Using Wimba for PINES Trainings

As an agency of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the Georgia Public Library Service has access to a web-based teleconferencing software program called Wimba.  Wimba allows PINES and GPLS to host trainings online and save libraries the cost of time and travel for in-person trainings.

System Requirements:

• Windows 7, Vista, or XP; Mac OSX 10.4+; Linux (chat only - no audio support)

• 256 MB RAM

• IE 7.0+, Safari 3.0+, Firefox 3.0+  (Browser must be Java and JavaScript enabled)

• Internet access at 56k or above

To participate in a training using Wimba, you will need either a computer headset with microphone, or a set of speakers and a computer microphone.  Please use a wired broadband internet connection if possible (not wireless, if possible, though if that's your best option, it *should* be fine).  Please read the following instructions, as a few minutes' preparation will potentially prevent class delays and unnecessary headaches:

Login instructions:

1. Visit the following link:

Participant Access URL
http://67.202.210.69/launcher.cgi?room=gpls_pines

2. *At least 10 minutes Before the meeting*: Click on the "run the Setup Wizard" link: 

This will walk you through several steps to ensure that your system is ready to use Wimba.  Even if you have used Wimba on your computer before, please do this - it will not take long.

3. In the Participant Login window, ensure that the Room ID is "gpls_pines", and type your name.  Then click Enter.

Orienting Yourself to Wimba

Content Window

At the top of the window screen, above the control panel is a blank screen which is used for displaying content such as PowerPoint slides or web pages.  The presenter is in control of this area and provides the content.

Control Buttons

In a bar just under the content window there is a line of buttons:

• The green bars show the strength of your network connection, and this may fluctuate throughout the session.  It may show fewer bars and different colors: green for a strong signal, yellow for a weaker signal, and red for a weak signal.  Weak signals can cause voices to "break up" and other problems.
• The TALK button is what you press if you want to speak into your microphone and have the others in the session hear you.  Please press before talking and release when you are finished speaking. You may also use the "Ctrl" key on your keyboard if you prefer.
• The speaker icon, the person icon, and the bars between indicate the volume of the speaker or other sounds, this may be adjusted by clicking these icons.
• The camera icon is for a video session.  This will not typically be used for PINES trainings.
• The telephone icon, when clicked, shows the phone number and PIN for the telephone simulcast for the session.  If you are having difficulty with your audio, this is an alternative method for communicating. However, the phone number is not toll free and you will be responsible for any long distance charges you incur using this feature.
• The Options menu allows you control over some of the Wimba features on your computer.

Chat Window

While we prefer that you use a microphone to talk during the training session, you may also chat, especially if you are having audio troubles or do not have a computer microphone:

By default, you will chat to the main room, but the drop down menu to the right of "To:" will allow you to privately chat with the presenter or another participant.  Remember to change the setting back to "Main Room" if you want to address everyone!

Participant List Window

This window allows you to see everyone who is logged in and allows you to interact with the presenter and react to the session in useful and expressive ways without disrupting the online session.

• The "check" button allows you to answer "Yes" to a presenter question.
• The "X" button allows you to answer "No."
• The "Hand" button allows you to "raise your hand" and let the presenter know you have a question
• The "smiley" drop down menu allows you to show an emotion, applaud something, laugh, or indicate that you are away from your computer temporarily
• The "stat" button on the right allows you to view room statistics.

NOTE: your actions here are visible to all other participants in the room.

More Details on Wimba

A web-based Wimba participant's guide may be found here:

http://webhelp.wimba.com/WC/v6_0/Participant_Guide/

If you have any questions about Wimba, or about PINES trainings in general, please email Chris Sharp, PINES Program Manager at csharp [at] georgialibraries.org