Learning space support

Microphone use serves two separate purposes: helping everyone in the room hear you clearly, and, where the session is recorded, producing audio and automatic captions that students can actually use.

This applies to:

• Lecturers and presenters
• Guest speakers
• Students giving presentations
• Audience members asking questions

Speaking loudly and clearly is not a substitute for using a microphone.

• Using a microphone helps everyone hear you clearly in the room and supports accessibility. Hearing loop systems, which help the University meet its anticipatory duty to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, only work when a microphone is used. Using a microphone also helps to protect your voice from strain.
• If a lecture is being recorded or live-streamed, microphone use is required in order for high-quality audio to be picked up. Audio quality also determines how accurate the automatic captions and transcript are, and these are relied on by students who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing, students studying in a second language, and many students who use recordings to review material.
• Most teaching spaces are equipped with at least one microphone and are supported by Information Services or local support staff.
• In rooms with a single microphone, it should be passed to anyone contributing to the discussion. Some larger spaces also provide Catchbox microphones—soft, throwable microphones designed for safe use during audience participation.

If the session is being recordedthe recording will be covered by the Recording of Teaching Policy

Turning the microphone on

1. Remove the microphone from its charging cradle.
2. The microphone will switch on automatically.
3. Check the status light:
   • Green – microphone is live
   • Yellow – microphone is muted

To mute or unmute:

• Lapel microphone: use the switch on top of the transmitter pack.
• Handheld microphone: use the switch on the front of the microphone.

Wearing a lapel microphone

1. Attach the transmitter pack to your waist, belt or place it in a pocket.
2. Clip the microphone to your clothing.
3. Position it approximately 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) from your mouth.

Important information

• Microphone volume levels are pre-set by technicians for the room and cannot be adjusted by users.
• The microphone works independently of the room volume controls.
• When finished, return the microphone to its charging cradle and check that it is charging correctly.

To use a Catchbox microphone

1. Lift the Catchbox from its charging plate.
2. Wait a few moments for it to activate.
3. Pass or gently throw it to audience members when they wish to contribute.

Using a Catchbox allows audience questions and comments to be heard clearly in the room and captured in lecture recordings.

When finished, return the Catchbox to its charging plate.