Streaming practice 2 (livestream mechanics, final check)

This livestream teaching practice adds in the actual livestreaming practices compared to the previous practice. We do final verification and practice of:

  • Screenshare layout, size, etc.

  • Audio quality

  • Smooth beginning of each segment

  • Use of the instructor control panel

Expected outcomes of this session

  • You have done a test with screenshare and audio. Someone confirms it looks good.

  • You understand the stream mechanics and what to expect when going live and un-live. You have practiced it once.

  • (optional) You understand the basics of the control panel.

First things (while we are getting ready)

Do these once you join the session or right before.

  • Arrange your screen for the proper vertical layout and looking good for learners.

  • Ensure your audio is as good as it can be.

  • Open the instructor status panel that the broadcaster sends you.

  • Open the Notes document.

The stream status display / control panel

This is used for non-verbal communication between instructors.

https://coderefinery.github.io/manuals/_images/instructor-obs--controlpanel.png

The instructor version of the control panel, running on a phone. Click the “Fullscreen & wakelock” to make it full screen and not powersave.

  • “Live” red square (top left) lets you know you may be visible to the audience

  • The other buttons (from “Warn” to “Faster”) can alert you to other conditions.

  • The purpose square in the top right is a session countdown. It turns purple as you get towards the end.

  • “Break” will end the session (the broadcaster usually does this but you can)

There are some sound effects for different events.

Going live

This is a refresher to the exercises we have done in the last session. Remember to:

  • Confirm what you will do next.

  • Ask everyone else to turn off their screens.

  • Decide who begins (says “hi”).

  • Broadcaster begins countdown “3… 2… 1… [breath]… [you can begin]”

What is new:

  • You have a control panel you can run in your web browser that will show what the stream status is. It should also beep a countdown to beginning, and will confirm once thing are showing.

  • You can set a countdown in the control panel. Set an end time by entering @35, to, for example, end the countdown at the next xx:35

Going to a break

  • Remember to tell the audience what to do during the break

  • Remember to say “bye” for the broadcaster to turn off the stream

    • You can also click “Break” on the instructor status panel.

  • Do a quick debrief before you take your own break.

What is new:

  • The control panel will beep when you go un-live, and you can also verify status that way.

Alerting to a problem / using the control panel

  • If you need to communicate something to an instructor, you can push one of the indicator lights on the control panel.

    • It will highlight and play a sound for instructors. They can respond to it when it fits the lesson.

Other practice

  • You may decide if you want to practice Q&A, teaching, going to exercises, etc.

What’s next

Enjoy teaching!