Distance Learning

To take advantage of the distance-learning functionality for this course, students must have a home computer running Windows XP or Vista, or Mac OS 10, and high-speed internet access, as well as email and a current version of the Internet Explorer, Safari, or Firefox Mozilla web browser. (PC users will most likely use Internet Explorer. Mac users will use Safari or Firefox Mozilla.)

Distance Learning means that you may take the course while logged on to the WIMBA Live Classroom server from home, rather than attending the class in-person on campus. If you choose this option, you must make sure that you regularly log on to Blackboard and the WIMBA Live Classroom server at least once per week. It is strongly recommended that you do so synchronously, at the time the class meets. On occasions when that is not possible, you may listen to the archived recordings of the weekly lectures. In order to keep up with the course, you must regularly access course content on the internet. This is the electronic equivalent of attending the course regularly in-person.

Here are directions for accessing the course content on the internet:

Wimba "Live Classroom" Information for Students:

I will be using WIMBA "Live Classroom" for our UALR Perspectives on Careers in Music course. This program includes document sharing, desktop sharing, and the ability for me to record the lecture so that you can play it back at a later time just like you were there. Best of all, people with Macintosh, Windows, and even Linux can participate in the same room using Internet Explorer, Safari, and FireFox web browsers.
With all these features, there are a few more computer requirements, but the Live Classroom Wizard will walk you through the steps and assist you in getting everything all set up.

This is not a requirement, but if you plan on using the audio features to speak to the instructor and the students in the class during class time, a headset/microphone combo is best. By using a headset, the sounds produced by others and your computer are not picked up by your microphone resulting in a better experience for everyone. Headsets prices start around $20 at stores such as BestBuy and Walmart.
 
Live Classroom is located on the Blackboard shell for our course. Log on to Blackboard, and look for the Live Classroom icon at the bottom of the Course Content page.

If you have trouble accessing WIMBA Live Classroom, take steps immediately to report the problem to me. Email is the quickest resource. LRHolzer@ualr.edu
Or leave a message on my office phone 569-8436. That way, I can make sure to take steps so that you don't miss anything.

It is exciting to be able to make use of new technology for teaching and learning. Occasionally there may be problems. But with patience and persistence, we'll be able to overcome minor bumps.