If you haven't installed/updated to Java 1.5 or later in Step 2 before, you need to do so now.  (You can go to http://java.com to download the most recent Java. Mac OS X users don't need to install Java because it is preinstalled to your OS. However, make sure your Java is the latest.)

If you have installed Google Desktop, disable it. This will slow down your browser and interfere with the normal operation of Wimba Classroom!

When ready, you need to install a virtual classroom software called "Wimba Classroom" as described below. Windows users should use IE or Firefox and Mac users should use Safari or Firefox to access Wimba Classroom. (If one browser does not work, try the other.)

1. Install software

Install the required software from the following site.

http://gatech.horizonwimba.com/
Once you are on this page, click on "run Setup Wizard". [Screen Sample]

If you have technical problems installing the Wimba Classroom software or reconfiguring your browser or any other technical problems, contact Wimba Support or call 1-866-350-4978.

After installing the software , please test your audio functions at the following general demo site with a microphone headset. Don't wait until the first weekly Wimba Classroom session to find out for the first time whether or not you have audio problems. This demo is provided by Wimba. Please contact Wimba for any questions.

http://www.wimba.com/ (And follow the link to "Products > Wimba Classroom > Sign up for a Wimba Classroom demo")

FYI: If you have a popup window blocker on your browser, please disable it for our Wimba Classroom site. Wimba Classroom requires popup windows.

3. Join actual classroom sessions

To enter Wimba Classroom:

1. Enter your regular GT's T-Square for your class.
2. On the home page, click on the link to Wimba Tools on the left.
3. Click on "Wimba Classroom".
4. Choose the room to enter (or click on one of the archived sessions to view it).
5. Click on "Run Wizard" if you enter Wimba Classroom for the first time.

If you encounter technical problems in Wimba Classroom, contact HW support first. Contact Masato Kikuchi (kikuchi@gatech.edu) if you still experience technical problems after contacting HW.

You need a headset with microphone to participate fully in the session. (Loud speakers and built-in speakers must be turned-off because they create delayed echoes for everyone.) An inexpensive headset with a microphone ($20-30) usually works. On some computers, a built-in microphone (if any) may work as well as an external microphone. Some computers do not have a built-in microphone, so you need to use an external microphone to speak/record sound. If a regular microphone generates too much noise, a USB-based headset with a microhphone ($50-80) might work better for some computers.

If you have successfully entered a classroom, you can talk by holding down the Ctrl key on the keyboard while you talk. To leave the session, don't forget to click on "Exit." (If you forget this, people will see a "ghost" participant.) If you can enter the room but can't hear anyone or your microphone does not work for some reason, you can still participate in the session by calling the simulcast phone number with a regular phone and entering your PIN.

If instructors record live sessions, recorded sessions will be available for subsequent reviews by clicking on the Archives tab that can be accessed from the "Lobby" area. Ask your instructor about its availability.

It's best to have your own computer to join the virtual classroom sessions, but if you commute to GT and have your computer at home, there is a Modern Languages computer lab (Swann Bldg., 3rd floor) available by appointment. Contact your instructor about the availability of the computer lab. (Other computer labs on campus may not work for our online courses.)