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Information for Students About Wimba Participation

 

What is Wimba Classroom?

Wimba Classroom (henceforth Wimba) is an online synchronous tool your instructors may use to have real-time interaction with you. This means that they may schedule a specific time that you and your classmates have to log into your Blackboard course and interact with them.

How is Wimba used?

Some instructors may present content, give an orientation to your course that semester, have student presentations and/ or hold virtual office hours. They key to successfully participating in Wimba is to make sure your system is compatible, including checking the audio capabilities. The Wimba Wizard will help you test your system components for compatibility and functionality.

 

What you will need to get started with Wimba:

This page has been designed to assist you in preparing to use Wimba Classroom. 

1. Assess your computer 
1. Visit the System Requirements (link opens in new page) page to make sure you are using the correct equipment.
2. Purchase your Headset with Microphone and install on computer
1. You can purchase either a standard or USB headset. Wimba recommends Logitech or Plantronic brands.
3. Run the Wimba Wizard
1. At least 48 hours before your first session, go to your course Blackboard shell and click on Tools. Click on Wimba Classroom and it will ask to run the Wimba Wizard. The Wizard checks for the following:
1. Popup Blockers
2. Java version
3. Text chat capabilities
4. Speaker and microphone functioning
2. If you successfully run the wizard, you are prepared to use Wimba Classroom.
3. If you cannot complete the wizard, use one of the methods below to get help.

 

Technical Support:

Technical Support is always on hand to provide assistance with Wimba Classroom. Wimba has many ways to contact our support team; these are listed below for your reference in the future:

 

• Click on Wimba Classroom Support  to have a 
  a) live chat with a Wimba technical support representative 
  OR
  b) submit a Ticket to get a response from Wimba Technical support. 
  OR 
• Telephone Support
• 24/7 Technical Support Number
• North America, Toll Free: 1 (877) 382-2293
  UK, Toll Free: (0800) 051-7248
  Ireland, Toll Free (1800-64-4528)
  Australia, Toll Free: 1 (800) 26-7338
  International, Non Toll Free: 1 (606) 274-2370

What the Wimba Classroom will look like:

 

 

 

 

• The Content Frame is the main focus of a presentation. Almost all content, such as images, charts, and text will appear in the Content Frame. During the presentation, the displayed content will be controlled by the presenter.
• The Text Chat Area is where you can communicate via text chat with presenters and fellow participants.
• The Participant Area lists all the presenters and participants currently in a presentation.
• The Media Bar appears above the Text Chat Area. It is home to the WimbaMedia System, a multi-way audio and video means of communication during a live presentation.

 

***Please Note:  All of these areas are explained in more detail in this printable handout:  Wimba Participant Guide (.pdf)

 

Preparing to Log into Your Wimba Classroom:

Wimba Classroom is now integrated into the Blackboard learning management system. You may go directly to the Blackboard course to find your Wimba Classroom.

 

Important Note: Prior to accessing the Wimba Classroom, you must run the Setup Wizard. You need to do this on the computer you will regularly use to access the Wimba Classroom and every additional computer you use.

 

Solving Technical Issues:

To Resolve Microphone Problems:

If others cannot hear you speak in the presentation, make sure that the presenter has enabled you to speak. The Speaking Privilege icon next to your name in the participant list should be positive.

 

If you have correctly connected your microphone (and you have been enabled to speak), but others still cannot hear you, you should ensure that a) your computer’s recording controls have the proper settings, and b) your microphone is functioning.

 

To Check Recording Control Settings (PC)

1. Open your Volume Controls by selecting: Start ->Programs -> Accessories -> Entertainment -> Volume Control.
2. Click the Options menu and select Properties.
3. Select the Recording button.
4. From the list, make sure Microphone has a check mark next to it.
5. Click OK.
6. Lastly, go to the Microphone section and make sure the select box is set to a non-muted option. You may also want to adjust the slider, if volume level is an issue.

 

To Check Volume Control Settings (Mac OS X)

1. Open your Sound Preferences by selecting: Apple Menu -> System Preferences -> Sound -> Input.
2. Make sure that the Input Volume slider is sufficiently to the right and the correct device is selected for sound input.

 

Check Microphone Function (PC)

If your volume controls have the proper settings, you should ensure that your microphone is functioning. First ensure that you microphone is turned on (if there is an on/off switch) and properly plugged in. You can then record an audio clip and listen to that clip to ensure that your computer can properly capture your audio:

1. Open your Sound Recorder by selecting: Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Entertainment -> Sound Recorder.
2. Click the circular Record button to start your recording.
3. Speak into your microphone for several seconds. As you speak, you should see the audio meter register your voice.
4. Click the square Stop button to stop your recording.
5. To play back your recording, click the triangular Play button. You should hear the audio clip you have recorded. If you can’t hear the clip (or did not see the audio meter register your voice), the issue is most likely related to your microphone.

 

Check Microphone Function (MAC)

If your volume controls have the proper settings, you should ensure that your microphone is functioning. First ensure that your microphone is turned on (if there is an on/off switch) and properly plugged in. You can then use your Sound preferences dialog to determine whether your computer can properly capture audio:

1. Open your Sound Preferences by selecting: Apple Menu -> System Preferences -> Sound -> Input.

 

When you speak into the microphone, the Input level volume meter should register your audio. If it does not, the issue is most likely related to your microphone.

 

Telephone Simulcast

The Telephone Simulcast provides a backup option for users who do not have a microphone or are experiencing technical difficulties.

1. To access the Simulcast, click the Phone icon . A telephone number and PIN will appear. (If the Media Bar does not appear, type /phone in the Text Chat Area and press Enter on your keyboard. Dial-in information will then be displayed textually).
2. Dial the telephone number provided and enter the PIN when verbally prompted. You will hear three tones, indicating that you have successfully connected. You can now listen to session audio via telephone. If you are enabled to speak, you can do so using the telephone.

Note: Use of this option requires simultaneous access to the telephone and Internet for full participation in the presentation.

 

***Please Note:  A printable/PDF version of this page can be created by selecting the PDF version button below the comments section.

 

 

 

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