Online Rooms is a web conferencing tool integrated with Learn@UW-Stout. It can be found under the Other Tools menu. It is strongly recommended that instructors take training from
Learning Technology Services (LTS) prior to class use. To make Online Rooms run smoothly, instructors and students must ensure that their computers are prepared to work with this software.
Please follow the instructions below to prepare your computer for use with Online Rooms.
1. Hardware: Pariticipants should have speakers and a microphone or a headset with a built-in microphone in order to make use of the Audio feature. The use of a webcam is also possible, however, webcam use increases the necesary bandwidth and may be problematic for students on slower connections.
2. Compatibility: Blackboard Collaborate requires that you have a compatible browser and Java setup. Go to this website to check your computer: http://blackboard.force.com/apex/publickbarticleview?id=kA770
000000CbIW a. Under Step One, click on the link titled, “system requirements for Blackboard Collaborate Web
Conferencing.” b. In the page that opens, ensure that you get green check marks for your Operating System and Java.
If you need help, consult ASK5000 or your local tech support to assist you in making any necessary updates.
c. Under Step Two, go the V12.6 (US-SAS) Configuration Room and attempt to enter. The ability to enter this room helps ensure that you will be able to enter the rooms you create. d. Follow the audio configuration instructions in the Configuration Room.
e. If necessary, ASK5000 or your local tech support can refer to this website to determine the minimum requirements and optimum browser for your use of Blackboard Collaborate: http://support.
blackboardcollaborate.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=8336&task=knowledge&question
ID=2890
3. Testing: It is recommended that you do a “dry run” or trial of Online Rooms with your students prior to an actual session. Doing the dry run will: a. Help uncover any possible problems not apparent in the compatibility test.
b. Help students to become accustomed to the Online Rooms environment.
c. Enable you to teach the students to use tools that will be used in future sessions. d. Give you a chance to manage the virtual room with live attendees present.
e. Enable students to test their audio setup.
4. Help: Online Rooms is supported by UW-Stout as part of its integration with Learn@UW-Stout.
a. Instructors may contact LTS directly if they are having issues with Online Rooms.
b. Students with issues regarding Online Rooms should contact their instructor. If the instructor cannot resolve the issue, the instructor may contact LTS on behalf of the student.
5. Resources: There are free moderator and attendee guides available online a. Moderator: http://library.blackboard.com/ref/3c5e63f9-3950-444f-85f3-1b0d759f084d/index.htm
b. Participants: http://library.blackboard.com/ref/8fb6da4a-0569-4d9e-89f3-c32ec8370cd9/index.htm
X It’s not necessary to use all the available tools. Just use the tools you need to accomplish your meeting goals.
X Doing the compatibility test and dry run will save time answering tech questions during your regular session time.
X Some corporate firewalls block access to Online Rooms. Students planning to attend sessions from work should test their access in advance.
X Popup blockers can prevent meetings from opening. If you click on the Join button and nothing happens, ensure that a popup is not being blocked by your browser.
X Meetings can take a few minutes to open, so patience helps during the opening of a meeting session.
1