Regardless of which web conferencing tool you choose to use, here are some minimum requirements for being able to participate in a web conference. For more detailed information regarding specific web conferencing tools, check out the rest of our web conferencing site, look closely at Choosing A Web Conferencing System, or feel free to contact the Web Conferencing Support team via email.
Obtain Required Hardware
Computer
Fairly recent computer with recent versions of software installed on it (Java, Skype, depending on what tool).
High Speed Internet Connection
Having a high speed internet connection is crucial for making web conferencing work. In addition, we strongly recommend you use a WIRED internet connection instead of a wireless connection, as wireless connections are easily subject to interference (too many walls between you and the wireless access point, or something in your vicinity suddenly blocks your wireless signal; microwaves and cordless phones are bad for this) or overload (too many people using it at a time can slow your wireless connection down to where it will be unusable).
Headset/Microphones/speakers
We'd strongly recommend for students that they purchase a USB headset for use with web conferencing, as
- These provide both a microphone and earphones and
- They provide better quality audio than a built-in microphone
- They are usable in locations where you might not want to disturb others
- They are often more reliable than the headphone/microphone plugs on many computers
Optional Web Cam
A web cam is not essential, but depending on what tool you are using and how your instructor or students feel about it, a web cam can certainly help you feel more "connected" to the other participants
Test Your Setup Prior to the event/Course
There's several steps you can go through test your setup
Step 1 - Test if your software is working correctly. Listed below are links for the test services provided for Blackboard Collaborate and Skype.
If you are able to successfully complete this test, you know that you have your setup configured properly, and can move forward to step 2.
Step 2 - Organize/Participate in a live testing/training session. Organizing a testing/training session for all your participants is one of the best ways to ensure that everyone who is going to be participating in a web conference is able to do so. There are many different ways this can be organized and managed, perhaps the simplest is to set up your room or call a significant time in advance of the actual event or course and make it available to your participants. For assistance with this or to discuss options that are available, feel free to contact the
ICT Web Conferencing support team
Provide Access information for the event/Course
In order for your participants to be able to access your event or course, they need to know how to get there. Here are some suggestions for how to provide/obtain this information:
- For guest-accessible Blackboard Collaborate meetings- Post the web link to the room on a website or within a Blackboard course and inform your participants.
- For Skype conference calls - Have your participants provide you with their Skype Account names so you can call them, and/or provide your participants with YOUR skype account name so they can call you.
- For any web conferencing activity - In the event that there are problems with the technology or the internet, it is very useful to have telephone contact information for your participants/instructor.
