Research Guides: Active Learning Classroom Guide: Hybrid Instruction Settings

Hybrid Class General Information & Instructions

These directions are for instructors planning to teach a hybrid class simultaneously in Zoom or Teams, and in-person in the Active Learning Classroom.

This image shows how a hybrid class session appears to a student in the ALC who is also logged into the Zoom portion of the classroom viewing a presentation. In a hybrid class scenario, the instruction computer is the central control for any calls or meetings. All content, video, and audio would be driven from the instructor computer to the Zoom or Teams call.

Hybrid class scenarios require the use of instructor and table microphones to feed sound into the Zoom or Teams call.

Instructors are welcome to book an hour of practice time in the Active Learning Classroom before their class is scheduled. Contact Library Technology Services at 361-825-5528 for questions about how to use the Active Learning Classroom for a hybrid class session.

Hybrid Class Instructions

Check out the instructor podium key from the Circulation Desk to access the instructor and table microphones.
Power on Equipment (see Power on the Display Control, Instructor Computer & Big TV tab on the right for instructions)
Log into the instructor computer with your Island ID and Password.
Open the Solstice Active Learning App on the desktop and log in with guest account - Library.Instruction@tamucc.edu and GuestAccess1! to control screens (see Share to All Student Table Screens tab on the right for instructions)
Choose screen display mode (see Choose Screen Display Mode tab on the right for instructions)
Place a table microphone near the middle of each student table. A green light means the microphone is on. Press the button to mute if needed. (See Room Microphones in the box below)
Wear the instructor microphone on your person. A green light means the microphone is on and broadcasting to the room speakers. You may choose to mute the microphone until you are ready to teach.
Adjust room cameras for best visibility. (See Adjust Room Cameras tab in the box below for instructions)
Log into Zoom or Teams to open your meeting room for your online class. NOTE: If this is your first time logging into Zoom in the Active Learning Classroom, it may take up to 20 minutes to install and open. Consider booking a hour in the Active Learning Classroom to test and log into Zoom before your scheduled class time to ensure a smoother class experience.
Share content from the instructor computer in Zoom or Teams and simultaneously use the Solstice Active Learning app to share content to your online class and to all student table screens in the Active Learning Classroom. (see Share to All Student Table Screens tab on the right for instructions)
If you intend to have student groups/tables presenting or sharing in your hybrid, allow your students to share their screens in either Zoom or Teams. Your in-person students may also need to log into Zoom or Teams and screen share to present to the class. Review the Student Screen Share No App tab below for instructions.
Class Wrap-up: Be sure to ask students to disconnect from table computers and any screen share apps if they are using them. Stop screensharing, log out of the Active Learning app, sign out of the instructor computer, and collect personal items like USBs and notes. Collect the instructor microphone and table microphones and replace them on the charger in the instructor podium. Lock the instructor podium and return the key and any other checked out items to the circulation desk. (See Class Wrap-Up tab on the right for detailed instructions)

Power Instructor Computer and Big TV

1. If the logo screen is showing, touch the logo anywhere on the instructor podium display control screen to access the display controls.
This image shows the ALC Crestron Room Controller screen saver reading "Touch LOGO to Start."

2. Press “Power On” and “PC” under Main Display grouping, and “Power On” for Student Displays.

This image shows the ALC Crestron room controller Display control screen for powering on the main and student displays.

3. Log into the instructor computer with your Island ID and password.

This image demonstrates the user login screen for the ALC instructor podium monitor.

4. Press “Wireless Presentation” under Main Display grouping to share instructor computer screen to Big TV.
This image shows the ALC Crestron room controller with the student displays powered on.

5. Power on Big TV using power button on lower right corner.

This image shows the ALC Big TV and the power button on the lower left side to power on this device.

6. If needed, set Big TV to "HDMI" mode to share content from the instructor computer screen.

This image shows the ALC Big TV touchscreen controls to return to the Big TV home screen

7. Then touch the "HDMI" button on the Big TV home screen. Wait a few seconds for the instructor compuer screen content to appear on the Big TV screen.

This image shows the ALC Big TV home screen menu options.

8. Now review the Choose Screen Display tab on the right to adjust how you want to manage your displayed content.

Choose Screen Display Mode

1. Press Window key plus "p" to adjust screen projection modes.

This is an image of the ALC Instructor monitor showing the menu for projection display.

2. Choose the most appropriate display mode for your needs:

This image shows the ALC Instructor monitor projection setting "Duplicate" screen.

Duplicate mode - the instructor computer screen is mirrored on the Big TV and any content displayed on the instructor computer screen appears on the Big TV screen in real time.

This is an image of the ALC Instructor monitor showing the projection setting Extend screen display.

Extended mode - The Big TV is treated as a separate screen so that you can have a different window open on the instructor computer. Use the instructor computer screen as a staging area for multiple content tabs, and drag selected content over to the Big TV to display.

Create Custom Message

1. Double-click on the Solstice Active Learning App on the instructor computer. Log in with the guest account - Library.Instruction@tamucc.edu and GuestAccess1! to sign in to the app.

