Overview
The Teaching Station allows instructors to leverage classroom AV equipment for Zoom meetings, providing seamless integration with microphones, speakers, and optional cameras. This guide explains how to set up your device, configure Zoom settings using classroom hardware, and optimize your audio, video, and meeting layout for teaching success.
Setting Up Zoom
Step 1: Connect Your Laptop to the Teaching Station
- Use the appropriate cables from the cable cubby:
- USB-C (recommended): Carries video, audio, and USB data for microphone access.
- HDMI: Carries video and audio, but you’ll need to connect the USB-A cable to access the microphone.
Step 2: Configure Zoom Audio Settings
- Open Zoom and go to Settings > Audio.
- Adjust the following:
- Microphone: Select Echo Cancelling Speakerphone (Chat 170).
- The Chat 170 microphone is installed on Teaching Stations in most classrooms.
- It can also be requested for use in spaces without an installed microphone. Contact the AV department in advance to request one.
- Speaker: Select ATL 1080P 2CH (or similar). This sends audio output to the room speakers.
- Test both the microphone and speaker by pressing Test Mic and Test Speaker within Zoom.
Step 3: Configure Zoom Video Settings
- Go to Settings > Video in Zoom.
- If using a camera, select IPEVO VZ-R as the video device.
- The IPEVO VZ-R is available upon request; contact the AV department in advance to arrange pickup.
- Requested cameras can be picked up from the Uris Hall mailroom (G32).
- Confirm the video feed appears correctly in the preview window.
Step 4: Optimize Zoom Meeting Layout
- At the top right of the Zoom meeting window, click View:
- Select Gallery View to see all participants.
- Press View > Hide Self View to prevent your own video from appearing on the screen. This allows you to focus on participants and shared content without distractions.
Sharing Content During Your Zoom Meeting
Step 1: Share Screen
- Click the Share Screen button in Zoom.
- Choose the application, browser, or entire desktop window you want to share.
Step 2: Use Polling Tools (Optional)
- Tools such as Poll Everywhere can be integrated into your Zoom session for real-time audience interaction.
- If using Poll Everywhere, connect your laptop to the wired Ethernet in the cable cubby for the most stable connection.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Microphone Not Working
- Ensure the Chat 170 microphone is connected via USB-C or USB-A.
- Go to Zoom Settings > Audio and manually select Echo Cancelling Speakerphone (Chat 170) as the microphone input.
No Audio From Classroom Speakers
- Verify that the speaker in Zoom is set to ATL 1080P 2CH or similar.
- Confirm volume is raised on both the touch panel and your laptop.
Camera Issues
- Confirm that you have picked up and connected the requested IPEVO VZ-R camera.
- Select IPEVO VZ-R in Zoom’s Video Settings.
- If the video doesn’t appear, reseat the USB cable for the IPEVO camera in the cable cubby and restart Zoom.
Best Practices
- Request Equipment in Advance:
- If you need an IPEVO VZ-R camera, submit a request to the AV department ahead of time and pick it up from Uris Hall mailroom (G32).
- Chat 170 microphones are installed in most classrooms but are also available upon request for spaces not equipped with one.
- Test Settings Before Class: Always confirm your Zoom audio and video settings, as well as your connection to classroom AV equipment, before starting a meeting.
- Use USB-C: Whenever possible, use USB-C for streamlined setup, especially if microphone access is required.
- Maximize Stability: Use the wired Ethernet connection from the cable cubby to avoid network instability during screen sharing or Zoom polling interactions.
What To Do if the Problem Persists
If Zoom does not connect to the classroom AV system or equipment isn’t functioning properly, contact the AV Helpdesk immediately.
Fastest Option: Submit a request online via the QR code on the projector splash screen or at av.as.cornell.edu.
Phone: Call (607) 882-1646 for live troubleshooting assistance.
Email: Send a message to as-avhelp@cornell.edu.
Support Hours: Weekdays, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Technicians can often begin remote troubleshooting right away and dispatch a tech to your classroom within approximately 10–15 minutes.