Academic Technology Services manages classroom media, computer labs, and many media-specific production spaces. We offer guided tours and training to instructors and their teaching assistants, and also offer in-class instructional sessions in support of course goals or digital scholarship.
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Contact an ATS consultant to leverage classroom media and spaces for your specific teaching styles and learning outcomes.
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For assistance with classroom equipment email: [email protected] or call Media Services at x2112, or from an off campus phone 1-413-597-2112.
Electronic Classrooms
Most of our classrooms have a full set of presentation equipment, including:
- HD projector or flat screen monitor
- HDMI/USB-C laptop connection
- audio system
- Some rooms also contain CD/DVD or BluRay players
- A few rooms have installed Mac and Windows computers
HD rooms without resident computers, have HDMI/USB-C connections available.
Classroom list: pictures & equipment details for teaching spaces.
All classrooms can be scheduled using the campus room scheduler.
High Definition Classrooms
Most current devices such as laptops, tablets and cell phones that have HDMI/USB-C outputs can connect directly to these systems. In addition, many of these rooms include a built in Mac and a Dell computer ready for presentation.
Simple on/off buttons for the projector and clearly labeled input selection choices make operating the system straightforward.
All dual projection rooms and an increasing number of single projection rooms are now operated through a simple touch screen interface.
For information or training on how to best operate these control surfaces please contact Media Services at: [email protected]
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MissionMedia Services/Classroom Support is a subgroup of Instructional Technology.
Our main mission is to develop, implement and support multimedia presentation systems for classrooms.
In addition, we assist with planning and development of technology needs for a wide variety of campus events.
Services
Media Services/Classroom Support provides presentation facilities and support for academic work and extra-curricular events.
- Media Services Classroom Orientation Slide Show Williams Media services classroom presentation
- Training and consultation for electronic classroom instruction (Technology in Classrooms & Facilities)
- Planning for lectures and presentations by faculty and guest speakers.
- Media Services Quick start training videos.
- Dual Projection Room Training Video
- Installation & maintenance of electronic classrooms and major presentation venues.
- Training and guidance in using audio recorders and video cameras.
Staff
We are located on level 2 of the Center for Educational Technology (CET) in Sawyer Library.
Steve Amann and Patrick Gray prepare Mac and Dell computers for deployment to dual platform classrooms - Steve Amann, Classroom Technology Specialist, Sawyer 261
- Patrick Gray Jr, Classroom Specialist, and Studio 275 Manager, Sawyer 260
- Jim Lillie, Media Services Technician, Sawyer 243
- Phil Remillard, Manager, Sawyer 259
Hours & Contact
For assistance call 413-597-2112 or email Media Services: mssl@williams.edu
See https://oit.williams.edu/#faculty for hours and contact info
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Discover the various physical spaces on campus available for expanding student experiences in ways that relate to instructor course topics or teaching goals. These highly specialized spaces include pedagogical technologies such as digital multimedia, virtual reality, tactile ‘maker’ experiences, and creative production environments. Instructors can also pair these spaces with many digital tools and equipment to offer students the option of creating digital scholarship.
Contact an ATS consultant to learn more.
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The Center for Educational Technology (CET) is a suite of spaces specifically designed to cultivate exploratory and collaborative learning through technology. It houses a number of exciting environments and resources, such as an extensive Makerspace, Fabrication Lab, production studio, VR room, and more. The CET is directly supported and managed by the Academic Technology Services teams in partnership with librarian staff.
Location
The CET takes up the south side of the second floor of Sawyer library. Click the image below to see the locations of specific environments and resources.
CET Floor Plans 
STUDIO 275 Provides a studio technician and is a professionally equipped audio recording studio.