This image shows the Active learning app icon located under the Recycle bin icon on the instructor monitor, and the Active Learning app login screen displayed.

2. Double-click on the Active Learning Classroom room diagram.

This image shows the Active Learning Classroom room link that should be double clicked to access the ALC room controls.

3. To create a custom message that will display to all student table screens, look for the "Plus sign" button at the bottom of the screen. Or click or press the "Eyes to Front" pre-made message to display to all student table screens.

This image shows the Active Learning Classroom diagram, highlights the Add new button, and reads Custom message will display on all student screens.

4. On the "Create" tab, create custom message text, choose an icon and click confirm to create a new custom message button that will display in the menu at the bottom of the screen. Click or press on the custom message button you created to instantly display to all student screens. Use the "Edit" tab to edit pre-existing custom message buttons.

This image shows the Add new Custom Message submenu that allows users to create a message and icon or edit an existing custom message and icon.

Share to All Student Table Screens

1. Double-click on the Solstice Active Learning App on the instructor computer. Log in with the guest account - Library.Instruction@tamucc.edu and GuestAccess1! to sign in to the app.

This image shows the Active Learning app on the instructor monitor screen and the Active Learning app login screen. Log in with the guest instructor credentials provided.

2. Double-click on the Active Learning Classroom room diagram.

This image shows the Active Learning app as it appears when login is first completed. Users need to double click on the Active Learning Classroom room icon.

3. Press the Primary Display diagram with your finger for a few seconds or double-tap or click the "Primary Display to All" button on the menu at the bottom of the screen to route the Big TV screen to all student table screens.
This image shows the Active learning app ALC classroom diagram with primary (instructor monitor) content shared to all student tables.

To display from a student table to all screens, press the student table for a few seconds or double-tap with your finger until the screen is projected to all tables and the instructor computer. You can also draw a line from one student table to another to share one student table's screen to another.

This image shows the Active Learning app displaying student table to student table content sharing.

Choose "Reset" to stop screen sharing. Click "Exit" when your class is concluded to exit out of the Active Learning App.

Optional tools or Features

You may need the following tools or features to enhance your classroom experience.

Wireless keyboard and mouse
The wireless keyboard and mouse are stored above the pc tower behind the left instruction podium cabinet door. Check out the instructor podium key at the Circulation Desk to access the wireless keyboard and mouse.

The wireless keyboard and mouse is located inside the instructor computer cabinet. Check out the instructor cabinet key at the Circulation desk to access this equipment.

A wireless lapel microphone
This microphone broadcasts to the room speakers, and is stored in the instructor podium. Check out the instructor podium key at the Circulation Desk to access the microphone.
USB ports
There are two USB ports on the back of the instruction computer screen.
Instruction computer access
Check out the Instruction podium key at the Circulation Desk to access additional USB connection points and for Instructor computer access.
Whiteboard markers
Check out whiteboard marker packets at the Circulation Desk.
Lending Laptops (for students without their own devices)
Students may check out laptops for 3 hours at one of the two Laptop Checkout Kiosks in the library. Kiosk 1 (12 laptops) is located on the 1st floor right inside the front door and opposite to the Circulation desk. Kiosk 2 (12 laptops) is located on the 2nd floor near the Immersive Reality Lab (IRL).

1. Log out of your Zoom or Teams class.

This image depicts a Zoom call being shared to all monitors in a hybrid class situation.

2. If you are sharing your screen to all student table computers, either press the reset button or long-press the primary display in the Active Learning app to cancel screen sharing.

This image shows the Active Learning App screen when actively sharing the primary display to all pods.

3. Sign out of the Active Learning app. Close all windows you may have open, and log out of any other applications or platforms.

This image depicts the Active Learning App logout menu on the upper right side of the screen under the user's email address.

4. Log off the instructor computer. Do not shut down the computer, please.

5. Remove any USB drives and gather your personal belongings.

This image shows the back of the instructor computer monitor where usb drives are plugged in. Do not forget your usb device when leaving the ALC.

6. On the display controller panel, press the "Power Off" button under the Student Displays heading. Then press the "Power Off" button under Main Display.

This image shows the Crestron controller on the instructor podium displaying buttons to power off main and student displays.

6. Gather instructor microphone and table microphones from tables. Place them on the charger in the instructor podium cabinet and lock the cabinet doors.

This image depicts the instructor microphone and seven table microphones stored in their charging cradle in the locked instructor computer cabinet.

7. Gather and return any checked-out marker kits or checked out keys to the Circulation Desk.

For More Assistance

For technology assistance in the Active Learning Classroom during business hours Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, please contact Library Technology Services at LibraryTechnologyServices@tamucc.edu or 361-825-5528.

You may also consider contacting Library Technology Services for any Active Learning Classroom technology questions.

For technology assistance in the Active Learning Classroom Monday through Friday after 5pm and on weekends, please contact the IT Service desk at 361-825-2692 or online.

