ | ✔ |
Able to connect to Webex calls | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Classroom Microphones - Explained
