Difference between revisions of "Elluminate-FAQ participant-intro"

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The '''Getting Started FAQ for Participants''' is a place for collecting information helpful to faculty, staff and students who are just starting to attend or participate in sessions hosted in Elluminate.   
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The '''Getting Started FAQ for Participants''' is a place for collecting information helpful to anyone (faculty, staff or student) who is completely new to Elluminate, and just starting to attend or participate in sessions.  Session facilitators can direct their participants here for pre-session orientation and set-up information.  Relevant topics include: how to log in, how to set up and test your speakers/mic, and basic navigation and use tips.   
  
 
''First time user?'' Please follow the '''Pre-Session Computer Configuration steps'''
 
''First time user?'' Please follow the '''Pre-Session Computer Configuration steps'''

Revision as of 21:11, 26 February 2009

The Getting Started FAQ for Participants is a place for collecting information helpful to anyone (faculty, staff or student) who is completely new to Elluminate, and just starting to attend or participate in sessions. Session facilitators can direct their participants here for pre-session orientation and set-up information. Relevant topics include: how to log in, how to set up and test your speakers/mic, and basic navigation and use tips.

First time user? Please follow the Pre-Session Computer Configuration steps (below) to test your computer PRIOR to your first live session via the Elluminate system.


Elluminate web-conferencing Quick Login Instructions

Please log in 20 minutes before the beginning of your session. It is a good idea to make sure that your webcam and/or headset is connected to your computer before you start.

1. Enter via the web link provided by your meeting organizer or course instructor.

2. LOGIN NAME: Enter your desired screen-name (this will be visible to all via the participant list)

3. PASSWORD: Leave the password BLANK and login

4. Accept all security certificates and warnings (our partner site, nps.edu is safe) and follow on-screen instructions.

5. Note: This is a public "room" -- if there seems to be a meeting or course going on when you log in, please simply close the window and come back another time.

PRE-SESSION Computer Configuration

Elluminate is a dynamic web conferencing tool that integrates text, audio, and video communication. In order to connect with the Monterey Institute community you will need to check your computer configuration. To avoid difficulties during the session, it is best to run this configuration check at least 24 hours prior to your Elluminate session.

Step 1 - Java software check

Check to make sure that you have the most recent version of Java software.

Follow the directions to test your computer configuration at this link: http://www.elluminate.com/support/

Step 2 - Complete your setup

Join the Configuration Room to test your connection and configure your audio: http://tinyurl.com/ypspwr

Follow the directions on the whiteboard to learn how to configure your audio (headset and microphone).

Step 3 - Learn more about Elluminate Live!

Additional information available from Elluminate for troubleshooting is available.

Watch the 5 minute pre-recorded Elluminate Participant Orientation: http://tinyurl.com/22flf8

Step 4 - Join the MIIS Elluminate Session

Follow the link provided to you by your meeting organizer or course instructor to join an Elluminate Session.

Login Name: Type in your screen name (which all other participants will be able to see).

There is NO password (leave this space BLANK)

You will be prompted to accept security certificates from the Naval Postgraduate School site (nps.edu, our project partner); if you stop due to browser warnings, you will not be able to join the session. In the latest version of Windows / Explorer they are quite strongly worded, and most people seeing them abort the process; it's ok make an exception for the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS).

PST = Pacific Standard Time. To find your local time for your session, please visit http://www.timeanddate.com.


Frequently Asked Questions for new participants

Do I need to download software in order to use Elluminate?

No, it's a web-based application. You open a link via your browser (such as Firefox or Internet Explorer), and Elluminate runs in your browser window.

Do I really need to use a headset / mic?

If you use your laptop speakers and built-in laptop mic, your mic will pick up the voices of the other participants coming out of your speakers .... Result? A nasty echo ... Some alternatives to consider ... 1) Use your laptop speakers, but not the mic (you can contribute via the text chat box). 2) Make sure that only one person turns on the mic at once; this avoids audio feedback, but slows down interactions and turn-taking considerably. 3) Use any earphones / ear buds that you have (and make sure they are selected, via the Audio Setup Wizard); this way your mic will only pick up your voice, as all other session audio will be running separately through your earbuds.