Technical FAQs

Uploading Attachments

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:21:54 GMT

When uploading your files to Blackboard, please do not use the “My Recent Documents” icon in the Open window. Uploading files using this option will only upload a shortcut to the file NOT the file itself. If you see a .lnk file extension, you have uploaded the shortcut and NOT the file.

Blackboard Help

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:37:36 GMT

Basic Troubleshooting

Take a deep breath and don't panic. Stand up and step back from your computer. You want to approach things in a systematic, calm, and controlled manner. Panicking likely won't help solve your problem, and it could make it much worse, including causing you to lose valuable data.
Save your current work. Before doing anything, make sure you save your current work so that you don't lose it. Save it on the hard drive or on a flash drive. It doesn't matter where, just make sure you save it.
Clear the browser's cache and restart the browser. The cache is basically a temporary file storage area for your browser. At times, the browser may be displaying an older version of the page you are trying to view; therefore, clearing the cache will force the browser to retrieve the most recent information and display it on the screen. If you are not sure how to clear your browser's cache, check the browser's help file.
Reboot your computer. Shut your computer down, let it sit for two minutes, and restart it. Sometimes one command of the hundreds a computer executes every second can cause corrupted memory or other temporary unexplainable problems. Rebooting the computer should clear out all the gremlins and give everything a fresh-start.
Make sure your Java is in order. The Blackboard system relies heavily on Java programming, which requires that your computer has the correct version of the Java plug-in installed. The Java tutorial will walk you through the steps of removing all versions of Java from your computer and installing the correct version.
Ask yourself what you did last. Did your problems start just after you installed new software programs or updated hardware drivers? This can be a great clue as to the source of a problem. Many issues can be attributed to personal firewalls or security software on your computer.
Check your computer for nasties. Run a complete system scan with your anti-virus software (make sure you update your virus definitions before you run the scan). You can do a free online scan at TrendMicro's Web site. You should also scan your computer for adware, spyware, or other malware with a product like Ad-aware or SpyBot. Scanning your computer with two of these products can be helpful as sometimes you will find something that one product missed.
Check the Blackboard Help system. The Help system within Blackboard is context sensitive which means that it recognizes where you are within the system and will display help options specific to that area of the system.
Contact the HACC HelpDesk. If your problem still persists after you have tried all of these steps, please contact the HACC HelpDesk. 717-780-2570

Adapted from Ten Steps for Computer Troubleshooting

Browser Check

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:23:27 GMT

The Blackboard Browser Checker can help you to determine if you are using a supported browser and if you have other browser options set correctly. If the browser check shows that your browser has issues, the Browser Tips & Troubleshooting page should provide you with the information you need to correct the issue(s).

If you have questions about enabling pop-ups or cookies, please check the Help section in your browser. Please keep in mind that you may have to enable pop-ups for http://webct.hacc.edu in multiple places if you have third-party toolbars such as the Yahoo toolbar installed on your computer.

If you need assistance with your Java, please visit the Java tutorial.

Disappearing Grade Book

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:44:15 GMT

The disappearing grade book appears to be a Java issue. The following link explains how to correct the problem.

https://elearn.usu.edu/java/clear-java-cache.html

Audacity

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:51:20 GMT

Image Source: sourceforge.net
Audacity is an open-source audio editor that you can use to create podcasts. The following tutorials explain some of the basics of this softwware. All of the tutorials have audio narration, please turn your speakers on.

For more in-depth Audacity tutorials, please visit the How-to-Podcast Website.

Editing & Exporting

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:47:16 GMT

Changing Preferences & Recording

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:46:12 GMT

Downloading & Installing

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:44:05 GMT

Student Tools

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:21:22 GMT

My Settings

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:20:25 GMT

Mail

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:19:20 GMT

Installing Java (Windows XP)

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:18:10 GMT

Discussions

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:16:46 GMT

Chat

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:15:42 GMT

Calendar

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:13:24 GMT

Assignments

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:12:01 GMT

Assessments

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:11:03 GMT

Blackboard How tos

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:48:33 GMT

Adding Content to a Wiki

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:26:33 GMT

Testing Your Webcam and Microphone/Headset

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:33:34 GMT

Testing Your Webcam and Microphone/Headset with Connect

You should have a microphone/headset and possibly a webcam for use with Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro. A webcam is optional and there is a limit of six webcams being visible at one time. This limit is imposed by Adobe who is hosting Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro for us. Your instructor will let you know if a webcam is necessary. Do not use a microphone with speakers as this will cause feedback and disrupt the Web conference for all participants.

Once you have accessed your virtual classroom, you will need to test your microphone/headset and your webcam to insure that they will work successfully. To test your microphone/headset and webcam follow the following steps (please note that the layout of the screen you see may vary depending on the layout chosen by the instructor):

Plug in your webcam and microphone/headset into your computer if they are not already plugged in
Log on to Blackboard
Enter your class
Goto the virtual classroom logon screen by clicking on the link provided by your instructor
Type in your name as instructed by your instructor and click on the Enter Room button

Once you have entered the virtual classroom, you will see something similar to the image below (remember that the layout of the room may vary):

You will now need to make sure that you have selected your webcam and microphone. In the top left-hand corner of the virtual classroom window, you will see a menu with the word Meeting. Click on the Meeting menu link and choose Manage My Settings and then Select Camera ...

