Optimizing your online training experience

Browser | Meeting room | System Setup | Attendance | Class Files | Conference Call

Suggestions or comments? Please comment below

Browser

• Microsoft Internet Explorer is recommended. Other browsers may require you to perform troubleshooting and tech support on your own.

Meeting room

• Be sure to log in prior to the day of class to ensure access using the same computer you’ll use in class. If the instructor has set up time to troubleshoot your setup, please take advantage of this by logging in during that timeframe. Everyone involved will appreciate being able to start class on time without troubleshooting your hardware.
  • Go to Meeting > Manage My Settings > Audio Setup Wizard. Follow the instructions there to ensure proper settings for your equipment. Here are a few tips for Audio Setup Wizard settings:
    • If the Presenter’s audio is breaking up, use the Advanced button to turn off Enhanced Audio
    • If your microphone (or headset mic) creates static, use the Advanced button to verify your Acoustic Echo is set to your audio environment (headset vs. speakers)
  • Go to Meeting > Manage My Settings > My Connection Speed > DSL/Cable
  • Download any files as instructed in the meeting room

System Setup

• Though not explicitly required, a second monitor is helpful to see both presentation and hands-on exercises at the same time
• If a second monitor is not available, you can also:
  • log into the conference on one system to watch the presentation
  • operate another system for class exercises.
    • This method will not allow the instructor to troubleshoot your class exercises via the remote connection unless you log into the presentation on that computer as well.
• Make sure you have the necessary version of the software installed locally for your class.
  • If another version of software will be used, get permission for this prior to class
  • Attending class using other versions is not automatically an option.
• Do not log on to a remote computer to attend your eLearning class (Do not use remote access software, or VPN connection)
  • Example: Logging into your work computer from home. If you attempt to participate in the meeting from a remote computer, this connection will interfere with the eLearning session running at the same time.

Attendance

• Please be respectful of other student’s time and be on the conference call and in the meeting room a few minutes prior to the start of the session.
• Your participation in class often depends on material presented earlier in class. Please refrain from email, phone, and other activity that will divert your attention while class is in session.
• As with in-person training, your instructor and others can hear your cell phone, your conversations, and your typing. Please mute your phone if these are unavoidable distractions.
• If you must step away from the session, please set your status in the meeting to “Away” or otherwise notify the instructor via chat windows or conference call.

Class Files

• Please install class files prior to the day of class.
• Depending on the course, your class files may be delivered:
  • on a CD with your book materials
  • as a download in the Connect classroom
  • via email or your IT staff

Audio/Conference Call

If you are in a noisy environment, be aware of controls for muting your microphone. Examples requiring muting include: exessive white noise, feedback and echo, as well as loud co-workers.

• If using a phone
  for conference call:
  • A landline is recommended
  • Do not use your HOLD button if your phone system plays music or messages while on hold
  • Consider the length of the class before deciding to use a cell phone or other battery operated equipment
  • Ensure that any battery operated phone equipment will last for the duration of the conference calls.
  • A hands-free headset (with microphone!) will make the long conference call more enjoyable
  • No speaker phones are allowed, unless your microphone is will be muted during call
  • The conference call is a standard call, not toll-free.
    • Please ensure your ability to dial out to the provided phone number in your class information
• If using a VOIP/computer-based call
  for conference call:
  • A hands-free headset will make the long conference call more enjoyable
  • Ensure that any battery operated equipment will last for the duration of the conference calls.
  • No speaker phones are allowed, unless your microphone is will be muted during call
  • Performance of audio will be based upon speed of internet connection
    • If you have a slow internet connection, consider calling into the conference number via landline)
  • NOTE: If the audio you hear is broken or clipped, please go back through the Meeting > Manage My Settings > Audio Setup Wizard. You will find an Advanced button which will allow you to set the properties appropriately to your setup, and will allow you to deselect Enhanced Audio. This should result in less clipping of audio.

I noticed the other day that the pretty Captivate path motion functions differently than I previously thought…

The initial path direction is always to the the left or right (when not going either straight up or straight down) rather than being controlled by whether the starting mouse position is on one side or another of the horizontal or 45 degree axes (sp. for plural of axis??)

Matthew Ellison has written an in-depth review of 10 popular screen capture utilities. The link is at http://www.writersua.com/articles/capturetools/index.html