Features include isolation rooms for live multitrack recording of drums, guitars, brass etc. A great mic selection is available to meet your recording needs. We have an 88 note weighted key Midi controller as well as a Roland TD-11K Electronic Drum kit. Using this space requires scheduling a block of time. Williams has a professional audio engineer on site to provide training workshops and assistance with technical questions on your recording project.Audio Production infrastructure: All rooms below use Studio One 6 Pro with the same virtual instruments and F/X plugins, so that your project files can seamlessly integrate into each room.
A/V Edit rooms 272 or 273 are accessed through the circulation desk on level 3 of Sawyer Library on a first come, first serve basis and can be booked in 4 hour blocks. These rooms can be used for pre-production, midi/looped based productions, basic overdubs, and post production (ie Mixing and mastering). These rooms are a great place to get your project started
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- Both of these rooms have been equipped with Studio One 6 Professional (a professional digital audio workstation)
- A number of virtual instrument and F/X plugins with high quality samples
- A pro virtual drum machine
- Presonus iTwo 2 channel audio/midi interface
- M-Audio 49 key USB midi keyboard controller w/sustain pedal
- Presonus Condenser Mic
- Presonus headphones
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Music Composition room 274 can be accessed through the circulation desk as well on a first come first serve basis, much like A/V Edit rooms this room is designed to be used for Pre or Post Production Room has all of the features of the A/V Edit rooms but has 88 note weighted key keyboard controller.
Faculty, Staff and Students can drop by for support with basic desktop software, accounts, wireless, email or hardware questions. Desktop Systems staff will use the CET as a support base for office visits and faculty/staff drop-ins on the north side of campus.Student Technology Consultants (STCs) will be available in the CET, as they are now in OIT, to provide help to students and will work closely with the other Library service desks to provide a highly robust support environment. STCs also help Williams College community members with the creation of audio, video, and print media in the new Sawyer Library (2nd level CET area). STCs develop their media production skills through active learning and training. STCs also partner with Integrating Digital Literacies (IDL) courses by assisting students tasked with assignments that have a technology component.
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Please visit the Makerspace dedicated website at:
The Makerspace (Sawyer 248 & 242)
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Studio 275 is a high-end audio and video recording facility. Due to its advanced equipment and technical flexibility a trained technician is required to use the space. See booking options below.
In addition to the control room we have a large main studio and small booth for isolating instruments/vocals
Audio amenities include a 32 channel PreSonus StudioLive Mixing console and digital ecosystem that seamlessly interfaces with Studio One Professional software (DAW), along with a variety of high end microphones as well as an assortment of 500 series preamps to enhance your audio signal chain for music recording.
Video amenities include a Tri-Caster video switcher and three camera video studio complete with blue/green screen, studio lighting and live editing capabilities.
Studio 275 is located in the “Production Zone” area of the CET, level 2 of Sawyer Library.
Scheduling preference is given to curricular projects… Are you a faculty member with a special project that may utilize Studio 275? Please reach out to your Academic Technology Consultant to discuss your project and special scheduling options.
All Bookings are in 2 hour blocks
24 hour Advanced reservation is required for using STUDIO 275.
In order to serve the college campus community please limit your bookings to one, 2 hour session per week.
Click here to reserve a 2 hour Audio or Video recording session with Patrick
Click here to reserve a 2 hour Audio or Video Session with a Student Technician
- Sawyer sessions videos – Live from STUDIO 275
- Studio 275 – Jazz at Williams
- Sawyer sessions – behind the scenes
- STUDIO 275 in the news
- Audio Recording (voice and music)
- Video Recording and Live Sets
Video production in Studio 275 utilizes a Newtek TriCaster system to record broadcast quality video with or without blue/green screen and Live Set technology.
Studio 275 is located in the “Production Zone” area of the CET, on level 2 of Sawyer Library.
Recent Studio 275 curricular video projects include:
- “Live” talk show format topical discussions for language learning
- Reporting on scientific research (for grants and as learning modules)
- Interviews for documentary style video projects
- Live plays (recorded with green screen and alternate scenic backgrounds)
- Feature film scene recreations
Prepping for a LiveSet Video Session in Studio 275:
- If filming green screen you can not wear anything green or containing a green hue. Ditto for blue screen, no blue. Note: All Tricaster LiveSets require green screen filming. In general, avoid large, busy prints/plaids in clothing choice. They don’t film well.
