Rapidmooc Studios

Use your University ID card to access. Hold it against the 'Salto' lock on the door handle - this should flash green and unlock.

If this does not work:

• If it flashes blue, hold the card against the lock for up to 20 seconds, this should register your card and allow access.
• If you have not used your card to access a building for some time, go back to the building entrance and use your card on the building's main door Salto lock to reactivate it.

The Gibbet Hill Salto lock is slightly different as it is built into the door handle. Hold your card against the handle, and turn the handle clockwise (without removing your card) to access. You must relock the door when you leave using the same process.

If you have any problems accessing the room, please contact the Community Safety team,

You can access, review, and edit your recording from within the RapidMooc software. The video is stored in the 'Videos' folder on Windows and can be found here when you need to upload it.

We recommend uploading to your University OneDrive. Instructions for this can be found on the IDG website:

• Link to http://office365.warwick.ac.uk/ 
  How to use OneDrive via Office365: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/its/servicessupport/office365/onedrive 

After uploading the video, please delete the folder containing the recording from the Videos folder and empty the Recycle Bin.

Support for the hardware, lighting, authentication and software is provided by IDG.

In the first instance, if you experience any issues with accessing or using the equipment, please contact the Audio Visual team on 024 765 22463

A short list of 'known' issues

Screen remains green instead of showing presentation

Select 'make a video', open 'settings', then choose 'green screen', and then press 'pick green screen colour' and the background image display will be returned to normal. If this does not work, restart the software, and then if this still does not work, restart the device.

Audio and video out of sync

Turn it off and on again. This appears to be a processing issue and has, in testing, been corrected by restarting the RapidMooc. Restarting the software does not resolve this issue, the whole device needs to be powered off and on again.

Lights will not turn on

Check that the remote control does not have any lights on it (no light = power; orange light = brightness). Press the menu button to change the option and try pressing the power button again. If this still does not work, turn on the lights manually and then press the power button on the remote until the lights turn off. They will have re-paired with the remote and can now be managed using this (short press to turn on, long press to turn off, + - to change brightness).

There are 3 Rapidmooc Studios located across campus. Each offers slightly different facilities but the Rapidmoocs themselves are present in each and can be used in the same way.

• Central Campus Rapidmooc Studio - H2.46Link opens in a new window Humanities Building
• Westwood Rapidmooc Studio - WA0.21Link opens in a new window Avon building
• Gibbet Hill Rapidmooc Studio - B039, WMS Building - this is also known as the CoLab of Curiosity, and has been set up in conjuction with WMS.

At this time, the Rapidmooc has been setup as 'out of the box'.

1. You do not need to login. If the RM is turned off, use the power button on the back to turn it on, and then give it a few minutes to start up and load all the necessary services.
2. If you are using the green screen with a presentation on your laptop, or doing voiceovers for a presentation, connect your laptop via the HDMI connector (if you do not have a HDMI port, you will need to bring a suitable adapter). Connect the presentation controller using the USB dongle and test this works to progress your presentation.
3. Turn on the lights using the remote control provided using a short press (long press to turn off). The lights should not need to be moved or changed, but can be tweaked slightly for the best results.
4. Turn on and attach the lapel microphones near your mouth. When recording you can see this is working from the indicator on the bottom left.
5. Start the RapidMooc software using the icon on the desktop and then select Record video to open the recording interface. You can use the settings button to choose from the camera presets which should have at least 2 options preconfigured - sitting on the stools for a face to face discussion, or standing for a presentation.
6. Select the Content Source you are using, either laptop if you have connected this via HDMI, or background image if you have up or downloaded this to the RM.
7. Optionally add a transcript by uploading a text file using the Teleprompter option.
8. Turn on the 'on air' light using the switch by the door (H2.46 and WA0.21) to notify people outside the room that recording is taking place.
9. Press Start to start the session, and Stop once complete.
10. When your recording is complete, save it to a USB memory stick or upload your video using https://files.warwick.ac.uk, https://myfiles.warwick.ac.uk, or to your One Drive space via https://office365.com. Use incognito or private browsing so the web browser does not remember your login details.
11. Empty the recycle bin after deleting the videos from the RapidMooc app as the deleted videos are still in recycle bin and can be restored easily.
12. Other instructions are as per the Rapidmooc FAQ and YouTube videos.
13. If there are any audio sync or other issues, restart the RapidMooc as this will resolve the majority of problems.
14. Get help via RapidMooc@warwick.ac.uk for usage or the Audio Visual Team for technical issues.

