Wimba

We are in the process of implmenting a monthly informational session on our virtual learning program. We want to use Wimba Classroom to do this. We use Blackboard and most of our WC sessions are run through BB. In this case, however, we have setup a WC outside of Blackboard and will provide a link on our website (with dates and times that it will be open) to allow parents, students, etc. to join one of us for an info session.

My question is: what is the minimium amount of information I need to provide to potential guests regarding entering the classroom. We have no idea how many might join us, and we will not necessarily be able to ask all of them to run the wizard before hand; i.e. many of them will come to the website minutes before the session, click the link and try to join us. I realize the vast majority of the time that the wizard will run smoothly for them and they will be able to connect, but in a case like this, should the wizard eve be run? Could I not just tell everyone to make sure their pop-up blocker is turned off? We will not likely be able to troubleshoot if someone has anything other than a minor problem, and even then, they will have no other connection with us beside the WC, a phone number(potential nightmare) or email.

Am I making sense? Is there a way to bypass the wizard in a case like this. Is that a good idea?

Thanks for your input.

Ryan Fuller
Program Specialist
Cobb Virtual Academy

Can you put something on your website about information needed OR even a link to test the set-up wizard.

They need to know that:
Equipment needed to use: microphone headsets, IF not, how to access the phone once inside Wimba to participate

Computer requirements - they should have DSL or cable internet access

Browsers:  With a PC - use either Internet Explorer or Firefox
With a Mac - Safari is recommended over Firefox

Have them turn off pop-up blocker
Have them disable any Google or Yahoo or other toolbars.

Those are the MUST HAVES, based on what you plan to do and if they can not access the setup Wizard prior to the event.

Cheryl Thompson
aka - ND Wimba Woman
cheryl.thompson@ndus.edu

Thanks for the reply, Cheryl.

Would I have to leave the a room open for them to test only the wizard before hand? I guess I could also publish the number and participant pin on the website so that people could just dial in…

The other suggestions make sense. My real concern is using a tool like this and the end-user not having a good expererience - it could reflect poorly on our program!

Best,

Ryan

I believe the PIN varies for each participant so they get charged, unless you made other arrangements with Wimba and have an 800 number. 

If you have a Wimba Classroom set up outside of Blackboard, provide them with the URL.  The set-up Wizard is listed on the page prior to them logging in, so they could test it without logging in.

Try it yourself and see if it works. 

ND Wimba Woman