You will be asked to choose a camera from the drop-down menu list. Most likely the webcam you plugged in will appear at the top of the list.

You may next be asked to confirm Camera and Microphone Access. Click Allow.

Next you will need to select and set-up your microphone/headset. Click on the Meeting menu link and choose Manage My Settings and Audio Setup Wizard ...

A window will appear that will step you through the Audio Setup Wizard. Follow each of the steps below:

If your instructor gives you permission to broadcast video and audio, you may do so by clicking on the Camera and Voice icon at the bottom of the Camera and Voice pod.

A confirmation window will appear. Click Allow Camera and Microphone Access.

You should now see your image displayed in the Camera and Voice pod. To stop your broadcast, click on the stop button in the Camera and Voice pod: It is to the left of the camera icon.

If your instructor has given you rights to speak, you will see a microphone icon following your name on the attendee list pod.

In order to activate your microphone, you will need to click on the Push to Talk button at the bottom of your screen. This button will broadcast your audio as long as it is depressed (the cursor is on the button and your left mouse button is depressed). If your instructor allows, you my use the Lock button so that you don't have to depress the Push to Talk button each time you wish to speak.

When you depress the talk button for the first time, you will be asked to confirm Camera and Microphone Access. Click Allow.

When your microphone is active, the icon following your name on the Attendee pod will change to a speaker.

To exit out of the virtual classroom you can either close the virtual classroom window on your browser or Use the Exit Connect Pro option from the Meeting menu.

Hosting Adobe Connect Pro - Overview Faculty/Staff

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:20:18 GMT

Adobe Connect Pro is the Web conferencing system used here at HACC. This page and those that follow contain links to training materials for the use of the product. This page will provide an overview of Adobe Connect Pro.

Adobe Connect Pro Setting up Your Computer

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:30:08 GMT

Using Adobe Connect Pro: Setting Up Your Computer

To see if your computer is ready for use with Adobe Connect Pro, click on the following link and allow the Web page to complete four tests on your computer. It may take several minutes for the tests to be completed.

Click on this Link: https://admin.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

Note: The instructions below were created using Internet Explorer 7. If you use another browser or operating system, the screens may vary.

What you will see if your computer is ready to use Adobe Connect Pro:

If your computer is already set-up properly, a checkmark will appear next to each numbered item in the test list. The Test Results will read "You are ready to connect to your Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro meeting. (See highlighted area in the image below).

What you will see if you need to install the Flash Plug-in:

If the test detects that you need to download and install the Flash Plug-in, you will see a message similar to the following:

You will need to download and install the Flash Player Plug-in by following these steps (directions for Mac users may be slightly different):

Installing the Flash Plug-in:

Click the Download Flash Player button (see image above).
You will be redirected to a new Web page. Click the Agree and install now button.

Note for Internet Explorer Users: If you do not see the Agree and install now button and you are using Internet Explorer as your Web browser, you may need to Install Active X Control first. To do this, locate the ActiveX notification bar at the top of your window (see image below - it will be yellow before you select it and will turn blue when you select it). Click on the ActiveX Control bar and choose Install ActiveX Control. You should now see the Agree and install now button as shown above.

Once you have clicked the Agree and install now button, a pop-up window will appear asking if you want to install the software. Choose Install.

When installation is complete, you will receive a message saying Adobe Flash Player has been successfully installed.

What you will see if you have a slow Internet connection:

If Adobe Connect Pro detects that you are on a slower Internet connection, such as a wireless connection or a phone modem. it will display a message similar to the following:

If you see this message you will still be able to use Adobe Connect Pro but may encounter slow or choppy video and audio. It is recommended that Adobe Connect Pro users be plugged into the Internet through a cabe instead of a wireless connetion. It is also recommended that they use either DSL or a cable service.

What you will see if you need to install the Adobe Connect Pro Plug-in:

The Acrobat Add-in is not required for a student to install unless you are to be a presenter in the virtual classroom. It might, however, improve your experience as a Connect user. To install the Acrobat Connect Add-in, follow these instructions:

Installing the Acrobat Connect plug-in:

Click the Install Add-in button (see the image above).
You will be asked for confirmation that you want to install the add-in. Click Yes.

When the Acrobat Connect Add-in is installed, you will see confirmation that all four tests are complete.

Adobe Connect Pro - Basic Features

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:36:41 GMT

These tutorials will enable you to start using Adobe Connect Pro as a virtual classroom/meeting room.

Adding Adobe Connect Pro to Your Blackboard Class (PDF file)

Adobe Connect Pro - Intermediate Features

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:43:51 GMT

This set of tutorials will enable you to expand your skill set when using Adobe Connect Pro.

Adobe Connect Pro - Advanced Features

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:27:53 GMT

Additional features available in Adobe Connect Pro