Additional Hybrid Class Settings & Instructions

Room Microphones

1. Check out the instructor podium key from the Circulation Desk.

This image shows the instructor podium key and the seminar podium key as they appear in their storage box.

2. Open the instructor podium cabinet. The microphones are stored on their charging cradle behind the left cabinet door.

This image depicts the instructor lavaliere microphone and table microphones stored in their charging cable in the unlocked instructor podium cabinet.

3. The instructor microphone broadcasts to the room's speakers. If you see a green light, the microphone is on. You can switch it to mute if needed. The instructor microphone also has a clip for you to attach to your clothing.

This image shows a close-up of the instructor lavaliere microphone placed on a table.

4. If you need to adjust the volume, go to the instructor podium display control and press the arrow buttons to on the left side under the microphone icon to modify the microphone volume.

This image depicts the Crestron controller on the instructor podium on the display control screen and the room volume control on the left side of the screen.

5. Place one table microphone near the middle on each student table. Press the button to mute the microphone (indicator light will be red when microphone is muted). Table microphones only broadcast to Zoom or Teams calls occurring on the instructor computer. Direct in-person students to press the button so that the indicator light turns green and hold the table microphone close when speaking to ensure the best sound quality in Zoom or Teams calls.

This image depicts a room table microphone for hybrid classes placed near the middle of a student pod table. The table microphone is switched on and shows a green light indicating it is transmitting.
6. The table microphones display a green light demonstrating that they are charged and are actively working. Press the button in the middle of the table microphone to mute it.

This image shows a table microphone placed on its end on the table and a close-up of the green indicator light and mute/on button.

7. When class is concluded, gather the table microphones and instructor microphone and replace them on the charging cradle in the instructor podium. Lock the cabinet. Return the instructor podium key to the Circulation Desk.

Adjust Room Cameras

1. The Presenter camera is mounted on the wall between student tables (pods) 5 and 6. This camera can be positioned and zoomed using the instruction podium display controller. This camera has a lens cover - be sure to remove the lens cover at the start of a class session and replace the lens cover when class is over.

This image shows the presenter camera mounted on the wall between pods 5 and 6 without its lens cover.

2. The Audience camera is mounted on the wall near the Seminar area. It cannot swivel but the zoom can be adjusted using the instruction podium display controller.

This image shows the audience camera that is positioned on the wall in the ALC seminar area.

3. Search for "camera" in the windows search box on the bottom left corner of the instruction computer screen to preview how the cameras appear and to better aim and zoom cameras to your preferences.

This image depicts the instructor computer monitor screen with the Microsoft windows camera settings engaged to assist with previewing how the camera will look in a Zoom or Teams call.

4. Go to the instruction podium display controller and press the "Camera Control" button on the bottom of the screen.

This image shows how to locate the Camera Controls button located at the bottom of the Active Learning Classroom display controls screen on the Crestron room controller.

5. Press either the Presenter or Audience camera buttons to switch camera views in Zoom or Teams calls. The round directional buttons work with the Presenter camera to zoom in various directions. The "plus" and "minus" buttons control zoom in and out.

This image depicts how the Active Learning Classroom Camera Controls screen looks on the Crestron Room controller.

6. Open your Zoom or Teams call and click on the video settings to ensure your online students are viewing the correct camera. Press either the Presenter or Audience camera buttons to switch camera views in Zoom or Teams calls. Use the Camera Controls screen buttons to adjust positioning (in the case of the Presenter camera) or to adjust camera zoom.

This image shows an active Zoom call with the audience camera switched on.

Student Screen Sharing with share.mersive.com

Share.mersive.com is the web-based method for student screen sharing. This method does not require installing an app. Download and/or print the handout for your students, if needed.

Handout for App-Free Screensharing

Student Screen Sharing No App Directions

1. Navigate to share.mersive.com. Direct students to use the Don't have an account? section on the right side of the page, type in the student table screen's IP address located at the bottom left corner, and click "Connect."

This image shows the login screen at share.mersive.com.

2. Prompt students to type in the 4-digit Screen Key. Note that Screen Key numbers change periodically.

This image shows share.mersive.com login process after students provide the pod's IP address, they are prompted to add the 4 number screen key.

3. Pod IP addresses and Screen Keys can be found on the right hand side of the student table screens.

This image shows a student laptop connecting to a pod table monitor, and depicts the pod IP address and 4 number screen key placement on the lower left corner of the pod table monitor.

4. Once connected, prompt students to click on the "Share" button to share screens.

5. Students will be prompted to choose what tab or screen they would like to display on the student table screen.

This image shows share.mersive.com's share screen choices for students to control specific areas of their computer to project onto the student table monitor screen.

6. The student table screen will display up to 4 shared screens at a time. There will also be human-shaped figures representing students connected to a given student table screen on the bottom of the screen.

This image shows an example of what a table pod monitor screen looks like when a student screen is shared, and illustrates how the user icon includes each person sharing to a specific pod monitor.

7. Direct students to click on "Disconnect" on the upper right corner of the screen to stop sharing and disconnect from the student table screen.