Adobe Connect Best Practices Hardware and system settings: •

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Use a headset with a microphone. Ensure that your headset is compatible with your computer system, and check your computer’s audio settings before beginning a meeting in Adobe Connect You can perform a meeting connection diagnostic by visiting this web page: http://uoit.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm Be sure to open this page in the same browser you will be using for Adobe Connect. Send this link to your students as well. If possible, use a wired Internet connection. This provides more stability than Wi-Fi. If using a UOIT laptop, ensure your wireless switch is turned off. Close any unnecessary programs. This will help your computer run faster and improve stability in your Adobe Connect session.

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If possible, arrange for a practice session using the same setup as you will for class. Spend some time using the software before you have to conduct a class. When possible, optimize your presentation materials (PowerPoint, images etc). Reducing file size shortens download times and helps your presentation run smoother. Always upload your presentation materials before the class begins. Avoid using screen sharing for presentation purposes. Take some time to consider your room layout. Choose what pods you will need, and delete pods you are not using – these use bandwidth and can reduce stability. Remember that breakout rooms will use the layout in effect when the breakout rooms are started for the first time. Minimize interruptions and distractions. Hang a “do not disturb” sign on your office door and turn the ringer off on your phone. This will help focus your attention on moderating your online meeting.

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In class: •

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To improve stability, you can change the meeting’s bandwidth setting. In the Meeting menu, choose Preferences > Room Bandwidth. Choose the DSL/Cable option (in the middle). If desired, you can record your session. Do this by choosing “Record meeting…” from the Meeting menu. A message will alert participants that the meeting is being recorded. Consider what roles will be required in the meeting. Instructors typically maintain the host role, while students can be granted participant or presenter roles as necessary. This increases session stability and avoids potential problems with multiple parties adjusting meeting settings. To allow participants to speak, choose “Microphone Rights for Participants” from the Audio menu. To reduce audio conflicts, choose “Enable Single Speaker Mode” from the Audio menu. This allows one person to speak at a time. Make use of participant status indicators. This can be used to check session connectivity and audio, as well as gather consensus, feedback and check for understanding in class. To end a meeting, open the “Meeting” menu, and choose “End Meeting…” This will ensure that the meeting window and Adobe Connect plugin will shut down properly.

~~~ Additional video tutorials about Adobe Connect are available on the Teaching and Learning Centre website: http://tlc.apa.uoit.ca/tutorials/ ~~~ For support using Adobe Connect in your teaching, please contact Jaymie Koroluk at the Teaching and Learning Centre: [email protected] For technical support with Adobe Connect, please contact Samson Chung in IT Services: [email protected]

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Additional procedures for connecting with an interpreter via Adobe Connect: Roles: Instructor – host Interpreter – presenter Student – presenter Meeting configuration: • From the “Meeting” menu, select “Enable presenter-only area” • Drag the Webcam pod into the presenter only area, so only presenters can see it • Place the question and answer pod (or chat box) into the presenter only area. • When displaying the presentation on the projector, be sure to minimize the presenter only area so it cannot be seen on the screen. Mouse over the dividing bar so you see a double-ended arrow, and drag the bar all the way to the right:

Presenter-only area

Drag this bar all the way to the right

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In class: • Be sure to record meeting sessions (in the “Meeting” Menu, select “Record meeting”). • Be sure that the Instructor and Interpreter both have their webcams turned on (the instructor may need to connect to an external (USB) webcam that will capture the front of the room where they will be presenting. • To advance the PowerPoint presentation from within Adobe Connect, use the forward and back arrows located at the bottom left of the share pod: