Hints & Tips for Online Ed
On this page you will find an outline of all of the 'Hits & Tips' for Online Education, sent to Distance Education students, for your easy reference.
TIP #1 - Online Virtual Classrooms
Prior to attending a virtual classroom session it is important to check that all of your equipment is working correctly. This includes your mic, camera and headphones as well as your internet connection speed. I
ncluded in the invitation and notifications you receive about any Virtual Classroom sessions scheduled for your subject, is a link for you to TEST YOUR CONNECTION SPEED http://connectpro.salvos.net/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm.
By doing this you will then be able to set your correct connection speed once you enter the room (by following the instructions given in the room). This may vary for some people, from LAN to DSL/Cable, but the connection test will clearly tell you what your speed is. If you are having internet connection problems, or are on a dial-up or low bandwidth internet connection, then you may find that not using a webcam and just using voice will give you a better experience.
This is a process of trialling different options until you find the setting and equipment that work best for you. Please do not be discouraged if you experience small problems initially, and please feel free to give me a call if you would like to hop online with me and check your setup prior to a class.
Students should also note that earphones or a headset are required to avoid causing an audio feedback loop, when people use the external speakers on their computer. Normal earphones are suitable for this if you do not have a headset, and should be used at all times while web conferencing. If your webcam has a built-in mic, this is fine to use, but external speakers should not be used at any time as this will cause ringing, feedback and an annoying audio echo loop.
TIP #2 - Online Discussion Forums - Scrolling Problem
A couple of students have contacted me about a 'scrolling problem' when using the Online Discussion Forums. They are able to log in correctly, and enter their subject's private discussion room, but cannot scroll right to the bottom of the screen or list of discussion topics. This is a problem with the individual Flash view settings on the computer being used, and is easily fixed for those who are experiencing this problem.
Instead of using the URL link to the discussion forums given in Connect Pro, add the Forums (http://forum.boothcollege.salvos.org.au/) to your Internet Explorer FAVOURITES list and access it from there instead. There is also a link to the Forums from the Booth College Website, in the drop-down list under STUDENT RESOURCES. The actual process of logging on and using the forums is exactly the same, but you will find the scrolling problem is resolved.