- Script & storyboard: This is broadcast filming (live mix), meaning everyone concerned needs to know exactly what is going to happen and when. It is not good enough for you to have it planned in your mind only. A script and storyboard that indicates all scene changes, media inserts and timing is required for the director/engineer to follow. Each studio session will begin by going through the storyboard and blocking the action, BEFORE filming.
- If you are not comfortable enough memorizing your script please create a Powerpoint for script to be used as a teleprompter (see prep guidelines below).
- Consider media to use for opening shot(title screen), closing shot and any other titles. These must be created in advance to certain specs (see below) and brought to the production session on a thumb drive. Please clearly name these files!
- Any video footage used (for insert) must be a self contained file, preferable HD (1920×1080, NTSC) pre-edited (length, etc.) and brought to the production session on athumb drive.
- You will need an external drive large enough to copy your final videos to from the studio workstation at the end of your session. You will probably do more than one take of your scene and may want to have all of the footage to take away.
Creating / Using PowerPoint with LiveSets:
There are three ways a Powerpoint presentation can be used /mixed with a LiveSet or green screen session in Studio 275.
Full screen, as background. The powerpoint runs behind the performer, self advanced for timing. The performer is filmed greenscreen and is visible in front of the powerpoint in final video. This method allows for the powerpoint to be fed to the teleprompter as well so that the performer can look directly at the camera for cues/notes.
Design considerations:
- Leave a blank “space” on each slide for the performer(s) to be “in”.
- Avoid using small and/or full text, you do not want to simply be reading the entire presentation off the slides!
- Consider the use of additional props/models (handheld) that may add greater understanding to your presentation.
Media insert in a LiveSet. Tricaster LiveSets typically include a “monitor” that can be fed Powerpoint, video and/or images. The set options include seated (desk) or standing.
Design considerations:
- Since the monitor is only a portion of the full screen image, fonts used in the powerpoint should be larger.
- External video/audio clips should be edited down to the exact duration needed (see specs below)
- Youtube videos (without audio) can be broadcast into a Live set as well
3. As script / teleprompter Create a Powerpoint (black background slide, with white text, 54 pt minimum suggested) on your laptop. We will supply a remote for advancing your slides and should practice ahead of time. As you make your slides create breaks (visual) between sentences for ease of reading/pace.
Design considerations:
- Individual PP slides may be saved out and used as Image inserts instead. Thiswill require a thorough storyboard.
- Leave a healthy margin on all slides for easy viewing/reading. Practice advancingslide while reading.Specs for Images (to be inserted):Preferably landscape with a resolutions as close a possible to HD (1920×1080). When searching for images via Google limit to Large for best choices. Bring all images on a thumb drive to your studio session and name them according to their storyboard reference. NOTE: Images that are oddly shaped will not scale well. Try to keep everything in the 16:9 ratio (standard HD screen)Specs for Titles (to be overlayed):Titles need to be created as .png files with a transparent background (use Photoshop, video document setting 1920×1080). Creating a “lower third” title still requires the image to be full screen size (192×1080) with the title itself created on layers placed approximately where required, in the “lower third” section. Bring all titles on a thumb drive to your studio session and name them according to their storyboard reference.Specs for Video/Audio (to be inserted):Video segments should be edited down to their required size ahead of time. Prefered formats are .mov, .mp4. Any additional titles required to make the piece understandable should be edited in ahead of time. Sources for video include Internet, dvd, vhs, lightboard and self filmed. Student Media Consultants can help capture/edit video during their “drop-in” shifts. Bring all video segments on a drive to your studio session and name them according to their storyboard reference.
- Lightboard recording technology is also available for complex diagram instruction.
What is it?
