Although in most classrooms the podium is equipped with a standard touch pad for switching projection sources (podium computer, laptop computer, document camera and BluRay-DVD player), podium computer playback volume in the hybrid classroom can only be controlled with the mouse or keyboard.
This separation of audio channels was engineered to prevent microphone levels from being disrupted during Zoom calls. It may affect playback of YouTube videos, media embedded in PowerPoint, downloaded videos and mp3s.
Any faculty member, student or GSI attempting to play media on this equipment will want to know that the standard podium Crestron touch pad volume control will not work while running media from the podium computer in hybrid classrooms.
How to adjust media playback volume in the hybrid classroom, using VLC multimedia player
Click the speaker icon, near the lower right corner of the computer screen. Listen for a tone when you stop moving the slider. Volume should be set at around 75%, possibly higher.
When a video file is opened, its volume may be adjusted using the app's playback control.
Note that the video clip is likely to begin playing as soon as it is opened. When playing multiple clips in succession, turn the volume down after each clip is finished. This enables you to silently "cue up" the next clip. Otherwise, even if a PowerPoint slide is being projected, the audio track will intrude and potentially disrupt lecture and discussion. Remember that you'll need to raise volume before playing the clip.