Lecture Capture with Panopto Focus

Step 1- Set up your Panopto login

YOU MUST DO THIS FIRST - once for each course you want to record.  This step creates a folder on the Panopto server and provides viewer permissions to everyone in this one Blackboard course  Also, you can't log into the Panopto server without completing this step first.
NOTE: ONLY Instructors or TAs of a Blackboard course can perform this step Once they do, they are the owner of that folder and must then tell Panopto to allow others (like co-instructors or support staff) to be "Creators" of captures too.  Panopto does not automatically apply creator access to anyone except the one who performs this step. 

Printable step by step instructions on how to link your Blackboard course to the Panopto server

Step 2- Download Panopto to Windows

Download Here

Panopto software is installed on classroom computers already.  If you want to record from your personal computers, all you need is a webcam or mic, this software and the Panopto folder you created in Step 1.   Download from Course Tools > Panopto Focus Content (the same place you created the folder in Step 1):


The Helpdesk can install this for you if you like.  Email helpme@rhsmith.umd.edu for an appt. to install it. (Technicians NOTE: download latest version directly from the UMD Panopto server - not from any Smith server please - http://capture.umd.edu/Panopto/Pages/Default.aspx )  

Step 3: Recording with Panopto

Note: You can use Panopto in any classroom as well as from your home or office computer.  If you are not in a classroom with a Panopto capture card, you will need to use a mic provided by the AV team (please use the AV Request Form to contact them)  and you will not be able to capture video with the room cameras.

To record after you've created your Panopto course folder (Step 1):

Tip - It's best if you open all applications you plan to show in class before you begin.
  1. Open Panopto and log in with your Directory ID (the same one you use to log into Blackboard)
  2. From the drop down arrow to the right of the record button, choose the course where the recording will be viewed. If you only set up a Panopto link to one Blackboard course, Panopto will only list that course.  
  3. Give the lecture a name - default is date and time, but you'll appreciate a descriptive name later - especially if you end up with more than one recording in your folder.  Keep the date and time stamp too, but add something descriptive.
  4. Check the capture sources.  Room cameras have pre-sets.  If you need help with camera settings in a classroom, please arrange for AV support in advance using the same AV Request form you use for your other classroom support requests. 
  5. Click the RECORD button when you're ready. You may PAUSE whenever you want and then restart the recording.
  6. Click STOP to end your recording. UPLOAD to the Panopto server right away.  These classroom computers wipe files from the hard drive, and that includes your presentation file, so be sure to check that the upload has begun. The upload will take a few minutes and will occur in the background while other computer apps may be running.  You can log off the room computer after the upload has begun, but DO NOT POWER DOWN THE COMPUTER!

To record using a personal laptop or desktop computer (after you've set up your Panopto connection in Blackboard):

  • Install the Panopto software on your laptop.
  • Connect a mic and/or camera. You may use a USB mic or webcam. There is no way to route the classroom mics thru your laptop to capture room audio sources, but the AV team has a USB adapter for their hand held mic which will work for Panopto.  Fill out the AV request form in advance if you want to do this in class.
  • Record and pause and stop just as you do in the classroom.  The only difference is you can upload whenever you're ready - your computer will not delete the recording the way the classroom pc will.
  • If youre not on campus you will have to install the campus VPN to upload to the Panopto server, or if you bring your laptop to campus, connect to campus network and upload at that time.  You can download the campus VPN client for Windows pcs from: http://www.helpdesk.umd.edu/documents/4/4052/  or for Mac users the VPN download is available from: http://www.helpdesk.umd.edu/documents/3/3834/
Step 4: Create a link to the recording in your Bb course
Add the Panopto link just as you add other items to Blackboard.
  1. Choose the content area to which you wish to add the video, or make a new menu item for them.  (see "Bb Basics" for how to do either of these if you don't already know how)
  2. Click "Edit view" in the top right corner of your content area
  3. Choose Panopto Focus Content from the drop down.  

4.  And pick which lecture capture you want to post in your course.
 

There are short "How To" videos on this Panopto web site: http://panoptosupport.com/howtovideos