Welcome!

In this Wimba Overview you will learn:

How the Wimba Support Team checks audio How to communicate in the classroom Features of the classroom Common problems Where to find help

to Wimba Classroom

You will be called on by a support person.

If you can hear them, then you want to say “hello” back to them.

To talk, do the following:

• Click and hold the TALK button on the screen, or• Hold down the CTRL key on your keyboard

Highlighted when microphone is activated

After you succeed in talking, click the check button to put a green check next to your name.

The “Audio Check”

Classroom Overview

Interacting in Class

Yes NoRaise Hand

StatusRoom Pulse

Symbols appear here

• Clear Status

• Away (bird)

• Approve (thumb up)

• Disapprove (down)

• Surprise ( ! )

STATUS VALUESmost common

• Confused ( ? )

• Clap (hands)

• Laugh (smile)

• Faster ( >> )

• Slower ( << )

Text Chat

Public• Select room name in drop-down list (Main Room will be the default)• Message is visible by all in the room and has white background

Private• Select recipient in drop-down list or click their name in participant list• Message is visible only by recipient and has gray background

Chat is used to communicate with others in the room without interrupting

the audio and/or presentations going on. There are two methods of chat:

Private

Public

“pause” scrolling

Rooms

Faculty / Staff

Students

DROP-DOWN LIST

Media Bar

Blue phone for calling in – click to get phone # and PIN

Video indicator

Used when troubleshooting audio problems

Bandwidth indicator (want 3 green bars)

Talk button

Speaker / Mic levels

Used when troubleshooting audio or other connection problems

Landing PageClick here to run Setup Wizard

List of room archives if you missed class

Click here to enter the room

Click here to “re-experience” class(including chat, person list, etc.)

Click here for audio or video only (video only shows content – no chat, person list, etc.)

Use phone # and PIN on the landing page if you can’t get in the room

Setup Wizard

These steps may require installation of components the first time you run the wizard

Be patient during these two steps; they each take about 15+ seconds

Run the wizard before each class to ensure your system

is set up correctly (browser, java, audio, etc.)

--- Wait for “Congratulations…” message before clicking “Next”

--- Wait for three beeps and then talk/listen before clicking “Next”

The Wizard should take about two minutes total to run

Headsets

Easier to use, lower quality

USB (1 flat connector)Analog (2 1/8” plugs)

Higher quality, can “act up”

• Make sure headset and microphone are properly connected

• Make sure microphone is NOT muted

Calling In

* Phone number is 201 area code, long distance may apply Mute your phone when not talking (*6 if calling from landing page)

If your headset is not working, you can call in* If you can get into the room, click the Blue Phone

• You will get a unique phone number and PIN

• Your name will be displayed normally

If you can NOT get into the room, go to the Landing Page

• You will get a generic phone number and PIN

• Your phone number, but not your name, will be displayed

Called in via blue phoneCalled in via landing page

Get Wired!

1 - Use an ethernet cable to connect your computer to a router or modem

Wired connections work better then wireless …

2 – Disable the wireless connection on your computer Varies by Mac or PC version,

but usually looks like these

Common ProblemsArrive 15 minutes early and run Setup Wizard in case there’s a problem

• If slides are not updating, text chat not visible, or buttons not working • Make sure you only have one version installed • Make sure it’s a current and working version – requires a clean install• Get Java at java.com (for Apple software updates)

Audio Issues

• Leaving the room and re-entering can fix some problems• Rebooting computer can fix USB headset “sync” and browser issues

• Internet Explorer needs to run in “Mixed Content Mode”• Have at least two browsers (IE, Firefox, Safari) so you can try another• Turn off Pop-up blockers

• Make sure microphone is properly connected and not muted• Test sound by playing a YouTube video or similar• Click Options -> Disconnect Media -> Reconnect Media

Browser Issues

Java Issues

Other

Support Info

Help for Blackboard Vistaand Wimba Classroomis available 24/7

• Phone: 1-888-300-6920 (external support)

• Email: bostonsupport@umassonline.net (UMass)

• Live text chat (link at UMassOnline Boston Home Page)

• Visit http://www.umb.edu/it/tech/lms/student.htm (UMass)

Users Manual

Each Wimba classroomhas documentationas the first link.

You can view or download the participant guide for detailed instructions and information.

Good Luck!

Have a great semester!