Computer Requirements

We will be using a program here at Saint Louis University called Wimba. This is a virtual classroom that will allow us to have an online class, including presentations and small group discussions.

In order to prepare for the workshop we ask participants to do a minor amount of technical preparation. In particular, the participants will be asked to do the following before the workshop starts:

• You will access Wimba here: Wimba Classroom
• On your first visit, run the Setup Wizard by clicking on the link on the right side of the Wimba Classroom page.
• To access the workshop sessions, click on the "Participant Login" button on the Wimba Classroom page (once you've run the Setup Wizard, this link may open automatically when you click on the Wimba Classroom link). 
• We'll be setting up one or two test sessions the week before the workshop so that you can see how the software works. However, you can visit the Wimba Classroom any time you like, although the Classroom is likely to be empty most of the time.

In addition, you will receive accounts on this prep10geogebra wiki. You'll receive login information. Make sure you can log in, change your password, and practice editing pages.

Hardware and Network Requirements

To run the Wimba software, you will need:

1. Windows 7, Windows 2000+, Vista, Mac OSX 10.3+ or Linux*
2. 128 MB RAM (256 MB recommended)
3. IE 6.0+, Safari 1.2+, Firefox 1.5 + (Browser must be Java and JavaScript enabled)
4. Internet access at 56k or above (broadband recommended, particularly as we'll be using the screen-sharing feature)
1. Audio input: a microphone.
2. Audio output: headphones (do not use speakers or your microphone will feed back).
5. Webcam.

Recommended:

• Headset with microphone, which will enhance sound quality and make your workshop experience much smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section will answer technical questions as they arise. Please edit it yourself if you have a helpful hint.

General help sites

• The official Wimba Classroom site.

Wimba notes

• You do not need an account or password to use the Wimba classroom, just pick whatever name you like and join as a participant. The classroom is always open, though it may be a little lonely in the middle of the night.
• Only organizers can move people to and from the Breakout Rooms.

Webcam troubleshooting

• Wimba: Your webcam will only show your video to the classroom when you are holding the talk button, and when you have priority. Priority appears to change only when the current person on video stops talking.
• Most webcams can only send their video to one application at a time. So, if you're showing your webcam picture in another window (to test it, say), it won't feed into the Wimba classroom.
• Your webcam will only broadcast when the 'eye' icon in the video window is 'open'. Click on it to open it.
• Any time you change audio/video setup on your computer, you'll probably need to leave the Wimba classroom and then return for the new settings to take effect.