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

Many Mac computers and iMacs have a built-in camera located near the top edge of the screen. 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 instructions on using the privacy controls for your camera in MacOS here.

Windows

Most Windows laptops have 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.

Windows 10 provides these additional privacy protections. If you find issues with broadcasting or recording video, verify your privacy settings to confirm that applications are allowed to access your camera. You can find instructions for doing so here. 

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 additional privacy protections. If you experience issues or are not able to share audio, verify privacy settings are set to allow access to your microphone.