Software

Software ELO uses a lot of different software and programs to get the job done. This page provide a brief description of the software used by student producers.

Adobe Connect • Camtasia • Camtasia Recorder • Conference Composer • Desktop Presente r • Network Camera Recorder • Panopto • Quicktime • Skype • SMART Notebook • Super Flexible • TightVNC • VLC Media Player • Wirecast

=Adobe Connect=


 * Adobe Connect** is ELO's primary vessel for streaming live classes to off-campus students. It simultaneously provides a live video feed from our cameras, the instructor's screen, audio from our mics, and a chat box with which students can communicate to the instructor and/or ELO staff. Adobe Connect is also used as an additional recording software. Most classrooms have their own Adobe Connect page which is used for all classes in that room, but some classes have their own Adobe Connect page.

You can access any Adobe Connect page from [] with the eol@iastate.edu login information.


 * To view further, more detailed instructions go to the Adobe Connect page.

=Camtasia=


 * Camtasia** is what ELO uses to do extensive video editing. Although it is very powerful, we prefer to avoid Camtasia if possible. After each video has been editing, Camtasia has to **Batch** that video so that it can operator on other media devices. This is a very long process - sometimes multiple days - and ELO prides itself on getting recordings to the off-campus students in a timely manner. Most of the time Camtasia is not necessary as long as the student producer pays attention.

Remember: Camtasia cannot be used to recover lost audio or video.


 * To view further, more detailed instructions on Camtasia go to the Video Editing page.

=Camtasia Recorder=

Camtasia's video editing package comes with **Camtasia Recorder**, which is used for **Screen Capturing**. Camtasia Recorder can record any desired area of a computer screen in high quality.

=Conference Composer=

Howe 1242 has a unique audio system which runs via **Conference Composer** instead of a sound board. With Conference Composer, student producers can adjust volume levels for the individual microphones within Howe 1242.

To view further, more detailed instructions on how to use Conference Composer go to the Howe 1242 Audio page.

=Desktop Presenter=


 * Desktop Presenter** is used in conjunction with **Wirecast** to record computer screens during lectures. For this to work properly, Desktop Presenter must be running on the instructor's computer and the computer must be synched with Wirecast on the appropriate **Encoder**.

=Network Camera Recorder=

The **Network Camera Recorder** is used to remotely operate cameras in classrooms outside of Howe.

=Panopto=


 * Panopto** is a program for screen capturing. ELO uses it to record a backup copy of the instructor's screen during classes.


 * To view further, more detailed instructions go to the Panopto page.

=Quicktime=


 * Quicktime** is the primary medium through which ELO operates recorded videos. Quicktime can play videos, adjust volume levels, and cut out segments of video.

=Skype=

ELO uses **Skype** to facilitate real-time presentations from off-campus students and allow for audible discussion. Off-campus students can call the designated number and be heard by their classmates. If Skype is necessary for a course, you can visit the Skype Videophone & Skype - Adobe Conference Call page for instructions and more information.

=SMART Notebook=

Thanks to **SMART Notebook**, instructors can now use the projector and tablet computer as a make-shift whiteboard (or blackboard). Some instructors choose not to use SMART Notebook, but it is use is strongly encouraged if the instructor plans to draw or markup anything as it isn't always possible to clearly capture whiteboards or documents. With SMART Notebook instructors can import office documents (like spreadsheets or slide shows) or start from scratch.

=Super Flexible=


 * Super Flexible** is the program ELO uses to **Synchronize** folders across the network. Files in folder A are automatically copied to Folder B, where they may be better organized or more easily accessible. It is primarily used to copy finished recordings from **Encoders** onto the **WebCT Drive (W:)**.


 * To view further, more detailed instructions go to the Superflex page.

=TightVNC (Virtual Network Computing)=


 * Tight VNC** (or just VNC) is used to remotely access other computers. It acts as a computer screen within a computer screen. VNC is particularly effective for accessing computers in other buildings around campus. Student producers should be careful when using VNC, however, because it is sometimes easy to confused the VNC window for your own computer screen. Also if a cursor is left within a VNC window a person at the computer will be unable to use it (the mouse wont move until the cursor is removed from the VNC window). Instructions on how to use the VNC are added in each of the classrooms detailed setup and recording pages. Go to Classrooms and Workstations for more information or click on the links below the Wirecast section.

=VLC Media Player=

Almost any type of media can be displayed through the **VLC Media Player**. Some classes use uncommon file types and VLC Media Player may be their only option. VLC also tends to provide more options than standard media players, which sometimes makes it more effective for presenters and makes the media easier to record.

=Wirecast=


 * Wirecast** is the life and blood of ELO. Wirecast is the primary recording studio used to capture lectures for off-campus students. It is used on all **Encoders** as well as the **Frame-Grabbers** in Howe 1324 and Howe 1344.


 * To view further, more detailed instructions go to the Wirecast Recording page.

Detailed instructions for room recording can be found at the following links:

Howe 1324 and 1344 Setup Howe 1324 and 1344 Recording Howe 1242 Setup Howe 1242 Recording Hoover 1213 Setup and Recording Marston 204 Setup and Recording Marston 205 Setup and Recording Marston 207 setup and recording Math 165-166 Recording With Laptops Howe 2202 Setup and Recording