2nd Camera Display

Description

Facilitator (or prepared participant) uses a 2nd camera for live video feed of physical objects such as game pieces, documents, progress charts, physical whiteboards, remote locations, etc.

Why we like it

With some fairly simple tech setup, activities with additional video sources bring in physical props and visual variety.

Process #1: Facilitator’s 2nd camera

Note: Process #1 is aimed at Zoom users as Zoom’s sharing options include a 2nd camera option. In other words, the meeting host (and participants given sharing controls) can screenshare a 2nd camera view at anytime. Read more here and here. You can also attach a phone and choose to display your phone’s screen, so using your phone’s default camera function works in a jiffy.

1. Attach a 2nd camera to your computer for use with your facilitator account.
2. Position the 2nd camera at desired resources. Examples: downwards at documents or game cards on a desk; on a wall towards a leaderboard or whiteboard; towards an open area where the facilitator delivers different content or demonstrations.
3. Toggle back and forth or keep a live video feed running if platform (like Zoom) allows 2 video inputs from the same account.

Process #2: Facilitator’s 2nd account

1. Set up a 2nd account on a 2nd computer at your workstation. Connect this 2nd “virtual assistant” attendee in the call and use the virtual assistant’s camera feed as a facilitator’s 2nd camera. Be sure to enable video and sharing permissions for the virtual assistant account. This is an option for platforms without 2nd camera inputs or when using a 2nd computer is more convenient.
2. Position camera at resources as desired.
3. Remote locations (in other rooms, other offices, other buildings, or other countries are possible with a live assistant willing to connect and set up the camera. Also, the facilitator can set up a stationary camera, connect the 2nd account to the live session in advance, and have the video feed constant.

Process #3: Appointed participant

Appoint participants to assist or to use their own 2nd camera feeds to present their own material during a live session. Remember to give appointed participants sharing controls in your platform.

Making physical games virtual

Facilitate in-person training or social games you know that could be brought into virtual sessions. Some examples are:
a) Poker Run: In competitions or as rewards, individuals or groups receive poker cards throughout the program. These cards are dealt face up via 2nd video pointed at a table or desk. The activity concludes when players “show their poker hands” to reveal the winning player or winning team.
b) Blackjack: This is another card game that doesn’t require players to physically access their cards. Players can collect and bet points or simply use highest blackjack hands to determine other activity participants.
c) Sticky note or blueprint boards: Turn physical whiteboards or walls into collaborative design boards.
d) Watching cats, sidewalks, or weather: Create a soothing distraction or monitor an area for an event.

Tech tips

Consider all the hardware, connection, and camera options available:
a) Computers, laptops, tables, and smartphones that can connect to the platform
b) External webcams, traditional cameras, and device cameras
c) Tripods, clamps, movable arms, stands, and other positioning tools
d) Be creative: A smartphone camera wedged between books on a desk might make the perfect angle for viewing documents. Attaching a small webcam to a desk lamp with rubber bands allows the camera to swing around the desk area.

Share using the icons below or direct link to this activity: https://knowmium.com/tools/2020/4/14/2nd-camera-display-jzbkt