Webcast Host & Presenter Guildelines
Getting Ready - Technical Requirements
The improvements provided by the Acrobat Connect Pro version 7 release requires all end-users to use Adobe Flash® Player software version 9 or greater. The Flash Player can be
downloaded here -
http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash
In addition, Connect Pro requires hosts and presenters to upgrade the Acrobat Connect meeting add-in. This upgrade will happen automatically for most end-users, but organizations with locked-down desktop
environments may be required to manually install this improved add-in on those users' desktops.
The new add-in is now available for download for both Windows® and Macintosh operating systems:
Windows:
http://www.adobe.com/go/connect7_addin_win
Macintosh:
http://www.adobe.com/go/connect7_addin_mac
If you are new to the Adobe Connect webcast environment, we provide access free Web-based tests to help determine your ability to connect to a Webcast.
- Testing Your Computer and Network:
http://breeze.uliveandlearn.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm
Test the capabilities of the computer system that you will be using to participate in the webcast to ensure that you are set up with all of the necessary software required. This test will also determine your network's connectivity (note this may vary due to Internet traffic).
- Testing Your Network Ports:
http://www.adobe.com/go/tn_16466
Use the port test to show connectivity from the client(your network) to our server and find out which ports are open or closed in your network. At least one of the following ports (port 1935, 80 or 443) need to be open for the Breeze environment to work. Ideally port 80 and 1935 should be open. If not, contact your IT department to see if they can be opened (it may not be possible due to security issues).
- Training Sessions for hosts and presenters are required to provide familiarization with the Webcast technology. The training sessions will be conducted at http://breeze.uliveandlearn.com/train/.
Please use the "Guest" login. You will be promoted to a presenter status when you have entered the webcast space.
- All presenters must have a USB microphone headset for the audio portion
of the presentation, which can be used on either a desktop computer or laptop. We require a USB Headset microphone because internal PC or laptop microphones are inadequate; if you do not use the correct equipment, we cannot guarantee adequate audio.
Recommended USB connected microphone - (Logitech® ClearChat Comfort USB), available from Buy.com or from your local Staples, Circuit City, or Radio Shack.
Preparing for the Webcast
The sequence below outlines the necessary steps presenters should take in preparing for the webcast, as well as information about how the webcasts are conducted.
Establishing a Time for the Webcast
During the editorial process, we work with you to set the
dates/times for your participation. [Note: we use Eastern Standard Time (e.g., New York City time) as the basis for establishing times. To check the time in your time zone go to
a world clock
site.
Developing Program Materials for the Webcast
The following guidelines provide presenters/instructors with a structure for developing program material, delivering/presenting the program in a web-enhanced environment, and facilitating group interaction.
You will be contacted by the webcast producer to review both use of the webcast space and the development of your materials.
The visual program material supports the virtual experience by providing specific information, structuring the format of the online program and illustrating your content.
PowerPoint slides
Sharing websites or software applications directly from your computer
Support materials or resources to share with the audience (this should include a copy of the PowerPoint presentation, worksheets, pre and post program exercises).
A resource guide, which will include links to documents, professional resources, etc.
Pre session assessments - the pre session assessment should be used to give the instructor relevant information regarding the participants and their expectations.
Program Delivery
The delivery of the program will include three segments; specific content may require a variation of this structure.
Main content/presentation is delivered with live audio and onscreen visuals. The audio, delivered via VOIP, will be used only by the presenter(s) during this segment. Participants will only be able to "type" in questions and comments.
Planned "pauses" for questions or comments, will allow the presenter(s) to check participant questions, need for clarification etc.
Optional open discussion with audio for both presenter(s) and participants can be scheduled for the last 15 minutes of the program. At this point, everyone, including the presenter(s) will call into a conference call number. The visuals can continue to be referenced if appropriate. Or the open discussion can continue with presenter audio and participant text chat.
Facilitating Group Interaction
Providing opportunities for group participation and interaction includes activates and structured feedback from the group.
During the program, you can require that participants actively respond to questions, "Polls" and structured feedback exercises.
Pre-program assessments or exercises to be completed prior to the program. We have a partnership with SurveyMethods www.SurveyMethods.com a superior online survey tool.
The optional open discussion segment of the program will provide a less structured format for exchange. You have the option to hold all questions not of a clarification nature until this segment. The session producer will compile questions from the sessions and display them on the screen during this segment.
Procedures for the Live Event
Please try to login at least fifteen minutes prior to the event for any last minute questions.
To access the live session please go to the Webcast Area provided for your event. Please use the "Guest" login. You will be promoted to a presenter status when you have entered the webcast space.
Procedures for broadcasting your audio and/or video.
1. Once you have logged into the webcast area, presenters may be promoted to download the
Presenters Plug-in upon initial login. The system automatically detects whether you have the player installed. You can download it now for
Windows or
Mac
2. Upon entering the presentation room, please check the following two settings:
- Under the "Meeting" tab on the top of the Webcast Screen, first click on “Manage My Settings” and select DSL/Cable.
- Under the same "Meeting" tab then select “Audio Setup Wizard”. A simple wizard will open to allow you to confirm that your microphone and audio settings are in place.
We are looking forward to your participation.
