Documentation:MECH Online Teaching/Teaching Hardware
The recommended hardware for lecturing online includes dedicated microphone, and a tablet with pen. Instructors who wish to write on paper or show physical objects to students may benefit from using a document camera instead.
Microphone
A microphone increases voice clarity and decreases extraneous noise such as tapping the pen against the tablet screen or shuffling the tablet over the desk. A simple wired headset (such as that available with most mobile phones) is a noticeable improvement over using the microphone that is internal to the tablet or computer.
- Budget option: any wired headset from a mobile phone.
- Inexpensive option: Sony ECMCS3 omnidirectional lapel microphone ($40).
- Professional option: Blue Yeti ($180-230) or Rode Podcaster ($330) USB microphones.
Dr. Pete Ostafichuk has made a video showcasing a wide range of mic options.
Tablet and pen
A tablet with pen are required for making annotations on slides or documents, and for writing notes on note-taking software such as OneNote or Notability. For the purposes of this document, tablets can be divided into computer tablets (e.g. iPad, Surface, ThinkPad) and drafting tablets.
Computer tablets
There are several options with varying features and price ranges. (Note: prices below do not reflect educational discounts.)
Apple
Several colleagues in MECH report good performance while marking in Crowdmark or lecturing using the Apple Pencil and iPad.
- Apple iPad ($1050 - 1300 for 11 - 13 inch). Smaller (10 inch) iPad models are less expensive ($430 - 820) but some instructors might find the 10-inch screen small – test before purchasing.
- Apple Pencil ($130 - 170). Tilt support and varying pressure levels.
Microsoft
Other colleagues in MECH report having used a Microsoft Surface with a Surface Pen to their satisfaction. (Note that rave reviews in MECH seem more common for the Apple Pen and iPad than for the Microsoft Surface and Pen – test before purchasing.)
- Microsoft Surface ($800 - 2200+ for 12 - 13.5 inch). There is a wide range of options and prices. The Surface Go ($530) is less expensive, but the 10-inch screen might be small for lectures – test before purchasing.
- Microsoft Surface Pen ($130 - 180). Tilt support and varying pressure level.
An important note about overheating: some instructors in MECH have experienced overheating of the Surface and the Surface Book during lecturing, particularly for 90-minute lectures. This decreases computer performance (speed, sound) to the point of interfering with content delivery. (See cooling pad under the tablet accessories section below for possible solutions.)
Lenovo
Many tablets and laptops made by Lenovo support writing on the screen with a stylus – typically a Lenovo pen . In the experience of some colleagues, the implementation of writing on the screen by Lenovo is functional but not particularly impressive. It is recommended to consider the handwriting features of a Lenovo laptop or tablet more as a bonus rather than main feature.
Drafting tablets
Drafting tablets are commonly used in art and graphic design. Unlike computer tablets, drafting tablets are peripherals that must be connected to a computer. The advantage is good drafting performance at a lower cost than a tablet computer.
This document narrows the field to three options. These are all ~13 inch tablets by Wacom, although the actual drafting area is smaller – see specs in links.
Drafting tablets without a screen
These tablets are akin to a large touch pad. One draws on it using the stylus while looking at the computer screen. This may take some practice. Also notice these have a textured surface and wearable nibs (to better mimic pencils) so nibs must be replaced.
- Entry level: Wacom Intuos M ($260): USB or Bluetooth, four configurable hotkeys at the top of the tablet, pressure-sensitive pen with ~4100 levels, no pen tilt, no touch support.
- Professional level: Wacom Intuos Pro M ($500): USB or Bluetooth, eight configurable hotkeys to the side of the tablet, multi-touch support, pressure-sensitive pen with ~8200 levels, supports pen tilt.
Drafting tablets with a screen
These tablets are akin to a small external monitor that recognizes a stylus. They become expensive very fast. One reasonable choice (i.e. below $1000) is the Wacom One (not to be confused with One by Wacom.)
- Entry level: Wacom One ($530): wired only (USB + HDMI + power cables), pressure-sensitive pen with ~4100 levels, supports pen tilt. Does not support touch and has no hotkeys. This link provides an example on how to use the Wacom One for remote teaching.
- Professional level: Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 ($1050): similar to the Wacom One, but supports touch and has the same pen as the Wacom Intuos Pro (~8200 levels of pressure instead of ~4100). However, it is difficult to justify the price tag for our purposes.
Tablet accessories
Cooling pad
If your tablet or laptop overheats, some possible solutions are:
- Laptop cooling pads: these are pads with built-in fans ($30-60). See here for a list of possible options and here for an example.
- Ice packs: keep a reusable ice pack in the freezer, and, when overheating occurs, rest the tablet on the ice pack to continue the class.
Two-finger glove
A two-finger glove (ring finger and pinky) is used by graphic designers to slide their drafting hand over the tablet more easily and avoid smudging the screen.
- Low-cost prototype: purchase a thin cotton glove from the Dollar Store ($1-2), and cut off the tips corresponding to the the thumb, index and middle fingers.
- Professional model: dedicated two-finger gloves are inexpensive ($10). See this link for an example.
Document camera
These are slightly less cumbersome versions of the document cameras normally available in UBC classrooms. They are ideal for instructors who prefer writing on paper, or wish to show physical objects to students (e.g. tools, parts). An added benefit is avoiding the risk of tablet overheat mentioned above.
- See here for an example (~$300). This particular model can also scan (so the class notes can be posted to Canvas after the lecture) and accepts paper size up to 11 x 17 inches (so the instructor can write notes with a thicker pen, such as a Sharpie.)
Note: Ahmad Mohammadpanah will test a document camera during the July summer term; contact him for details on his experience if desired.
Adjustable or standing desk
Some instructors prefer a standing or adjustable desk. Some options appear below. The links corresponds to our regular MECH supplier for adjustable and standing desks.
Internet speed
Many of us have home Internet speeds around 25 Mbps (~$45 per month). Some colleagues indicated their students reported poor sound quality when streaming at these speeds, and increasing internet speed to several times that value eliminated these issues. If your students or colleagues report your sound quality is poor during courses or meetings, it is recommended to increase your home Internet speed.