Please note before leaving the room and finishing you should make sure you have logged out of any systems. You might also consider using incognito or private browsing to ensure any passwords and other data are not stored for future users.

These are examples only - there are plenty of alternatives and if you have the budget, you can use Adobe Premiere etc.

1. On the RapidMooc using the built-in RM editor (see 'on the day')
2. Echo360 - upload to Echo360 and use the built-in Echo editor (see also 'Publishing your recording')
3. Windows
   • Video editor
   • OpenShot
   • Shotcut
4. Mac
   • iMovie

1. Read the Rapidmooc Quick Start Guide
2. We would recommend watching the Rapidmooc video overviews of how to start and use the Rapidmooc software so that you are familiar with the interface and options before arriving. Please note that there have been some changes since these were created so are indicative only.
   1. Video overview of the SoftwareLink opens in a new window
   2. Video overview of RecordingLink opens in a new window

The RapidMooc does not require login.

If the device is off, use the power button on the back to turn it on. The RapidMooc will start up and automatically take you to the desktop where you can start the RapidMooc software, access the internet using the web browser, or browse the file storage. You will not have access to your personal files but can access these using the web browser to open OneDrive or myfiles.warwick.ac.uk depending where you normally save. There is no software centre, and you will not be able to access other software that you would have on a managed desktop.

Please contact the Academic Technology team via rapidmooc@warwick.ac.uk to discuss how you can use the Rapidmoocs for your teaching and for more general support around creation and use of video in your courses.

At the present time, access to the Rapidmoocs is staff only. By default, this includes:

• Staff - all academic and professional services staff
• PGR - all PhD students, GTAs etc.

With the support of a Staff member, RapidMoocs are also available to:

• PGT - for departmentally sponsored events or projects only (at the request of the Department)
• UG - for departmentally sponsored events or projects only (at the request of the Department)
• Students Union Societies - at the request of the relevant SU Officer/staff member

Please note that only Staff members are able to access the RapidMooc rooms.

Rapidmoocs are not available for non-Warwick members to book or use except as part of a booking organised by one of the groups above.

Whilst we have attempted to cover the core questions in our own guidance, we recommend visiting the Rapidmooc websiteLink opens in a new window and browsing through the Rapidmooc FAQs.Link opens in a new window

Oxford University are also using Rapidmooc and have put together some useful guidance for Rapidmooc including some examples of videos made with their equipment.

Using a laptop with PowerPoint

1. Connect your laptop to the HDMI cable directly or via a suitable adapter.
2. Attach the presentation controller using the USB dongle.
3. Start your presentation and check this is displayed on the laptop screen and Rapidmooc

Using the presentation controller

We supply a NORWII N95 pro wireless presenter. This has both a laser for standard presenting and an onscreen 'digital laser' for use with Powerpoint on your laptop when using the RapidMoocs. It translates your hand movements into movement on the screen, and has an on-screen 'pen' for highlighting.

1. Use the < and > arrows to move through your presentation.
2. Press the digital laser button (the circle with a dot in it) to enable an onscreen pointer. This sets the starting position of the pointer on the screen and you can then move this around. Let go of the button for the pointer to disappear.
3. Press the top of the rocker switch on the top, right-hand side, to enable the on-screen 'pen' and use this to draw on the presentation. Press the bottom of the switch to clear the line.

This can take some practice and we strongly recommend testing this before making the final recording. You can just use the back and forward control functions of course. Please remember to return the USB dongle to the controller, and plug the controller back into the charging lead when you are done.

