Basic Requirements

When remotely presenting a lecture or class session live, it will be necessary to have the following:

• Reliable internet connection
• Microphone (external or built-in)
• Webcam (optional)

Setting Up Your Camera

Most telepresence solutions will allow you to broadcast video via a camera connected to your computer. 

Macintosh

For MacBooks and iMacs, these cameras are built-in to the computer. When using an application that has access to your camera, you may be prompted to provide consent for the application to use the camera. You can find some instructions on using the privacy controls for your camera in MacOS here.

Windows

Most Windows laptops will come with a built-in camera. Desktop computers will require an external camera to be purchased in order to record or broadcast video.

Your webcam will likely work automatically when it is plugged into your computer. If you find yourself with issues broadcasting or recording video, please verify your privacy settings to confirm that applications are allowed to access your camera. You can find instructions for doing so here. Windows 10 provides these additional privacy protections for your benefit.

Setting Up Your Microphone

Presenting a lecture, class session, office hours, or any other telepresence meeting will require a microphone. 

Macintosh

For MacBooks and iMacs, microphones are built-in to the computer. When an application requires access to your microphone, you may receive a prompt to provide consent for the application to use the microphone.

To verify which applications you've granted microphone access to:

1. Launch System Preferences
2. Select "Security & Privacy"
3. Select the "Privacy" tab.
4. Scroll to the "Microphone" setting
5. Check the checkbox next to any applications that require use of your microphone
6. Close System Preferences

Windows

Most Windows laptops have a built-in microphone. Desktop computers will likely require external microphones or headsets in order to record or broadcast audio.

To test your microphone:

1. If the microphone is not built-in to your computer, verify that it is plugged in and connected to your computer.
2. Follow these instructions from Microsoft to test your microphone.

Windows 10 offers some additional privacy protections. If you experience issues where you're unable to broadcast sound, please use the information found here to check that your privacy settings are not denying access to your microphone.