Help with logging on to the Webinar session or with the virtual classroom system used for our Webinars.

Note: user guides for the virtual classroom are available at the vendor's Knowledge Base site.

Steps to joining the webinars - an overview

1. Ensure you have the necessary equipment (see other FAQs below) and it is plugged in.

2. Test your system by going to the webinar link (Use the 'Go to the webinar now!' link posted on the main events page or the Transforming assessment home page), then running the set-up wizard (this is a choice you will be given when you arrive at the link!) by following the steps it provides. See other FAQs below if you run into any trouble...

3. Join the live session a few minutes prior to the scheduled time (all times on this website are shown as Universal Standard Time / GMT.

What equipment do I need to participate?...

A1. In short: An internet connected computer (broadband), web browser software (i.e. Internet Explorer or Firefox) and an a headset (ear phones and microphone - so you can hear and speak!). A webcam is not necessary but is nice to have if you are the presenter.

A2. More detailed: See client system requirements.

Where do I go to access the Webinar? (or I have logged into your website but I'm lost)...

A1. Use the 'Go to the webinar now!' link posted on the main events page or the Transforming assessment home page.
Note: If you have logged onto this transforming assessment web site using the login link located in the top right hand corner or the bottom footer you have in fact logged onto our Moodle system which is separate to the virtual classroom system used for webinar sessions.

A2. If you are looking for an archive version of a webinar please use the links on the past events page.

Does the virtual classroom system work with my web browser?...

A1. Yes - Windows: IE 7, 8, 9; Firefox 3.6+, Chrome 3.0.15. on Mac: Safari 4.x; Firefox 3.6+

A2. Check to see if your browser has a 'pop-up' blocker. If so, turn this off or disable it as it prevents the virtual classroom window from appearing.

A3. See known issues and work-arounds that may work for specific browsers (Chrome and IE) or systems (Mac).

A4. More detailed: See client system requirements.

Do I need a password?...

A1. It depends!

For presenters: Yes! You will be given a special username and password or special link via email to ensure you have access to presenter tools such as whiteboard, powerpoint upload and application share. Follow the link and/or use the username to enter the room.

For ordinary participants: No! You do NOT need a password, just enter your name into the 'participant' box to enter the room.

The audio is not working...

A1. Ensure your headset is plugged into the correct holes prior to launching/entering the virtual classroom or the set-up wizard. The audio in/mic jack, two plug type are most likely to be successful. USB headsets may go unrecognised (but this is becoming less of an issue nowadays). The virtual classroom may not recognise your headset if it is not plugged in prior to launching the virtual classroom/entering the room or the set up wizard (if you plugged it in after entering the room and are having trouble, try exiting and re-entering the room). Also avoid using the PC speakers if you plan to speak in the session, as these produce feedback into the mic and this disturbs other participants.

A2. Check that mute is not enabled and the volume. Check both the computer sound settings/control panel and your headset mute switch/volume.

A3. Check to see if your browser has a 'pop-up' blocker. If so, turn this off or disable it.

A4. Those of you that have previously used the the virtual classroom in the past and are now having trouble may need to follow the steps below which will ensure the any old version is cleared properly from your computer cache and that the new (patched) version is indeed being used:

1. Clear the cache of the browser
   
   • in Internet Explorer this is under Tools > Internet Options, A dialog will appear. Choose the 'General' tab then look for the subheading 'Browsing History'. Find the button 'Delete'. A second dialog will appear. Press the 'Delete files...' button.
   • in Fire fox this is under Tools > Options. A dialog will appear. Choose the 'Advanced' tab and then press the button 'Clear now'.
2. Clear the Java cache
   
   • Open the Windows Control Panel (via Programs > Settings)
   • Open the 'Java' Control Panel.
   • On the 'General' tab, there should be a section for 'Temporary Internet Files'. Click the 'Settings' button in that section.
   • Click the 'Delete Files...' button from the Temporary Files Settings dialog.
3. Re-try the virtual classroom
   
   • Be sure to have your head set plugged in.
   • Enter the virtual classroom system (enter you name or username and password as necessary.
   • Go to Tools -> Audio > Audio set-up wizard and follow the steps.

I can't upload my powerpoint...(mainly for presenters)

Unfortunately some of the error messages produced upon an error are not always informative. Try the items below:

A1. Check the file size is under 6MB. While there is no official file size limit, experimentation has shown that success can be achieved by using small file sizes or by splitting a large file into two or more parts.

A2. Please note that animations and fancy transitions will be removed when you upload. Plan your slides for 'static, one click to change'.

More help...

More help for the virtual classroom is available at the vendor's Knowledge Base site.

Other Tips...

• The participants do not have the same tools as the presenter. This only appears for those with presenter status.
• The presenter should be aware that participants have the ability to draw on the whiteboard/slides. Presenters might want to remind participants to avoid using these tools indiscriminately.
• Presenters/speakers will maintain an open talk/voice channel as long as the talk button is pressed. It is best to press the talk button again each time you have finished speaking to stop broadcasting audio and let others have the mic. Note: It is possible to permit multiple people to have their talk button on, however this tends to create a lot of annoying echos for the audience.
• Try to keep PowerPoint uploads under 6MB as larger sizes may fail to upload (you can split it into multiple files). When it fails it does not tell you the reason.
• When preparing PowerPoint slides please note that animations and fancy transitions will be removed when you upload. Plan your slides to be 'static, one click to change'.
• When presenting with shared applications remember to slow down your actions because the screen refresh rate is much slower for your audience.
• If you are sharing an application, the application will appear inside the content area/whiteboard area. It will be recorded in the archive. Note that only the window of the shared application will appear on the audience member's screens. Non-shared application windows are sent as greyed-out boxes, as is your desktop. Be careful not to cover the shared application with non-shared application window because this will cause it to be partly or fully hidden from the audience (greyed out).

If you need further help please contact us.