Basic Tech Prep 

Below is a guide to the basic technology preparation that will give you the best chance for a smooth, successful speech tournament on the National Speech & Debate Association’s Campus program.  It also offers instructions in case of tech problems (taken and adapted from Travis Rother @ ChanSpeech!)

​PRE-TOURNAMENT

1. Follow your coach’s instructions for creating a Speechwire Live account. You have probably already done this. 

2. Make sure that you have the proper browser or application to use NSDA Campus.  Here are the options:  a) Use Google Chrome on a computer or Chromebook.  OR  Download the Jitsi Meet application to iPhone, iPad, or Android.              

3. Do a test run with the system to see if Campus works with your device, browser, and internet settings.  Go to https://campus.speechanddebate.org/ and test the competition room.  If you are using the Jitsi Meet app on your phone or iPad, you should go to the test room through Google Chrome.  It should then prompt you to open the test room in the Jitsi app.

4. Watch this short video that offers an overview of what Speechwire will look like during the tournament and how you will be assigned to your rounds and competition rooms.  

5. Before Saturday, double check your Speechwire account https://live.speechwire.com/ .  Make sure that you remember the email address and password you used to register your account.  Communicate with your coach as soon as possible if you have lost track of this information.  

6. Before entering your competition room on Friday afternoon, close as many applications and programs as possible on your computer.  In the browser that you are using, close as many tabs as possible.  At a minimum, you will need Speechwire and your Campus competition room open.  If you need evidence files, speeches, and other materials, it is recommended that you print these items and/or have them available on a different device for use during the round.  

7. Open and keep open the email account that you used to register your Speechwire account.  If you are able to do this on a separate device from the computer you are using for the Campus competition room, please do so. 

During Round Tech Help​

 Troubleshooting Tech Issues (provided by Travis Rother @ ChanSpeech)

1. Leave the NSDA Campus Room and re-enter. 

2. To see if your Wi-Fi connection is the problem, go to a new tab and try to load any page.

3. Try using a different browser. 

4. Restart the device.

5. Disconnect from their wireless and then reconnect.

6. Clearing Cache and Cookies - Websites/Videos not loading TRY THIS

   1. On your computer, open Chrome.

   2. At the top right, click three dots.

   3. Click More tools →  Clear browsing data.

   4. At the top, choose a time range, select All time.

   5. Next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," check the boxes.

   6. Click Clear data.

7. Find out what kind of device they are on. Do they have another they could try?

8. Have them see if they can update their Chrome browser. 

   1. Look for Updates (Chromebook or Chrome Browser)

   2. On your computer, open Chrome.

   3. At the top right, click 3 dots. 

   4. Click Help →  About Chrome OS or About Google Chrome.

   5. If needed click Check for Updates (sometimes it will automatically begin checking).*

   6. NOTE: If you get an error go to https://www.google.com/chrome/ and try installing Chrome.

      1. If your Chromebook finds a software update, it will start to download automatically.

      2. Reboot the Device whether it found an update or not.

*  There may be multiple updates that need to be done.  After restarting your chromebook, check for updates again to make sure all of them have been installed.  You will need to SHUTDOWN and reboot before resuming regular chromebook activity.

1. Close all non-essential tabs.

2. Ask if they can get closer to their wireless router. 

If troubleshooting DOES NOT Work, here is the protocol: 

Make sure the student (s) knows that something will get figured out! We are navigating a brand new world of speech together! 

If it is a student issue and none of the troubleshooting steps above worked, move on to the next student. While continuing the round, send the student who is having troubleshooting issues to the HELP room.

If it is a judge issue, the judge should come to the tab room and have students stay in the NSDA campus room. Instruct any double entered students to head to their other round first and that you or a tab staff will return with the solution. 

Here is what will happen if it is a student issue:

The student will be put into a breakout room with a tournament staff to problem solve to ensure the student gets to perform!

Potential Solutions:

If it appears to be a NSDA campus glitch, we will have the judge and student come to the tab room at the end of the round to perform in a breakout zoom room. 

If it appears to be a tech issue, we will problem solve and call in student's coach to find a possible tech change. 

If it appears to be a WIFI issue, we will problem solve with what is available to the student. 

If it appears to be an equity or other issue, we will have the student record their performance and upload to an unlisted youtube page or google drive.