Why 3 Screens?
First, a disclaimer: this is based on working with Zoom as our virtual classroom platform. As we worked with the software, it became clear that the best way to run the class was to use three discrete screens or monitors.
Let's assume the class is guided using a PowerPoint or Keynote slide deck, as a screen-share. Here is how we would use the three screens:
- Screen 1: The presentation software's "presenter view" with the preview of the next slide or build and facilitator notes.
- Screen 2: The full-screen presentation which will be the primary screen shared during the meeting.
- Screen 3: Everything else: your platform (Zoom, Meet, Teams, etc.) chat and participant list, your Finder (Apple) or Explorer (Windows) and any other applications that you might need during class.
While facilitating, this arrangement allows us to see our slide deck notes in presenter view (monitor 1), the participants' videos, chat and participants panel (monitor 3) and the full-screen presentation being shared (monitor 2).
Setting up the Hardware
Connecting 3 Screens
Having two monitors is pretty common, even for those working from home. Most computers have a built-in port for a second display (typically DisplayPort or HDMI). Adding a second screen is a simple matter of buying one and plugging it in.
For the third screen, you may need to buy a USB-to-HDMI adapter to have a place to plug in the third screen. And you might have to buy that third screen. Fortunately, both are relatively inexpensive. An adapter can be had for $20 or less and there are a lot of decent monitors available for under $150.
A quick note on MacBooks with the base M1 to M3 chips: These computers only support one external monitor. It may be possible to use a DisplayLink Adapter to connect more than one monitor to these computers, but to future-proof your investmment, we recommend avoiding this generation of Mac hardware. M4 and later or any M-series Pro or Max processor do not have this limitation.
If you have an iPad and an Apple computer, you can use Sidecar or YAM Display to use your iPad as an additional screen.
Physically Arranging 3 Screens
The goal here is to arrange the screens in such a way as to minimize the amount of looking around required to see everything. Imagine being in a physical classroom and frequently looking over at a side wall. It would be odd. When your eyes move far away from the camera, it looks odd to the learners.
Avoid this distraction by placing the screens close to and clustered around the camera.
The image shown represents our original setup. The monitors were on the small side and were positioned tightly around the camera. The laptop was elevated on a stand so that the camera was eye-level. We use a separate camera for better image and control but the laptop's webcam works well, too.
Arranging the Screens in Software
Both Mac and Windows operating systems allow you to specify the physical layout of the screens. How to do that is beyond the scope of this article, but take the time to set this up. There is a lot going on during a virtual class and you don't need the extra mental load of trying to remember which way to move the mouse to get to an adjacent screen.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
With this setup, you will project a professional presence in your virtual training. It takes a little practice to be fluent, but it's worth the investment of time.
You can practice without having a class by starting a meeting and then joining with at least one other device. Two or more devices would be better. Fortunately, with Zoom, any device will do: phone, tablet, laptop, etc.
It Works!
We have used this setup on many occasions and it works well. If there are additional windows to be shared during the class, such as a browser window, have it open on the presentation monitor (2). That content will disappear behind the presentation show when it's active. As soon as you select or share the other application, its window will appear in front of the presentation. You don't need to stop the presentation, as long as you're sharing the application windows and not the entire screen.
There are more advanced ways to set up a virtual classroom (see Virtual Classroom Setup 3.0), but this works quite well. Let us know if you use a similar or different setup in the comments section below.