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Advantages of the OWL Camera for HyFlex Teaching 

Inclusive & Equitable Experience 

The OWL's 360-degree view and intelligent speaker tracking automatically focus on the person speaking, providing a dynamic view of the entire classroom. This ensures that remote students can see and hear all in-class participants, making them feel like a part of the conversation rather than a passive observer. 

Simplified Technology 

The OWL camera is a single, portable device that combines a high-quality camera, microphones, and speakers. This "all-in-one" solution simplifies your classroom setup, eliminating the need for multiple, complex pieces of equipment. 

Enhanced Audio 

The OWL's smart microphones automatically equalize speaking volume and cancel out background noise, ensuring that every voice in the room is heard clearly by both in-person and remote students. 

Intuitive & Automated 

Powered by a smart AI, the OWL automatically shifts its view and audio focus based on who is speaking, allowing you to move around the classroom freely without the need to manually adjust the camera. 

Classroom Integration 

The OWL camera is compatible with all major video conferencing platforms, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and D2L, making it easy to integrate into your existing course setup.

HyFlex Class Usage Scenarios 

The OWL camera can be used to improve a wide range of classroom activities and scenarios: 

Interactive Lectures and Discussions 

As you lecture and move around the room, the OWL will follow you. When a student in the classroom asks a question, the camera will automatically turn to them, allowing remote students to see and hear the interaction. 

Student Presentations 

When students are present in class, the OWL can capture them and their movements, providing remote students with a clear view of the presentation. 

Collaborative Group Work 

The OWL can be placed at the center of a group of students, capturing their conversation and allowing remote participants to join in as if they were sitting at the same table. This is an excellent way to facilitate mixed-modality group projects. 

Guest Speakers 

If you have a guest speaker joining the class remotely, the OWL's speaker can be used to project their voice clearly throughout the room, while the camera provides a clear view of the in-person students to the guest. 

Lab or Hands-On Demonstrations 

You can position the OWL to provide a 360-degree view of a lab space or demonstration area, giving remote students a more immersive perspective than a fixed webcam. 

We encourage you to explore the benefits of the OWL camera for your HyFlex teaching.

Note:

Please be advised that the video recording hardware currently deployed represents our standard for the present academic term. However, technology standards are subject to review based on availability, upgrades, and technical requirements. Consequently, the specific device model is subject to change.

We are committed to transparency in this process. Should a transition to a new device become necessary, the Faculty Development Innovation Center (FDIC) will provide prompt notification, along with clear guidance and updated training resources.

Contact Information: For specific inquiries, or to request a device, please contact your department’s Dean's Office directly. You may also reach out to your designated Instructional Support Training Specialist (ISTS) for technical specifications and support.