Issues and Tips

User Issues

• It is recommended to record the chat text for each session to prevent loss of information.
• Additionally, you can take snapshots of the Whiteboard when recording. Students can later view and download them as images from the recordings section.
• The Question inbox is not private.
• To return to Whiteboard from Group Browser, click on Whiteboard and then on the display button.

Software Issues

• When opening chat for the first time, you may be asked to download a Java plug-in. This download should be automatic, but if you run into problems, contact Information Systems for assistance.
• Make sure you enable pop-ups or the Virtual Classroom may not work or might lack some its features.
• Apple Mac users must have OS X to use the Virtual Classroom.

Tips on Using Chat

• Poor typing skills can hinder participation.
• Chat is not face-to-face conversation, so expect long pauses and disjointed conversations especially for groups larger than 4. Also, larger groups can lead to multiple simultaneous conversations.
• For groups larger than 3 or 4, assign roles: facilitator, greeter, monitor, recorder.