Step 2: Purchase Headset
To participate in the live classroom, Wimba recommends using headsets instead of external speakers or microphones, particularly built-in microphones of laptops. A PC microphone headset, can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, Best Buy, or similar store for about $20.

Step 3: Run Setup Wizard
Wimba Classroom requires a short setup, which should be completed in advance by going to the link provided below. You should run the Setup Wizard at least 24 hours in advance of your first Wimba session, to allow time to fix any problems that the Wizard detects. Plug in your headset before running the Wizard.

• Run the Setup Wizard by clicking here, Setup Wizard
• Follow the prompts listed.
• For immediate support or questions, please go to http://support.blackboardcollaborate.com and
  For Secondary Drexel Support contact Mike Sullivan at: cnhpcomp@drexel.edu
  Or contact Caroline Feenan at ccf25@drexel.edu or (215) 762-5070
  

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Best Practices

Click to Download an Adobe Acrobat Version of Wimba's Best Classroom Practices

Pre-Semester/Quarter Wimba Classroom

• Understand each of the features of Wimba Classroom and their appropriate use.
• Test your computer with a friend or colleague over a slower connection. Try Wimba Classroom using computers with varying capabilities.
• Check that you are running the latest operating system updates, browser updates, and java updates.

Pre-Session Wimba Classroom

Before your session, make sure you have prepared and tested your materials.

• Test web sites before you display them in a content frame or new window. Some web sites contain scripting that can break content. Other web sites contain images or other attributes that can take a substantial time to download.
• Keep all files less the 300 kb for expedient transmission across the network. Do not display large files or content.
• Use few graphics and a solid background if you will be displaying a PowerPoint presentation.
• Close computer applications you are not currently using, i.e., email, Instant Messenger, auto update applications, and any heavy processor intensive applications along with any application that uses the network.
• Clear your Internet cache and java cache.
• Reboot your computer if you it is responding slowly.

 Audio

• Use the phone simulcast option if using a connection with a lower bandwidth or your internet signal is not strong. (Please Note: this is not a Toll free number and the person making the call is responsible for all charges)
• Turn off lock talk when not talking.
• Speak clearly and into the microphone. Clearly enunciate your words.
• Turn microphone volume up.

eBoard

• Use the eBoard tools without talking; draw or make notations using the eBoard tools then begin talking and explain your notations. If you use the eBoard tools, turn off lock talk. (in extreme cases)
• Import small images to the eBoard's Import Image Tool. Images of large file size and resolution can take a substantial amount of time to load on end user's computers.
• Avoid using the Screen Grab Tool if you are connecting over a slower connection or a computer with lower processing and memory management computers.

Web
Push web sites that load fast and do not contain video, large images and music files. Only push web sites that are tested.
Share Application sharing sends images of your screen to your students. Over slower connections, these images may take longer to transmit. Follow these tips for better results:

• Pause when discussing your screen. This will allow the image to transfer completely to participants’ computers.
• Share a screen area rather than full desktop or window. Use the smallest screen area possible when sharing.
• Ask participants to maximize or restore down the Wimba Classroom window s application if it freezes an image on their screen.
• Use the application sharing function a maximum of 50 minutes. If you need to application-share for more than 50 minutes, stop the application sharing and restart it.

Import PowerPoint Presentation

• Keep graphics to a minimum and use a solid background.
• Refrain from importing PowerPoint presentations with a large number of slides.
• Compress images before uploading a presentation to save time when uploading the presentation.

 Video

• Use video only when necessary.
• Select the lowest bandwidth. (From the media bar, select options. From the options menu, select bandwidth.)

Clear Caches (Internet Temporary Files)

Clear your Internet browser and Java cache after a lengthy Wimba Classroom session. This will remove temporary Internet files that can sometimes cause problems. Go to the Control Panel on your computer to locate the Java Control Panel and delete the temporary files shown on the “General” tab. Go to the Internet Tools section on the Control Panel to locate and delete temporary files in the Internet Explorer browser. In Firefox, click Tools > Clear Private Data. (Be careful not to delete your stored passwords.)

Internet Connectivity
Students need access to a computer with Internet capability to connect to the Drexel online courses.

• Your Internet Service Provider browser may not be compatible with the online courseware provided by Drexel University. To test your existing browser’s capability, go to the college’s interactive browser test at http://www.drexel.com/browser test . Recommended plug-ins such a Real Player, Quick Time and Adobe Acrobat Reader are also available at this site.
• All students must activate their Drexel email account for use in our online courses. You can activate your email account with Drexel at http://accounts.drexel.edu once you have completed the registration process.

Computer Software
The following set of software packages is required:

All students are eligible to download free software through Drexel. Software can be downloaded at http://www.drexel.edu/irt/software/download/. In order to access the server, you must authenticate with your Drexel domain ID and password when prompted. If you have difficulty accessing the software site, please contact consult@drexel.edu for assistance.

• Anti-Virus Software: Norton Anti‐Virus software is required and is available free to all students. You can
  download this from the Drexel server at http://www.drexel.edu/irt/software/download/
• Internet Browser: (Internet Explorer 7 or Firefox 3.0):
  NOTE: If you have Windows Vista with Internet Explorer 7 and run into problems, we recommend you
  use Firefox 3.0 as your browser. While most Web browsers should work, students report fewer problems with Internet Explorer.
• A cable or DSL connection is highly recommended for courses using Wimba Classroom. Do NOT use a wireless Internet connection or wireless headset as your connection may be lost.