Wimba Live Classroom Overview
What's the catch?
There isn't really one! The tool requires a short browser test to make sure you have the correct services installed and your audio configured properly. After that, you're all set!
While the tool is an excellent tool, it can't overcome slow internet connection speed, but the tool will work well using the drawing tools and the audio chat. You'll see more significant slowdowns on slow connections if you also use video or desktop sharing at the same time.
Well, what can I do with Wimba Live Classroom?
- Collaborate in real time with students
- Record the desktop to share a program with another user who may not have a particular program
- Collaborate with audio
- Collaborate with video via webcam
- Collaborate in a shared whiteboard area
- Bring in an outside guest
- Participate with PC & Mac using Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari
- Do remote technical support
- Hold virtual office hours
- Use pre-recorded sessions in future semesters
- Create archived sessions of live sessions that can be viewed later
- Create archived sessions to be exclusively watched later
- Share websites with others
- Import PowerPoint slides and lecture from them
- Check comprehension with Yes/No questions
- Include questions during the lecture and share results
- Much more
Disabling the Tool in Blackboard
As part of our turning on this tool system wide, students will be able to see the tool in Blackboard by default. The tool will appear under the Communications button in the course. To turn this tool off for students in your course, go to Control Panel > Manage Course Menu > click on Modify next to Communication > check the Unavailable box next to Wimba Classroom.
Enabling the Tool in Blackboard
Should you find that your Wimba Live Classroom is not enabled as it should be, you can turn the tool on yourself using the following steps. In addition to checking the location under Manage Course Menu mentioned above, you can also check in Control Panel > Manage Tools > Building Block Availability and check the box next to Wimba Classroom List. You can also check the location of Control Panel > Manage Tools > Content Type Availability and check the box next to Wimba Classroom.
Sample Courses
Here are some samples of the Blackboard 1 and 2 courses archived in Wimba to give you an idea of what it is all about!
When you click on the link, you will have to perform a short test for your web browser (you can skip the microphone part if just viewing) and then enter your name in the single line authentication box that just asks for your name and not the one that asks for a ID and password. You may have more success in Firefox Vs. Internet Explorer particularly in the labs, but both will work.
Here are the Blackboard 1 & 2 course archives for instructors.
The advantage is you can hit the pause button and go and look at an action or perform it and then resume because it is pre-recorded.
When logging in to these samples, use the SINGLE LINE that just asks for your name, ignoring the lines asking for an ID and Password.
Here is a sample of what the tool looks like:
