DCC Virtual Classroom: Getting Started
(Megameeting^®.com)

1.    Things you will need:

a.  Best choice for audio: a computer headset.

b.  Good choice for audio: earphones (or earbuds from your MP3 player) plus a microphone. (Note: if you use this setup, please be in a quiet room or your microphone will bleed highly irritating noise into the conference.)

WARNING! Do not use speakers. That creates feedback. Even if it does not bother you, it will cause problems for other people in the conference.

2.  Get to know the DCC Virtual Classroom

Read the Megameeting Wiki:

Try it out in the DCC Virtual Classroom Test Area

a. Be certain you have the most up-to-date version of Flash player installed. To check this, click here.

b. Each course/instructor will have their own meeting room with a specific name, so you will need to go to your course site or ask your instructor in order to gain access to it.

3.  Joining the Web Conference for Your Class

Typically, your instructor will provide a direct link on the class site that will enable you to join a scheduled web conference. You will just need to click on that link to take you into the conference. (E.g. You can go to the Virtual Tutoring Room by clicking Virtual Tutoring Room). If you need technical support, call 1 (877) 634-6342 option 1 to get the Megameeting.com tech support helpdesk. There are two other ways you can join your session:

• Respond to an email invitation from your instructor:

a. In your email, click on the link provided to join the meeting. (It’ll say “To join the meeting now, click here: Meeting Name”)

b. Your browser will open to the meeting where you will enter your name and click “Next” to join.

• Click to go directly to the DCC Virtual Classroom:

a. Click on the Guest button

b. You will be asked to enter the name of the meeting you wish to join (This name will be provided by your instructor.) You will also need to enter your name for the session. Please use your real name (not a screen name), so your instructor will recognize you.

b.  Click “Next”.

c. You will see a new web browser window or tab open. Then your computer will connect to the session.

d. Once in your meeting, make sure your audio and video options are set up properly by clicking on the settings button at the top right. Please check the following:

1) You need to allow Flash to access your microphone and webcam

2) If an image does not show, you may need to select your webcam.

3) You should choose “Headset” (assuming you have a headset or earbuds) .

4) If you have more than one microphone on your system, you need to choose the correct microphone.

AUDIO NOTE: If your audio is set up on “Speakers,” you will see a red microphone in your meeting and have to hold down that button each time you want to speak. Change your audio to “Headset” to get a green microphone and not have to hold the button.

4. Problems with Audio?

a. If you have problems with your audio, you can use the “Chat” box to communicate with others in the room while you are resolving the audio issue.

b. It is possible that your audio was working fine when you did the initial set-up, but fluctuations in your internet bandwidth could change it.

c. Technical support is available by calling 1 (877) 634-6342 option 1.

5.    Using the webcam

a.  Different sessions will require a webcam: e.g. If you do a presentation as a part of your class.

b. In other sessions, the webcam may be optional. We want to use it when possible, because it helps us all get to know one another better.

c.  In some cases, the webcam puts so much load on your internet connection that it reduces the effectiveness of the rest of the session. In that case, you will probably want to close down the webcam.

d.   Set up your webcam by clicking on the settings button at the top right.

6.    About the DCC Virtual Classroom

This virtual classroom is provided by Megameeting^®.com. The DCC virtual classroom can have up to 10 people in conference together at any given time.

* Tech support for Megameeting is at 1 (877) 634-6342 (select option 1).