Using a tablet as a digital whiteboard

1. Remove the HDMI cable from the back of the Rapidmooc
2. Insert a HDMI to USB-C cable and connect this to your tablet (we can provide a 5m cable)
3. The tablet screen should be displayed on the Rapidmooc
4. Open your preferred writing / drawing package such as Office365 Powerpoint.
5. Start the recording and deliver your session.

You can create different scenes using the scene editor to better display yourself and the tablet if using the green screen functionality e.g. creating a virtual classroom using a background image with the tablet as a whiteboard.

Watch this video to learn how to annotate a PowerPoint presentation using a tabletLink opens in a new window on the RapidMooc.

1. Slides
   • Leave a space for you to appear over the slides, usually on the bottom right-hand side. Think 2:1 ratio for content and presenter.
   • Slides that do not have a suitable space can appear in an image instead which places the presentation into a border that leaves room for the presenter.
2. Background image
   • You can use this instead of a slideshow as a static background.
   • Save this to a USB or upload it to an online location such as files.warwick, onedrive, sharepoint etc.
3. Teleprompter Script
   Must be a full script, not notes, if you want to be certain of timings. You will need to prepare the script beforehand so that it can be uploaded directly to Rapidmooc’s teleprompter. The following filetypes are accepted:
   
   • Rich text format (.rtf) - create this in Word and save as .rtf
   • Text (.txt) e.g. notepad file
4. Timings
   Practice running through your presentation in advance to ensure that you are not rushing, or taking too long, to fit the time you want for the final video.
5. File access
   You can access files (such as your presentation and teleprompter script)
   • From a USB drive
   • From OneDrive using a web browser

The RapidMooc booth is connected to the internet and you can therefore access any website that you need access to e.g. Echo360 (via Moodle), Stream on Sharepoint (via Office365), or Sitebuilder.

In most cases, we recommend that you use Echo360 for storing and streaming teaching and learning-related content. For support with this service, please contact lecturecapture@warwick.ac.uk 

The following Echo360 guides may be helpful:

• Access and manage Echo360 content
• Share Echo360 content
• Reuse Echo360 content
• Use collections to share recordings
• Upload external media to Echo360
• Edit Echo360 content

You can also use Stream. Please see the IT Services training pages for more information: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/its/servicessupport/training/resources/microsoft/

Rapidmooc can be used to record almost any type of video - and audio - that can take place in a small room with a green screen backdrop. Here are just a few examples:

1. Lectures
   • Individual teaching against a presentation backdrop using the green screen.
   • 'Presentation only' style recordings with audio over a Powerpoint presentation.
2. Digital whiteboard
   • Write and draw live during a recording using a tablet (iPad, Android) connected via a HDMI to USB-C cable in place of a laptop.
     Each room is equipped with a 4.6m cable so you can write, draw and appear on camera at the same time.
3. Interviews
   • Face-to-face with another person.
   • Stand or use the provided bar stools in front of the green screen with an image or presentation backdrop.
4. Podcasts
   • Record audio only using high-quality lapel microphones.
   • Show a presentation and/or the teleprompter on the 40” touchscreen to help you keep timing and focus.
5. Research and Project Presentations
   • Mini-lectures presenting research findings, summaries of academic papers or student project presentations
   • Use a presentation or a poster of your research findings as the background image.
6. Augmented realityLink opens in a new window
   • Put yourself inside the data by adding an electronic 'green screen' background to your PowerPoint presentation.
   • Turn the Rapidmooc away from the green screen to use a blank wall, or add an image using post-production tools.
7. Inductions
   • Create welcome or getting started videos using techniques from the above.
8. Video CVs
   • Update your CV with a video presentation introducing yourself and your strengths

1. There are 4 light stands. The two rear lights are for the green screen, so it is important you stand in front of them and do not get between the backlights and the screen. The two lights at the front are for the presenter and you can adjust the height depending on requirements.
2. Turn on the lights by clicking the on/off button on the remote control when the remote is in the power mode (no light on the remote and showing 01 - press the menu button with three lines on it to change the mode from power (no light) to brightness (blue light) to color temperature (orange light)). The 4 lights should turn on simultaneously and show the current brightness on the LED screen on the back (and on the remote). We have preset the light levels and this should be suitable for most recordings you need to do.
   We recommend that you do not make changes as this should not be necessary for the majority of recordings. However, if you have very specific requirements, or are experiencing issues with reflections or exposure, and need to change the lighting levels, select the brightness option, and then use the up/down arrows on the remote control to increase or decrease the brightness of all the lights at once. The lights can be manually controlled on the back of each light for more granular control.
   • If you have glasses and these are reflecting the light, try moving the lights higher, or lower, to reduce light reflecting back to the camera.
   • If the light is reflecting off your head lower the lights until the reflection is less obvious.
   • Different skin tones reflect light differently. If you find that you are over- or under-exposed, lower or raise the lighting levels to compensate.
   • Do not wear reflective clothing (cycling or sports shirts for example may have reflective fibers or areas).
3. Please watch the Rapidmooc 'How to correctly setup the lighting' videoLink opens in a new window
4. Please ensure that you return the lighting to the original settings when leaving the room if you have changed/moved them.
5. Press and hold the power button on the remote control to turn off the lights.

1. Please complete the online booking form to reserve your slot(s). We recommend that you book at least a 2 to 3-hour session to allow time to get used to the equipment, make some practice videos, and then complete the final versions.
2. Each space* has a 'salto' card access door lock so you will need to have your University Card with you in order to access.
   *the Gibbet Hill studio is slightly different in that the Salto sensor is built into the lock itself and must be turned clockwise after presenting your Uni card to unlock the room (and present card, turn anticlockwise to relock when you leave).
3. You must book the space whenever you are using it in order to ensure access to the RapidMoocs is managed efficiently.

We recommend that your clothing is

• Not all the same colour
• No checks or narrow stripes
• Not reflective
• Most importantly, nothing green, or green-blue / blue-green - or mustard yellow*.
• Avoid logos and text as these will be reversed in the recording

*If the screen is displaying in unusual colours e.g. you appear purple and the background keeps disappearing, the hardware is responding to a specific colour on your clothing, and we have found from experience that yellow jumpers are a particular issue.

Please see:

https://rapidmooc.com/blog/the-ideal-outfit-for-the-camera/

https://support.rapidmooc.com/en/support/solutions/articles/80000757062-what-clothes-should-i-wear-while-recording-

The lapel microphones are linked to the RapidMooc and simply need to be attached near to your mouth and turned on.

We use the Rode Wireless Go II microphonesLink opens in a new window. These can be found in their charging case on the table and must be returned to the case when you have finished recording. You can use them as they are - attaching the transmitter to your clothing using the clip or magnet - or use them with the lavelier/lapel mic.

The RapidMooc has an audio level indicator on the bottom left of the recording screen to confirm that they are working.

You can use the autocue/prompter if you have a full script.

The script needs to be in either a Word (.rtf), text (.txt) file or as the notes on a .pptx file.

1. Open the record video screen and click on 'teleprompter' to open the upload screen.
2. Browse to your file - on a USB drive, or a local folder if you downloaded the file from an online location.
3. Click upload.
4. You can edit the text in the teleprompter screen - including adding <fade> tags to hide and reshow the camera feed.
5. Make sure the prompter is set to start recording automatically when recording starts, or click play when you are ready to start.
6. Click Close and the script will start rolling when you start recording (Note: You can also start it manually)

Tip: Adjust the settings for the teleprompter so it is the minimum width and minimum height, this ensures that the teleprompter is close to the camera as possible, disguising the fact that the presenter is reading.