Lightboard is a piece of transparent glass illuminated with LED lights. Instructors facing the camera while also writing on the board are recorded at the same time. We started this project to experiment new ways of lecture recording. More examples of Lightboard at Williams are on Youtube. More about Lightboard at Educause.
Preparing for Your Lightboard Recording Session
Script & Dialogue:
All filmed projects should start with a script. The script writing process helps you hone your ideas and focus on the primary message of your piece. Here are tips and techniques to help you with your scriptwriting.
Due to lighting limitations for lightboard filming (to prevent reflections on the lightboard glass) a teleprompter can not be used. Practice reading your script. Remove/change any words or phrases that trip you up. Then try ad-libbing the script. Since you will be writing/interacting with the lightboard itself it is awkward to work from notes or index cards, so you really should concentrate on memorizing your overall outline and then talking through it without notes. You should also be timing each practice to know if you are going overtime.
Other Visuals:
Consider creating intro and exit images/slides in Powerpoint or Google Slides. The intro slide should contain the title of the piece, & WHO is presenting the piece, at minimum. The exit slide should contain references/biblio for any of the content that requires it (copyrighted images or ideas) and any other acknowledgments/information for further research.
You can include images on the intro & exit slides as well. We can also cut to an image in the middle of a lightboard session if it is required. The image needs to be placed on a slide as well (to maintain aspect ratio)
Consider that it takes real time to draw complex diagrams and that it might be more efficient and allow you to present deeper ideas/knowledge by pre-drawing some elements on the board before you start. You can then introduce your concepts, explain the pre-drawing and then add to it as part of your presentation.
Clothing:
The background is a black curtain. Wearing black or other dark clothing will make you disappear somewhat. In contrast, wearing light colors will interfere with the visuals. It is suggested that you wear solid colors of medium hues.
You will need to wear a lav mic that attaches to your clothing, mid-chest. A center-button shirt makes it easy to attach the mic and hide the wires.
Hair should be styled away from the face and hats or other headgear should not be worn.
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Need a quiet space for video or audio recording? Looking for a quick and easy space to conduct an interview or podcast?
Try the EZ Studio!
The Center for Educational Technology (CET), located in Sawyer Library, offers many spaces and resources to extend teaching and learning beyond the classroom. The EZ Studio is located in Sawyer 272 and offers a simple yet dynamic setup for quick and easy recording – the only things you need to bring are an idea and a thumb drive!
The EZ Studio is available to faculty, staff, or students on a first-come-first-served basis during posted Sawyer Library hours. Access is managed through the Sawyer Circulation Desk.
For questions or technical issues, please email [email protected].
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Please explore the Virtual Reality Room at the Makerspace website:
The VR Room (Sawyer 264)
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The AV Edit Room in the CET provides a high end audio/video editing suite in a semi-sound proofed environment.
Who can use them?
The AV Edit Room is available to faculty, staff, and students.How do I access them?
The room key is available first come/first served at the Sawyer Library Circulation desk.Where are they located?
In the CET, Room 273How do I get help?
Ask for a Student Media Consultant at the CET Main Desk.General Information about video editing on campus:
Adobe’s Premier Pro, Creative Cloud version, is our go to app for all video editing projects, small to large. Our Adobe licenses agreement allows us to install Premiere on any college owned workstation or laptop, and thus, we have put it on most public computers that OIT installs and manages.
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The Music Composition room is Sawyer 274.What is it?
The room is equipped with a computer workstation with hardware and software for audio manipulation, synthesis, and sequencing. The software includes Studio One, ProTools, Komplete, Max, Ableton Live, and WaveLab Elements.Who can use it?
Faculty, staff, and students can use the room during Sawyer Library hours.There is a piano in there, can I just play piano?
No, the piano is a midi device without speakers. It sends data to the computer. With some training, you can learn to route the signals from the piano keyboard to software where sounds can be assigned to the notes and that output can be routed to the speakers or headphones. It is not as simple as turning it on and playing.Please do not unplug cables if the station is not working. Send an email to Trevor Murphy at the address below and he will set up the station to work properly. Get training to learn how the station works.
