Unlocking the Power of Open Broadcaster Studio for Synchronous Online Instruction

In today's digital age, online instruction has become an essential tool for educators to reach students remotely. With the rise of virtual learning platforms, it's crucial to have software that can effectively facilitate real-time communication and engagement between instructors and students. Enter Open Broadcast Studio (OBS), a popular open-source streaming software that has gained significant attention in recent years.

During this two-day workshop, participants will learn how to harness the power of OBS Studio to enhance their online instructional sessions. The software allows users to seamlessly integrate virtual cameras within Zoom, Teams, or BB Collaborate, enabling instructors to display multiple video feeds simultaneously. This includes displaying a camera feed of themselves, as well as gameplay footage, while generating graphic overlays and engaging with students through chat functions.

The potential applications of OBS Studio in online instruction are vast. By using the software, educators can create immersive learning experiences that simulate real-world scenarios, increase student engagement, and facilitate more effective communication. For example, instructors can use virtual cameras to record lectures, conduct live demonstrations, or even host virtual field trips.

But what makes OBS Studio particularly well-suited for online instruction is its ability to handle multiple sources and scenes simultaneously. Instructors can easily switch between different video feeds, graphics, and overlays to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. This level of control allows educators to tailor their presentations to specific topics or activities, ensuring that students receive the most effective learning experience possible.

So, what are some of the key features of OBS Studio that make it an ideal tool for online instruction? For starters, the software offers a user-friendly interface that's easy to navigate, even for those without extensive technical expertise. Additionally, OBS Studio supports a wide range of hardware and software platforms, making it compatible with most virtual learning environments.

But don't just take our word for it! Chad Crichton, Liason Librarian at the University of Toronto Scarborough Library, and David Kwasny, Digital Projects and Technologies Librarian at the same institution, have successfully used OBS Studio in their online instructional sessions. They'll be joining us for this workshop to share their experiences and provide guidance on how to get started with the software.

This session is part of the University of Toronto Scarborough Library's Digital Scholarship Series, a program designed to promote innovation and collaboration in digital scholarship. By attending this workshop, educators will gain hands-on experience with OBS Studio and learn how to leverage its features to enhance their online instructional sessions.

So why wait? Join us for this two-day workshop and discover the power of Open Broadcast Studio for yourself!

Open broadcaster studio