1. Open the RapidMooc software, click on Record video, and choose your recording presets such as input source, video mode and camera framing.
   • Input source - you must use the laptop input to display your presentation. You can also select a background image if you not using a presentation or want to use a combination of these by choosing (or creating) an appropriate video mode.
   • Video mode - by default, this is set to a standard green screen with the input source (laptop for presentation, static image or even an iPad using the hdmi lead) full screen 'behind' you. Other options include a smaller embedded laptop input over a full-screen static image with the green screen.
   • Camera framing - zoom, pan and tilt the camera to get the best image/ framing against the green screen. Use the presets to choose pre-tested framing options for different heights, using the bar stools, etc.
2. Press Start to record - when this is pressed, a 3-second countdown is shown on the screen.
3. Whilst recording, control the presentation on your laptop using the black presentation remote by inserting the USB dongle into the laptop.
4. Press Pause whilst recording to pause the video immediately. When pressed again, a 3-second countdown is shown on the screen and then recording restarts.
5. Press Stop to stop and save the recording immediately.

Audio quality

“When I listen back to my recording, why is the sound quality really poor?”

When recording with the RapidMooc, it is useful to bring some headphones with you. This is because when you listen back to your recording, the RapidMooc speakers are not high quality, and the sound relayed reflects this. Plugging your headphones into the RapidMooc (via USB or 3.5mm headphone jack), and then listening to your recording will give you a much more accurate reflection of the sound quality recorded.

Editing

You can edit video on the Rapidmooc using the built-in softwareLink opens in a new window.

Save and upload

Save your video to USB or upload it to an online location in order to edit it later using another tool.

1. Minimise Rapidmooc software (it will move to the top right)
2. Open the File Manager from the Taskbar
3. Videos are stored in the Documents folder. Select your file and copy or move to USB.
4. Use a browser to access and upload your file to:
   • Office365 / Onedrive / Sharepoint
   • Files.Warwick
   • Stream on Sharepoint

Deleting videos from the RapidMooc.

1. Remember to deleting the videos from the RapidMooc app. NB The deleted videos are still available in the recycle bin also you may wish to also empty this.

Teams

Video demonstrating how to use Rapidmoocs with TeamsLink opens in a new window.

Echo360 lecture capture

It is possible to use Echo360 Universal Capture (Personal) on the RapidMooc PCs. If you want to use this for creating videos for flipped classroom or vidcasts, please contact us via RapidMooc@warwick.ac.uk and we will install the software for you to use. Once installed:

• Double-click the icon to open the software and sign in.
• Select 'blackmagic webcam' from the list of available cameras, and this will use the green screen to record you in front of the Windows background imageLink opens in a new window.
• The audio should already be using the correct option to record from the lapel microphones.
• Press record and deliver your session. This will record directly to your Echo360 personal library.

For more information please see our Echo360 guide to personal captureLink opens in a new window.

We have recently added podcasting facilities to the Rapidmooc studio at WestwoodLink opens in a new window. Please note that this is in a PILOT phase as an extension to the Rapidmooc Studios and is subject to change.

Key features:

• Rodecaster Pro IILink opens in a new window, 4 x Rode PodmicLink opens in a new window's on PSA1+ stands (we also have smaller DS1 stands if you prefer), 4 x Nth 100 headphonesLink opens in a new window. You'll need a microSD (SDXC / SDHC preferably) card to take the files off, although if you have an unmanaged computer you can also install the Rode central appLink opens in a new window and connect using this via USB-C.
• The equipment is mounted on a large table with plenty of space for people to sit, for laptop(s), and notes.
• The Rodecaster can be set to record in multitrack but is usually set to record a single stereo track.
• You can connect external people dialing in via Teams, Zoom etc on a laptop or a tablet using the USB-C connectorLink opens in a new window - they will be able to hear you through the Rodecaster, while you control their volume from the device being used.

See this link for more info https://rode.com/en/user-guides/rodecaster-pro-iiLink opens in a new window (and drill down into the specific guides). Please see our guidance or contact us if you would like support via rapidmooc@warwick.ac.uk.

Testing and feedback from users has confirmed that the audio quality is excellent, and the Rodecaster is remarkably easy to use.