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It is important to keep your students informed about Wimba (i.e. what it is, how to access it, H/W and S/W requirements, how audio exercises and assignments will be graded, Wimba participation expectations, etc.).

If they will be logging into Wimba to access Wimba audio resources, inform them what their Wimba User IDs and Passwords are. Include the URL to Wimba in the course syllabus and course handouts: http://austincc.horizonwimba.com/austincc/login .

Alternatively, if they will be accessing Wimba audio resources directly from links provided within Blackboard or from within a course web site, let them know how to access this information.

Note: the Voice Tools you create within Blackboard will be available to students in one of the course content areas: i.e. Syllabus, Course Documents, or Assignments.

You will also want to inform students that if they are accessing audio resources directly from within Blackboard or from within a course web page, they will need to type their name into the Screen Name field of the Authentication screen.

In addition, be sure to provide students with the URL to the Wimba web pages for ACC: http://dl.austincc.edu/wimba and to Wimba: http://www.horizonwimba.com.

Below are step by step instructions for accessing and using Wimba. Feel free to copy the steps listed below and give them to your students via email.

STEPS FOR USING WIMBA FROM WITHIN BLACKBOARD

1) Go to one of the Blackboard course content areas where your Wimba audio resource is located (i.e. Syllabus, Course Documents or Assignments)

2) Click on the link to the audio resource within Blackboard.

3) If the system prompts you to enter a Screen Name, type your name in the Screen Name Text field at the top of the screen.

4) Also, if your system prompts you with a Security warning message, Select Yes to allow the audio resource to be displayed on your system. If you select NO on this Security screen, the audio player/recorder will not work on your system.

STEPS FOR USING WIMBA BY LOGGING INTO Wimba'S WEB SITE

1) Log into Wimba.

2) Select the Communications tab.

3) Select one of the following options:

  • Voice Direct
  • Voice Board

4) Select the name of the audio resource that has been provided to you.

5) If an authentication screen appears, type your name in the Screen Name text field (top portion of screen).

Note: If you do not see the audio player, you will need to run a diagnostic on your computer.
http://austincc.horizonwimba.com/austincc/diagnostic/main

If the diagnostic ran OK, you are good to go. If not, more than likely all that is needed is to download Sun Java onto your system.

NOTE: Wimba audio RECORD, PLAY, PAUSE, STOP icons will not work with any other Java Run Time Environment other than Sun Java. Most systems already have Sun Java installed on them, however a few do not.

There is a quick way to ensure your system's default version of Java is Sun Java. Within your browser (i.e. MS Explorer) do the following:

  • Select Tools, then Internet Options from the browsers Main Task Bar Pull Down Menu
  • Click on the Advanced tab (far right)
  • Scroll down the list. If there is a selection called "Java (Sun)..." and the box for this selection is checked, then your system has Sun Java. If you have this box and it is not checked, check it.
  • For additional reference information, go to: http://dl.austincc.edu/wimba/ (ACC site for Wimba) or for more information on Wimba, go to http://www.horizonwimba.com
  • If you don't have Sun Java on your system, it is very easy to download at: http://www.java.com.
  • Once the diagnostic has been run and, if necessary, Sun Java has been downloaded, the only other thing that is needed to RECORD audio is a microphone.
    NOTE: you can play a message and listen to audio without a microphone, but if you want to RECORD audio, you will need a microphone. There are many very cost effective (i.e. under $20) microphones out there. Headset microphones work best (i.e. Altec Lansing, etc.). These types of microphones can be purchased at Radio Shack, Target, Wal Mart, Best Buy, or any number of other stores.
  • Log into Wimba. Note: Wimba can be accessed ANYWHERE there is an Internet connection. To log into your wimba account go to: http://austincc.horizonwimba.com/austincc/login . Your default Wimba USER ID and PASSWORD is your email address for the USER ID and the first part of your email address (whatever comes before the @ sign) for your password. You are encouraged to change your password after you log in initially.
  • Voice Communication elements (Voice Direct, and Voice Boards), and Oral Assessment exercises, activities tests, etc. can be accessed either by linking to them directly or by logging into your Wimba account.
    NOTE: Voice Emails and Voice Authoring Communication elements are available directly either via an email link or from an external link (i.e. course web site, or within Bb).
  • Wimba Troubleshooting issues and concerns should be sent to Wimba (help@wimba.com) or you can complete the Wimba Help Request Form.

NOTE: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTIFY YOUR INSTRUCTOR or the ACC HELP DESK IMMEDIATELY IF THERE IS A PROBLEM ACCESSING OR USING YOUR WIMBA ACCOUNT. IF WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT, WE CAN'T HELP YOU.

The ACC Help desk can be reached at helpdesk@austincc.edu or call them at (512)223-HELP (4357) M-F, 8AM to 5PM.

For more information on how to log into Wimba, review the online tutorial.

For more information on how to run a diagnostic test on your system, review the online tutorial.

For more information on how to check your computer system's version of Java, review the on-line tutorial.