While the OWL is essentially plug-and-play, see below for FAQ's and directions on how to get started in your classroom.



About the Owl

What is the Owl?

This is our tool to provide an audio and video feed to the physical classroom for students at home during hybrid. In short, the Owl connects voices and faces regardless of location! The Owl has a panoramic, 360° camera which follows voices in the room.  As people in the room talk, the Owl pans to the speaker.  Participants will see different views automatically based on the location of the sound.


Why would I Use the Owl?

The number one value is the audio quality that allows students both at home and in the classroom to hear each other more effectively. There is also a higher quality video for connecting faces.


I hear there is a Meeting app. Is this true?

While true, the app is only available for iOS and Android. In an effort to prevent “Owl Bombs” and other security issues, we will not be enabling this feature on the Owl. A secure, hidden passcode is set for each Owl and therefore not available to students nor staff.


Using the Owl


Quick Start: Starting Your Class Using the Owl

  1. Open video conferencing platform (Zoom, Meet, etc)

  2. Plug the Owl into your laptop 

  3. Set video conferencing audio and video to the Meeting Owl

  4. Start class as usual


Connecting the Owl with Zoom

  1. Open Zoom and start your meeting.

  2. Plug your Owl’s USB cable into the base of the Owl, and into your computer.

  3. Plug in your Owl’s power adapter and wait until Owl’s eyes stop pulsing and you hear a hoot.

  4. Select Join Audio Conference by Computer.

  5. Select the Up arrow ^ to the right of the Microphone icon on the bottom left of your screen.

  6. Select Meeting Owl as your Microphone and Speaker.

  7. Select the Up arrow ^ to the right of the Camera icon on the bottom left of your screen.

  8. Select Meeting Owl as your Camera.


Connecting the Owl with Meet

  1. Open Meet and join a meeting.

  2. Plug your cable into the Owl and then into the computer.

  3. Plug in your Owl’s power adapter and wait until Owl’s eyes stop pulsing.

  4. Select More Options on the bottom right of the screen.

  5. Select Settings.

  6. Select Meeting Owl for your Video, Microphone and Speaker.



Things to Consider and Additional Features


Positioning the Owl

The Owl moves horizontally not vertically so set it up accordingly.  The Owl does need to be located near an outlet to plug in so keep that in mind when selecting a location. Also, it is important that the Owl is set on a stable surface.


“Getting the Owl’s Attention”

It takes time for the Owl to identify where the speaker is located and to adjust the views accordingly.  It is recommended to have a common phrase used by everyone in the room to get the owl’s attention such as “Hey Owl, turn to me.”


Muting the Owl

There is a mute button on the base of the Owl.  When the mute button is pressed, a red light will appear at the base of the Owl and your participants in your virtual meeting will not be able to hear you.


Adjusting the Volume

There is a + and - button on the base of the Owl to adjust the output volume.