Author: Julio Marchi

Discover the top 10 live streaming tips every school needs to know! Learn how to improve broadcast quality, pick the right gear, and create engaging school live streams this spring break.

As schools across the country embrace digital media and remote engagement, live streaming has become an essential tool for education. From broadcasting spring break performances and sports to streaming graduation ceremonies and classroom projects, high-quality live video can enhance communication and school spirit. In this blog post, we’re sharing the top 10 live streaming tips for schools—covering everything from camera setups and audio gear to network requirements and budget-friendly solutions. Whether you’re a teacher, IT director, or student media advisor, these expert tips will help you elevate your school’s live streaming game with ease and confidence.

Watch the full video below:

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Top 10 Tech Tips for Education

1. An affordable PTZ camera is better than no PTZ camera
2. Take Advantage of Automatic Features
3. Integrate with CMS Lecture Capture Systems
4. Utilize NDI to Stream Throughout the Entire Building
5. Let Students Use the Gear – Get Hands-On Experience
6. Invest in good audio Equipment
7. Use a Reliable Internet Connection
8. Schedule Regular Maintenance and Updates
9. Implement a Backup Plan
10. Sign up for eduStreamTV!

Tip 1: An affordable PTZ camera is better than no PTZ camera

• Flexibility: PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras offer the ability to capture different angles and movements, enhancing the quality of your live streams. Whether for a lecture, event, training or more
• Cost-Effective: Even affordable PTZ cameras can significantly improve your broadcasts compared to static cameras.
• Professional Look: Provides a more dynamic and professional appearance to your live streams.
• We have PTZ cameras starting at under $1,000

Tip 2: Take Advantage of Automatic Features

• Cameras have come a long way with advancements in technology, making automatic features much more reliable.
• Auto Focus: Ensures the subject remains sharp and clear, even as they move around.
• Auto Exposure: Adjusts the brightness and contrast automatically to suit different lighting conditions.
• Auto White Balance: Corrects color tones to ensure natural-looking images under various lighting environments.
• Auto Tracking: Allows the camera to follow the speaker automatically, keeping them in focus and centered.

Tip 3: Integrate with CMS Lecture Capture Systems

• Streamlined Management: Integrating your live streaming setup with a Content Management System (CMS) like Panopto or Kaltura helps in organizing, storing, and sharing recorded sessions efficiently.
• Accessibility: Makes it easier for students and staff to access and review content at their convenience, enhancing the learning experience.
• Enhanced Features: CMS platforms often offer additional features such as analytics, interactive quizzes, and searchable transcripts, which can further enrich the educational content.

Tip 4: Utilize NDI to Stream Throughout the Entire Building

• Efficient Video Distribution: Network Device Interface (NDI) technology enables high-quality video streaming over local networks, allowing you to distribute video feeds across the entire campus seamlessly.
• Cost-Effective: NDI reduces the need for extensive cabling and hardware, making it a cost-effective solution for schools.
• Versatile Applications: Use NDI for morning announcements, live events, and classroom broadcasts, ensuring everyone stays informed and engaged.
• NETGEAR Pro A/V Switches are our number 1 NDI Solution!

Tip 5: Let Students Use the Gear – Get Hands-On Experience

• Skill Development: Allowing students to operate streaming equipment helps them develop valuable technical skills that are increasingly important in today’s digital world.
• Engagement: Hands-on experience fosters a deeper understanding and interest in the technology, making learning more engaging and interactive.
• Responsibility and Teamwork: Students learn to work collaboratively and take responsibility for managing the equipment, which can enhance their teamwork and leadership abilities.

Tip 6: Invest in Good Audio Equipment

• Importance of Clear Audio: Clear audio is crucial for effective communication during live streams. Poor audio quality can detract from the viewer’s experience, even if the video quality is excellent.
• Types of Microphones:
  • Omnidirectional Microphones: These microphones capture sound equally from all directions.
  • Cardioid Microphones: These microphones pick up sound primarily from the front and sides.
  • Supercardioid Microphones: Similar to cardioid mics but with a narrower pickup pattern.
• Audio Mixers and Interfaces: Investing in audio mixers and interfaces can help manage multiple audio sources and ensure balanced sound levels.

Tip 7: Use a Reliable Internet Connection

• Stable Connection: A stable and fast internet connection is essential for uninterrupted live streaming.
• Bandwidth Considerations: Ensure your internet plan provides sufficient bandwidth to handle high-quality video streaming, especially during peak usage times.
• Upload speed recommendations:
  • 3-5 Mbps for 720p videos
  • 5-10 Mbps for 1080p
  • 15-25 Mbps for 4K
• Cellular Bonded Encoders: If a reliable internet connection is not available, consider using cellular bonded encoders such as YoloLiv YoloBox, LiveU Solo Pro, or Kilvoiew P3 Series

Tip 8: Schedule Regular Maintenance and Updates

• Preventive Measures: Regularly maintain and update all streaming equipment and software to prevent technical issues. Proactive maintenance can help avoid unexpected problems during live events.
• Never Schedule Updates on Event Days: Avoid scheduling updates on the days of an event to prevent unexpected disruptions.
• Update Together: Ensure all components, especially for NDI setups, are updated together. This includes cameras, encoders, network switches, and other related equipment to maintain synchronization and compatibility.

Tip 9: Implement a Backup Plan

• Preparedness: Always have a backup plan in place for technical difficulties to ensure the stream can continue smoothly. Being prepared can save your event from unexpected disruptions.
• Secondary Equipment: Keep spare cameras, extra cables, and backup microphones ready to use in case of equipment failure. This ensures that you can quickly switch to backup gear without significant downtime. A YoloBox can be a great resource in a pinch.
• Alternative Internet Source: Have a secondary internet source, such as a cellular encoder, This is especially important for critical live streams where uninterrupted connectivity is essential. Some cameras can even stream directly to an RTMP destination

Tip 10: Sign up for eduStreamTV!

eduStreamTV is a three day event with vendors and experts focusing on the way live streaming benefits education in today’s hybrid learning environment. These are tips, tricks, and tools for lecture capture, remote production, and live video streaming in education. We are here to provide you with the tips, tricks, and tools you need for live streaming in the education field. 

One registration gains you access to three days of informative webinars, interviews with industry guests, live demos, chances to win great prizes, and more!

REGISTER HERE

Learn more about Live Streaming in Education HERE

Products we recommend for live streaming in education: