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Microphone/Audio Issues

During Fall 2020, Faculty provided feedback to both TSPs/Local Support and CETL about difficulties experienced in running class discussions when students are both in-person and virtual while trying to transfer crisp, clear audio back and forth between the in-person and online students. Please note that it is not possible for the technology equipment installed in the UI classrooms to be added to or improved during 2020-2021. The (50) new technology packages are not designed to pick up audio from the students in the physical classroom. These roll-in technology kits contain a single microphone which is only capable of picking up the voice of whomever is standing at the lectern.

Larger Multimedia Lectern Classrooms have wireless lavaliere microphones for sound reinforcement of the instructor's voice. These must be worn to be effective. If you feel uncomfortable sharing the microphone with other people, a number of wearable small portable PA systems exist that you can carry into the classroom with you. One UI instructor is planning to purchase a PA system by Zoweetek, with a wired (not wireless) headset. This one is probably the best one for classroom use on our campus--although ITS has no first-hand experience with it. Bear in mind that ITS does not purchase, set up, or maintain these small portable PA systems.

In 1-Cart Monitor Classrooms, if you feel you need a microphone to help students hear you through your mask in the physical classroom, the webcam microphone installed is not going to help. It picks up the instructor's voice for broadcast (by Zoom) to remote students but doesn't help amplify an instructor's voice to students that are physically attending the brick-and-mortar classroom.

If you are looking to purchase a microphone to help students hear you through your mask in the physical classroom--but prefer the lavalier or wireless lapel microphone rather than a wired PA system, please read the following cautionary points:

• There is a danger of audio feedback and damage to the system (and damage to your ears)
• The speakers can only output sound from one source at a time so you would not be able to hear any audio other than the mic while using the microphone
• There is a danger of interfering with the University's Wi-Fi network or other RF signals
• There is a danger of damage to the room system because of unknown output levels from the microphone
• The microphone output connector is not compatible with the audio input on the lectern

Instead of wireless, look into a wired lavaliere (lapel) microphone (not a headset) which can be found on a number of wearable personal PAs. Please bear in mind that ITS does not support these systems. It is up to you to purchase, set up, and maintain your portable PA.

You are welcome to pass along to ITS any feedback you have on this topic so we can better understand the scope and technical challenges you are facing.