Conference Call-in Number
For the audio portion of the session, dial the toll-free conference call number - 1-800-704-9804 and then enter the access code - 53651784. If you're having trouble with the 1-800 number, you can dial directly at 1-404-920-6604 (this is not a toll-free number). You should be able to use Skype to connect via the 1-800 number, but if you have problems use the 404 number.
This will allow you to hear the speaker during the presentations. After the session starts, we ask that you mute yourself (by pressing *6) so that the speaker can be heard without any extraneous background noise. During question and answer periods you may unmute your phone by pressing *6 again. For the visuals, see the section about screen sharing below. Note that the 800 number may not work from some location (e.g. if dialing in from Skype and possibly if dialing from outside the U.S.). If you find the 800 number does not work for you then you may use the direct dial number. However, in that case you'll be charged for the phone call as per your standard long distance rates.
Screen Sharing with Blackboard Collaborate
We will be using a tool called Blackboard Collaborate (formerly Elluminate) to allow you to view presentations during synchronous sessions. To connect to the Collaborate session just point your web browser to https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.37043EC739E1FD0DA13C385A8D911C&sid=2011009. After visiting this url your computer should automatically connect to the Collaborate session. It will ask you to provide your name and then you'll need click 'trust' or 'run' when prompted. Once connected it will ask you about your connection speed (choose Cable/DSL or LAN depending whether you are at home or work) The first time you do this there will also be a software download that happens automatically in the background. When connecting to subsequent sessions the connection should happen more quickly.
Once connected to the session you'll see a chat window on the left where you can send messages to the group (e.g. to ask questions) and a main window where the presentation will appear. In some cases an additional window may appear allowing you to view items running on the presenter's computer. Collaborate has many other features which we will not be using for this workshop. In particular note that Collaborate has an audio option which we will not be using. Please use the conference call instructions above to connect with a normal phone to the audio portion of the synchronous sessions.
It's recommended that you test out the Collaborate link from your computer ahead of the actual session to ensure that you don't have problems on the day of the meeting. The Collaborate program uses Java which most computers already have. If you run into a problem, the first thing you try should be to make sure you have the latest version of Java installed. If you run into problems, contact John McDaris (jmcdaris@carleton.edu) and he will try to guide you forward. You can also troubleshoot connection problems by visiting https://www.blackboard.com/teaching-learning/collaboration-web-conferencing/blackboard-collaborate/ which will walk you through checking your computer's configuration.