Accessing webinars, online tutorials and meetings
The following guidance will help you access and take part when attending an online meeting through Class Collaborate or Microsoft Teams.
Class Collaborate is a real-time virtual classroom tool that lets you add files, share applications, and use a virtual whiteboard to interact with your tutors and your fellow students. Each Blackboard course includes Class Collaborate. Your tutors will let you know if/when you will need to access Class Collaborate as part of your course.
If you need help getting started or using Collaborate you may find the following video useful:
Collaborate for Students (Video)
If you would prefer a written guide, use the following link:
Collaborate: Getting Started
We have created an interactive online package (a ‘toolkit’) to help users work through the requirements for learning online. Use the following link to access it:
Online Learning Toolkit
Microsoft Teams is part of the Office 365 suite. Your tutor will let you know if you need to use Microsoft Teams as part of your course. To access Microsoft Teams go to Office 365 and log in with your student username and password.
We have created this short video on how to use Microsoft Teams as well as a detailed user guide.
There are also lots of useful video guides on Microsoft Teams in LinkedInLearning which is free to access for Edge Hill students and staff.
You may also find the Microsoft Support pages useful:
If you need any help and support logging into Office 365 then contact the Catalyst Helpdesk.
Internet Connection / WiFi
Ensure you have a steady connection – preferably a strong WiFi signal or better still a computer that is plugged directly into your router or modem.
Bandwidth
There may be occasions when bandwidth is restricted (the amount of data that can be sent and received at any one time). If you are experiencing lag, jumping, drop-out or other issues, try switching off your video and encourage others to do the same especially if in a large group. If a person isn’t speaking, ask them to turn off their microphone too (this will also help with background noise)
Firewalls
If you are in a hospital, or similar setting, there may be firewalls that will block your access or restrict your connection in some way (especially if trying to use video). You may need to connect via your data connection on your phone or use a different computer. Try to take the time to test your setup first before your session, especially if using equipment for the first time.
Complete loss of internet
Check with your broadband provider to find out if the problem is temporary. If you are due to submit a piece of assessed work online, get in touch with your tutor as soon as you can to explain the situation.
Recommended Web Browsers
There is a choice of web browsers available, and most devices will come with one installed, but we would recommend using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or the last version of Microsoft Edge for the best experience (as opposed to Safari or Microsoft Edge/Internet Explorer).
If you are having any trouble accessing a link or joining a session a good tip would be to check if any functions are being blocked by your browser, specifically in Google Chrome. If you are joining a Blackboard Collaborate session ensure you allow third-party plugins, if prompted, for Collaborate to work in your web browser.
Audio
If you are joining a webinar, online tutorial or online meeting it is important to check your computer is picking up the correct equipment so you are able to take part in the conversation.
Microphone
This could be a built-in microphone, external microphone (plugged into the microphone socket of your computer or laptop), a headset (aux/mini jack into your computer or USB) or even a Bluetooth headset or hands-free set. With so many options your device may pick up multiple input options so is important to choose the right one.
Audio
Make sure that the correct output is also set. You may be using wireless or Bluetooth headphones, wired headphones (jack or USB), built-in or external speakers. Ensure that the sound is set to come out of the one you are expecting. For the best experience, we recommend headphones. By using headphones you can avoid any audio leak, or feedback, via the microphone which can make it difficult to hear.
Device Permissions
If you need to install any hardware, such as an external microphone, it is important to check you have permissions to install them on your device. This is also important to check if you need to add any additional software, such as web browsers or Panopto (if recording). Make sure you have admin rights and that your operating system (OS) allows you to make any necessary changes.
If you are using Windows in S-Mode this will mean upgrading to Windows Home or Professional edition – there is no cost to this although it cannot be reversed.