Lightboard Station

Instructions for using the LightBoard station

POWERPOINT: If you will be using a PowerPoint presentation, please use the provided template for best results. If you need help or would like me to design your slides or need help converting graphics for a dark mode environment, please feel free to contact me at kathleen.t.cox@ndsu.edu.

PRESENTATION NOTES: The studio's 'flex monitor' can be used to display notes that only you can see. Use dark mode on your notes to reduce the potential for glare on the LightBoard. A font size between 36-54 is recommended. Make sure to only show notes on the 'flex monitor' and not the 'confidence monitor,' otherwise they will be visible on the recording.

CLOTHING: Make sure to wear the appropriate clothing. Solid colors are the best but avoid wearing black. Do not wear clothing with logos or words as these will be displayed backwards.

MARKERS: There are two types of markers approved for the LightBoard (Quartet Neon and Expo Neon), both of which are located either under the LightBoard or in the bookcase. Using unapproved markers can result in marker ink that is unable to be erased completely, or at all. Unapproved cleaning materials may increase the potential for smudges and require extensive cleaning before the LightBoard's next use. There is little difference between green and yellow marker colors, so please be aware that students may be unable to differentiate between green and yellow markers in your videos. You may wish to experiment with all sets to find what works best for you.

FINAL CHECK: Check the board for marker residue or smudges and clean if needed. Set out a clean blue paper towel and desired markers. Make sure to check marker ink levels. Verify that no objects such as towels or cables are visible in the confidence monitor.

Recording

1. Bring your flash drive(s) and any materials needed for your recording or live LightBoard session.
2. Press the white on button on the left side of the LightBoard to turn on the entire system, including LightBoard, lights, camera, monitors, and computer. Make sure all office overhead lighting is off. All necessary lighting will be activated with the white button.
3. Insert the USB drive for storing recordings into the "Record USB" port in the console.
4. DO NOT make any adjustments to the board as any movement will interfere with the alignment of the board to the camera.
5. It is recommended you do a test video before your full recording. Practice making eye contact with the camera consistently as you present. When you are talking and not writing on the board, look at the camera. Check to make sure that you can easily read any notes if using the secondary monitor for this purpose. Practice staying in the empty screen space where you will position yourself as you draw and present.
6. Insert the USB drive containing your presentation into the computer USB port located under the LightBoard. Use the mouse and keyboard to put it in full screen play mode. Control the presentation using the arrow keys on the keyboard, mouse, or special handheld clicker.
7. Check to make sure the lighting looks correct. You may have to hold up a white sheet of paper for a few seconds, so the white balance on the camera adjusts properly.
8. Press the white button with circles to begin recording. A red button will appear in its place. A duration of 5-15 minutes is recommended per video. When finished, press the stop button to stop the recording.
9. Wait a few seconds before you remove the flash drive, your recording is now stored in MP4 format on your flash drive. Close presentation (if used) and retrieve your presentation drive.
10. (Optional) To review your recording on the flex monitor, you can insert your drive into the input marked "Computer USB".
11. When finished with your session, follow the clean up instructions below and press the off button that powers the entire system off. Do not power down the PC.
12. If you are happy with your recordings you can leave your recordings with Katy to be edited. You may need to schedule a meeting if you have specific requests for the editing process. Katy will make sure there is closed captioning, take out any obvious gaps or glitches, and any additional improvements that the recording may need. After your video(s) have been processed they will be uploaded to the department server designated for online recordings, and you will get an email from Katy to let you know they are available for viewing.
13. If you would like to review your recordings before submitting them to Katy, you can use the computer near the door to make a copy for yourself (you will need to bring your own drive/laptop to do this or upload it to OneDrive), and leave the other drive for Katy so she can safely store it as a backup.

Clean Up

1. It is important to follow the clean up instructions below carefully to ensure a clean work surface for the next appointment and to prevent damage to the LightBoard. To protect the LightBoard screen, do not use unapproved markers or cleaning materials.
2. You should be able to clean the LightBoard glass with the blue paper towels on the shelf in the bookscase. A small amount of ghosting on the presenter side of the glass may remain but is generally not visible in recordings.
3. If necessary, you may use a small amount of foaming glass cleaner with the towel by spraying directly on the towel and then wiping the board. Be sure to dry completely and clean away residue. The squeegee with a little glass cleaner does a good job of cleaning the board if it is especially dirty. Do not use any other glass cleaner, sanitizer, or other materials to clean the glass.
4. Use sanitizing wipes on all touch surfaces including the keyboard, mouse, and LightBoard table, however, do NOT use sanitizer or sanitizing wipes on the LightBoard glass.
5. Make sure to log out of any programs you may have used on the computer.
6. If Katy is not in the studio, please make sure to turn off the system and room light and make sure the door is locked behind you when you leave.