Frequently Asked Questions: Distance Education and TELETECHNET - Faculty
Who do I contact for general classroom or operational support needs with my TELETECHNET course?
For general classroom needs please contact Sandra Lovelace, Synchronous Video Operations Manager at (757) 683-3378 or mastercontrol@odu.edu.
If you are having trouble during your live TELETECHNET class please do not hesitate to notify your control room operator or notify the control room supervisors and staff in room 206
What technologies and tools are available within the ATS classrooms?
Many different technologies are available to faculty within the classroom studios, including multiple cameras, overhead cameras, computer workstations feeding large display devices, touchpanel control systems, and a variety of media playback devices. Please contact Sandra Lovelace, Synchronous Video Operations Manager at (757) 683-3378 or mastercontrol@odu.edu.
There are also a number of collaboration tools available to faculty and students that are supported by ATS and OCCS. Please contact Susan Boze, CLT Labs Manager at (757) 683-3172 to discuss your specific requirements.
What two-way video conference technology is supported by ATS?
ATS supports two-way video connections via H.323 to the four ODU Higher Education centers as part of the University's Distance Learning program. In addition to these centers, other locations can be incorporated into 2-way video classes by making special arrangements with ATS. For any of these special needs, please contact Sandra Lovelace, Synchronous Video Operations Manager at (757) 683-3378 or mastercontrol@odu.edu.
If I get requests for overloads in the section of class that originates in Gornto, can I get an overflow room?
Yes, based on room availability in the Gornto Center. We will do our very best to try to accommodate overload registrations by providing multiple classrooms, either in Gornto or by coordinating with the the Higher Education Centers, for the same class (the audio and video from the primary classroom can be sent to the secondary classroom). Unfortunately, we do not always have the resources to provide another room. Please contact us as soon as you know you will need assistance.
Why do students need to attend class at the site where they are registered?
We ask that if a student has registered for a distance learning class at a specific site or location that they attend class at that site. This is because often the registration caps placed on TELETECHNET classes taught from Gornto are based on the maximum capacity of the room. Thus if all the Gornto registrations are taken and students from other locations attend at main campus there may not be a physical seat for them. We will try to accommodate all situations as best we can based on room availability, but in general, please ask your students to attend class at their registered site until we are able to determine if there is space available.
What is the minimum number of students that need to be enrolled (off campus and total) for me to maintain the TTN class support?
The university requires a minimum of 6 students enrolled in a distance learning TELETECHNET course to reach a 'break even' point when the cost to maintain and operate the class is supported by the enrollments.
Can I have guest speakers call in via telephone?
Yes, audio from a telephone call can be mixed with classroom audio. For instance, a guest speaker would be given a 1-800 number to dial and they would be patched into the classroom studio and distribution systems, so all students would be able to hear and interact with the guest speaker. This dial-in option is also available for instructors traveling.
I am going to be out of town during one of my scheduled classes, can I teach from another location?
Yes, based on room availability instructors for TELETECHNET 2-way classes with enrollments at ODU's Higher Education Centers can usually teach from that center. Please contact us to coordinate with the Higher Education Center staff, 757-683-3173 or mastercontrol@odu.edu, we ask that you please give us a weeks notice to verify room availability.
Instructors can also teach from other locations, universities, or facilities with video conferencing capabilities, Please contact us to coordinate and schedule a test conference with that location, 757-683-3173 or mastercontrol@odu.edu, we also ask that you please give us a week notice to verify and test.
I am going to be out of town during one of my scheduled classes, can I pre-record the lecture?
Yes, sessions of your class can be recorded ahead of time to minimize the amount of class missed by your students. Once recorded, the recording will be played during the class's normally scheduled meeting times. Please contact your control room operator, or our control room at 757-683-3173 or mastercontrol@odu.edu to schedule ca recording session.
What if I need to cancel class?
If you know that you will not make it to class, or are running late to class, we can notify the sites who can inform the students, please contact our control room at 757-683-3173 or mastercontrol@odu.edu
The Center for Learning Technologies also have an automated system for canceling class.
Will my control room operator/site technician have my class roster?
Unfortunately, our staff do not have access to instructor or administrative features of Blackboard, so we have no way of knowing who is registered in which class. However, we are able to determine what sites have connected and have 'checked-in' for class, and who is speaking from what site and classroom.
Specific student and class registration information is available via Blackboard using your instructor login, if you would like assistance please contact our support staff at the Center for Learning Technologies who would be happy to assist.
Will my control room operator/site technician take attendance?
Our control room staff do not typically take attendance, however we can have your students circulate an attendance sheet that can be forwarded to your office.
How do I know who is "out there?"
For TELETECHNET digital satellite and TELETECHNET 2-way video conferencing classes we can tell which classroom from which site is connected to class. Also, you will be able to hear students from every site, taking a quick 'roll call' at the beginning of class is an option. On the TELETECHNET 2-way video you can also see each classroom.
How will the distant students contact me with questions during an exam?
During exams we can display a telephone number that students will call from their site to reach you. This allows students to ask exam related question while not disturbing all other students.
Can the control room operator/site technician proctor my tests?
Unfortunately, due to University regulations and to maintain the integrity of our confidential examination system, our staff are not able to handle exams.
What if a site has not received their exams?
Our Materials Distribution Centers makes ever effort to ensure that your exams reach there destination on time, however in the unfortunate event that your exam does not reach your students with your authorization we are able to fax a copy your exam to the site. Please ask your control room operator or visit the control room (Gornto room 206) for assistance.
Can distance students give presentations?
Yes, TELETECHNET digital satellite students can give presentations by emailing them to you for display during class while the student is presenting over the audio system. Students in TELETECHNET 2-way classes are able to present from their locations at Higher Education Centers. Please give us the location and times when students are giving presentation to allow us to make preparations on the classroom systems. For assistance with student presentations please don't hesitate to contact your control room operator or contact the control room at 757-683-3173 or mastercontrol@odu.edu.
