Connect+Training

Connect Training Notes (Wednesday March 21st, 10-12 Gornto 411, ODU campus, Norfolk, VA) Facilitator: Dave Swift (deswift@odu.edu)

1. Used by ODU to augment Blackboard

__Uses__ Synchronous and Asynchronous teaching Self-recorded computer-based instruction -helps instructor self assess "Ask the Professor" / discussion of course material Student presentations Flipped Classroom -1st do reading then discuss in class (rather than the old school tactic of discuss first then read) Out-of-class student group collaboration -collaborative meetings from one physical space to another -could be in the same classroom Department meetings / research grant colloboration PhD dissertation -"Fly on the wall" concept (listen, but not having webcam on) Virtual office hours -expands availability...doesn't need to change time commitment Help / tutoring

Connect is a "Swiss Army Knive" -but...forget the tool; start with the question of what you wish to accomplish, then pick the tool

2. Connect Account [|http://connect.odu.edu] ID: yourname Password: Midas network password

3. Practice Creating Content -Uploading content -Content means there is something to share with students a. (e.g. slideshow) available wherever I am if uploaded to server b. (e.g. something on your thumbdrive) available to show on a particular harddrive (cannot share on other computers) c. (e.g. applicatiions I have) available in course; control of application can be passed on to a student if I have it

-Putting something up on the server Grey bar (home, content, meetings, reports, administration) = stuff that already exists / is already uploaded) Create new (meeting, content) = stuff I wish to upload

Content that can be shared varies in format -Allowed = pdf. powerpoint flashfile (not for editing) -not allowed = spreadsheet or word document Summary -Make notes to yourself and this will assist in future lessons

Creating Meeting -could be done really quickly...if you just use the default settings -Custom URL will automatically be generated --(usually you won't change it...but you may do it for your "virtual office hours"... do it if there is a compelling reason to do so) --make all names simple and easy to use (including meeting time, etc.) --there can be only one URL for a particular name

-Can use a symbolic icon to replace URLs

"Start Time" is the opening of the door for your virtual classroom. Leaving the door open is preferred. -Set time only if you are posting stuff you don't want them to see items early, or if the items are sensitive -Can change anything, except the URL name -Meeting lives forever, unless you delete it

Access -there are haves and have-nots (those who have a Midas account and went to the Connects Training vs. everyone else with internet, browser and flash player -item one (Only registered users may enter the room (guest access is blocked) = you have to allow in all the users -item three (everyone can enter)

Use of Webinars ODU has only 500 people that can be connected at one time

Audio Conference Settings No way to phone in at this point

NEXT

On left = haves On right = those at meeting

Host - the creator of the meeting Presenter - almost a host (so a guest teacher can totally take over your meeting) Participant - default; very limited

Can Promote participants to either Host or Presenter

Create a very specific set of rules on how to control the meeting -how do you ask questions, etc.

Enter meeting -pass URL on to the students by cutting and pasting the URL and emailing it / blackboarding it -boxes (windows) are called PODS -attendees are either promoted individually, or could be automatically coming in as a presenter...which makes class more interactive

Preferences: Recommended to change Room Bandwidth to DSL/Cable for the off campus users...bit easier for them

Audio Full duplex....like a telephone...talk and listen Half duplex...one can talk at one time

Video High video quality is great if students have good connections Only change it if students report that they're having problems seeing videos

Audio Setup Wizard Connects doesn't have many problems....if they do it might be audio. "Soft rules" / "Rules for Success" : -focus on content -practice -try some mini sessions prior to the actual meeting place with students --good for testing for content --good for running through the technology --tell students to contact OCSS prior to class if they've technological problems

Have students also do Audio Setup Wizard -do it prior to class first meeting (have students do this); but they must be promoted out of participants to do this -recommended that the listeners have headsets (just works better)

Record Meeting

Careful End Meeting (to lock the door); and Exit Adobe Connect (you are leaving) can be easily confused....you could just click the red X in corner. End Meeting

Exit Adobe Connect

Start my Webcam

Adjust camera to where you wish it to be aimed Start Sharing

You can freeze your video / x out...or even close others videos...good for virtual office hours

KEEP OPEN these Pods Keep Attendee List (recommended if there is another human being in the meeting) Chat window (gives chance for communication if there is audio problems)

March 28th Connect Training Part II (Beyond the Basics)

Dave Swift (deswift@odu.edu)

Refresher: -Many uses including -recording -virtual office hours -mini-lectures (15-20 minute increments) -flipped classroom

Rules for success -Practice makes perfect (especially before actually using it in class) -Managing tool and working the content are two different things...so practice so that it's second nature

-Send out test sessions to familiarize students with the tools / interface of Connects, including Audio Wizard

-Have a set of "Soft Rules"...this is your virtual classroom -Use first name/last name when you sign in as a guest

Always have two pods open -chat -attendee list

For assistance manual go to [] There is a Connect User Guide there.