Adobe+Connect

=Using Adobe Connect for Online Meetings=

Adobe Connect has great potential for enhancing online discussions, meetings etc. However, care must be taken to ensure the system has been set up correctly.

**Step 1:**
Check your windows settings for microphone and speakers. Right click on little speaker in bottom right hand corner of the screen and select playback device or proceed via the control panel. Also note that some cameras have a built in microphone. You need to be explicit in selecting the correct devices in windows. Set your playback device of choice to be the default. Now ensure this option is highlighted and click on properties. In the Listen tab ensure that the that "listen to this device" is not ticked and the correct device is selected. In the Levels tab ensure that the device is not muted. BEWARE: Windows microphone and speaker volumes have a peculiar relationship with the adobe setting with these devices. If muted, changing the levels DOES not remove mute! Also note that some cameras have a built in microphone. You need to be explicit in selecting the correct devices in windows.

Some of this is overkill but I've had varying responses so rather safe than sorry!!

**Step 2:**
Now, with the Adobe connect meeting room open click on the Meeting button (top LHS). Select Audio Setup Wizard. This will take you through the setup step by step. This should Ideally be done before the meeting starts. You might be prompted to update software. Select this option. Below is a video of this process. media type="youtube" key="dm7DJrra-Lg" height="315" width="420"

**Step 3:**
Now if you select Preferences in the Meeting menu to can make the necessary additional changes that your system might require. Under the Audio tab you can set echo cancellation as well as audio quality. If you still have a problem with feedback select custom under audio quality and the 256. Under video you can adjust the resolution depending on bandwidth situation.

**Step 4:**
By clicking on the drop down menu next to the speaker symbol allows you to adjust the volume. Similarly for the microphone when it is active (coloured green). Next to these is a drop down menu that allows you to select various options for the chat pod e.g. raise hand, agree, clear etc.

**Step 5:**
Only the very left hand side, below help, you have the pod options menu. Key options here are Share, Draw and Pointer. Share gives you the option to share you entire screen or just a document. For our purposes the later would probably be the best option. Draw allows you to add lines or comments to the presentation. Pointer allows you to place an arrow where the mouse is clicked.

**Points to note:**
Might be useful to have a screencast of this Would be useful for workshop participants to practice playing host. The Q&A pod? Creating custom pods?