Best Practices & Tips
Before a Session:
· Chrome is the best web browser to use unless screen sharing is needed; in that case use FireFox.
· If you are organizing a session, check that participants have read the BBB procedures before the session begins.
· Test outgoing video via webcam, mic, and speakers/headphones.
· It is a good idea to set up a test session with the group before the actual class begins.
· To ensure the best connection, wire into an Ethernet connection. If you need to use a wireless connection, try to get as close to the nearest router as possible. Other computers or devices sharing your network can effect your connectivity.
· To test connection, use http://www.bandwidthplace.com/ . The recommended download speed is 1 mbps, and the upload speed is 1 mbps.
· If you are using a laptop, plug in to a power source so you are not disconnected because of power loss.
· Close other programs that will not be needed for the connection.
· Try to use the same location for each connection as much as possible.
During a Session:
· The first 5 minutes of a video-conference might need to be reserved to trouble-shoot.
· Using headphones and muting audio when not talking can help hearing those speaking and cut down on audio feedback and noise.
· It is usually best to think about which tools fit your goals instead of forcing the use of a tool.
· Sharing videos, Prezis, or other high bandwidth applications most likely will not work. If you need to share a video, one solution is to share the link (such as YouTube) for participants to watch asynchronously. For other solutions, see Online Video Sharing here or contact Jim Heston ([email protected]).
· If you seem to have a bad connection, try disconnecting and logging back in.
· Sometimes it feels as if technology is an extra barrier in communication; it might help to imagine the video screen as a window into a virtual room where you are interacting with real people. After using video-conferencing awhile, the awkwardness of the technology tends to fade away.
· If you are having connection issues or get disconnected, go to http://www.bandwidthplace.com and click the green start button. Email Jim Heston ([email protected]) the results (the number for upload and download).
· Basic Principles of Lighting
Here is the video for Big Blue Button (8:58); it talks you through testing mics, cameras, etc.
· Chrome is the best web browser to use unless screen sharing is needed; in that case use FireFox.
· If you are organizing a session, check that participants have read the BBB procedures before the session begins.
· Test outgoing video via webcam, mic, and speakers/headphones.
· It is a good idea to set up a test session with the group before the actual class begins.
· To ensure the best connection, wire into an Ethernet connection. If you need to use a wireless connection, try to get as close to the nearest router as possible. Other computers or devices sharing your network can effect your connectivity.
· To test connection, use http://www.bandwidthplace.com/ . The recommended download speed is 1 mbps, and the upload speed is 1 mbps.
· If you are using a laptop, plug in to a power source so you are not disconnected because of power loss.
· Close other programs that will not be needed for the connection.
· Try to use the same location for each connection as much as possible.
During a Session:
· The first 5 minutes of a video-conference might need to be reserved to trouble-shoot.
· Using headphones and muting audio when not talking can help hearing those speaking and cut down on audio feedback and noise.
· It is usually best to think about which tools fit your goals instead of forcing the use of a tool.
· Sharing videos, Prezis, or other high bandwidth applications most likely will not work. If you need to share a video, one solution is to share the link (such as YouTube) for participants to watch asynchronously. For other solutions, see Online Video Sharing here or contact Jim Heston ([email protected]).
· If you seem to have a bad connection, try disconnecting and logging back in.
· Sometimes it feels as if technology is an extra barrier in communication; it might help to imagine the video screen as a window into a virtual room where you are interacting with real people. After using video-conferencing awhile, the awkwardness of the technology tends to fade away.
· If you are having connection issues or get disconnected, go to http://www.bandwidthplace.com and click the green start button. Email Jim Heston ([email protected]) the results (the number for upload and download).
· Basic Principles of Lighting
Here is the video for Big Blue Button (8:58); it talks you through testing mics, cameras, etc.