How do I access it?
Ask for the key for 274 from the Library Circulation Desk.How do I get help?
Request help from Trevor Murphy. Several student workers who are trained as Student Technology Consultants will also be able to support the space.
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The FCC is a 24-seat facility where faculty, staff, and students can meet for discussions, lectures, collaboration and hands-on development using emerging and academic technologies. Equipped with central projection and connected break-out stations, and located between the media studio and the CET classroom, it’s an ideal space for groups to work on larger or more involved projects, or instruction around the topic of media development and the studio. Faculty working there will be able to receive professional support for project research and development from OIT staff. OIT will also sponsor public events and workshops designed to disseminate information about faculty projects and to inform the community about new technologies and their potential for enhancing teaching and research in this area.Who can use it?
The FCC is a resource available to Williams faculty, staff and classes.Where is it located
In the Center for Educational Technology on the second floor of Sawyer, room 276.When is it open?
It’s available by reservation during the regular building hours. Please contact Academic Technology to make a reservation.How do I get help?
Contact Academic Technology or your Academic Technology Consultant.
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The CET Instruction Room is a 20-seat classroom equipped with iMacs. It provides a space to work with larger groups for training and instruction. When not being used for instruction, the room is available as an open lab/workspace on a first come/first served basis.
Who can use it?
The CET Instruction Room is available to faculty, staff, and students.How do I access it?
The CET Instruction Room is available whenever the library is open (unlocked). To reserve this room for academic purposes or have specialized software installed, please contact an ATS consultant.Where is it located?
In the CET, Sawyer Room 269How do I get help?
For technical assistance operating the lectern and projector please call Media Services, x2112. For helps using software on a workstation ask for a Student Media Consultant at the CET Main Desk.
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The Project Rooms in the CET provide an array of technology enhanced environments to suit faculty & student needs for small group collaboration and scholarship. Details below on the individual room configurations including rooms set up for gaming, media viewing, collaboration and brainstorming.
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271
Who can use them?
The Project Rooms are available to faculty, staff, and students.How do I access them?
Project Rooms are available through the Sawyer Library only during posted Library hours.Room keys and equipment are available for short-term use (reserve online – pick up at the Circulation Desk).
What equipment is available?
For a list of reservable equipment, visit the Equipment Loan Center (ELC) website. Reserve your equipment online.Where are they located?
In the CET, Rooms 220, 221, 246, 264, 265, 266 & 271How do I get help?
Ask for a Student Media Consultant during their Drop-in support shifts (at CET Service Desk).Room Numbers Description 220 & 221 Single table seating for 5 with large flat screen panel projection capabilities. 246 Single table seating for 4 with large flat screen panel projection capabilities. Close proximity to iTech staff for faculty collaborative work & project meetings. 264 VR Room. Check out the key and controllers from the library circulation desk. 265 Single table seating for 4-5. 266 The Brainstorm Room – Two walls of whiteboard and an interactive projection system to maximize your brainstorming potential. 271 The Screening Room – Six comfy chairs, large panel flat screen and surround sound system for your viewing needs. Check out the key from the library circulation desk.
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The Central U 
The Media Corridor There are two “open” areas of the CET, each space offering 12 dual boot MAC/PC media production workstations, scanners and video capture equipment.
- The Central “U” (CET 241) is located to your right as you come off the stairway down from Circulation and Reference
- The Media Corridor is located straight ahead from the top of the of stairway coming up from the Forum level.
Who can use it?
Open Work Spaces are available to faculty, staff, and students.How do I access it?
Available by whenever the library is open, no reservations required.How do I get help?
The CET Service Desk (staffed by Student Technology Consultants) is to your right as you enter the Central U and provides students with walk-in support for basic computing needs/problems. Media production support is also available from Student Media Consultants during these posted times.
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