Classroom Technology Support

Pimentel 1 and Wheeler 150 are both auditoriums that come with the special option of requesting an operator for your class. The cost per semester is $2600 per class.

The operator is a dedicated technician that works in the booth during your class throughout the semester. The operator is trained to assist with the following:

• Checking in at the start of class for help with technical set up
• First line support if anything goes wrong during your lecture
• Tracking instructor with the camera for a more engaging lecture recording
• Project demos + chalkboards to the projector for visibility
• Can do special requests / demos (with the appropriate heads up)

Learn more on the Course Capture service page.

Currently the following auditoriums have been outfitted with a built-in Zoom Room:

• Dwinelle 155
• Li Ka Shing 245

Capabilities of a Zoom Room:

• Videoconferencing available in room without the need for a laptop
• Interactive whiteboard and annotation
• Wireless computer projection
• Rear displays to show meeting information / participants

Teaching a class with more than 300 students? Please email zoom-help@berkeley.edu to find out more about our support for large classrooms using Zoom pro or webinars.

Learn more on the Zoom for Instruction page.

How do I sign up for the with operator option for course capture?

The Course Capture team will send out an email to all instructors before the semester begins asking if they'd like to sign up for Course Capture. If you are in Pimentel or Wheeler 150, you can request the "Course Capture with Operator" option via the link that is sent to you.

Use the table below to determine which recording model best fits your instructional needs.

Why Choose a Camera Operator?

This standalone service is designed for instructors who utilize the full breadth of the auditorium stage. A dedicated operator ensures that your remote and asynchronous students don't miss a single detail.

• Active Tracking: We adjust camera positions in real-time to follow you as you move about the stage.
• Clearer Detail: We zoom in on chalkboards and demos so students can actually read your notes.
• Technical Peace of Mind: Operators assist with microphone placement, computer/HDMI setup, and lighting adjustments before instruction begins.
• Optimized Data Capture: Real-time monitoring of audio levels and video feeds to ensure a high-quality recording of every session.

Because camera operation is no longer part of the opt-in toggle on the Course Capture website, all requests must be submitted through our dedicated portal.

Important: For courses with multiple instructors, all listed instructors must agree to the service and the associated $2,600 fee.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure your course is scheduled in Pimentel Hall or Wheeler Auditorium

Step 2: Prepare the Request

Please have your billing contact ready as we will ask for chartstring information ready.

Step 3: Request a Camera Operator

Click the link to fill out the service request via Qualtrics.

Step 4: Confirmation

Once submitted, our service team will review the request and contact you within 3-5 business days to finalize equipment needs and operator scheduling.

In a number of general assignment classrooms on campus, assistive listening systems have been installed. These are infrared-based Sennheiser SI 1015 ALS systems.

The Classroom Database offers a full list of equipment available, including information about ALS availability, in each general assignment classroom.

If you are teaching in one of the general assignment classrooms with assistive listening systems installed on campus, we recommend that you use the microphone available in the room to ensure that students are able to hear you. If you have any questions about support for assistive listening devices, you can:

• Contact Classroom Technology Support for a free consultation about self-service options in General Assignment classrooms where an ALS is installed - please submit your consultation request at least five business days in advance to ensure that we can offer you as many options as possible

If you have questions about teaching students with disabilities, please visit the following web page from Disabled Students' Program (DSP):

If you are a staff member or an instructor that needs an assistive listening device outside of curricular instruction, your options are:

• Request Berkeley AV event support to have equipment delivered and set up by Berkeley AV Events Services for a fee - please submit your event support request at least five business days in advance as services are scheduled on a first come, first served basis
• Request Services from Disability Access and Compliance (DAC) with an option of trying out tools from their Lending Library
• Talk to your department about the options listed above for department events

For staff and instructor work-related accommodations, you can:

• Contact Disability Management Services for more information, including confidential consultation, about staff disability accommodations

Students should contact their DSP Specialist to discuss accommodation options.