Online Learning Participant Information

Program Description

What program is used for the SET-BC online environment?
Our online learning environment uses a web-based communication and training system called Breeze.  This program allows our online instructors to create virtual meeting rooms where participants can view software demonstrations, share resources, and interact with the instructor and other participants.  The Breeze user interface is attractive and very easy to navigate and the audio and chat features help create a truly interactive learning environment.

How do I access an online learning session?
When you register for an online learning event, you will receive a confirmation email which will contain all the information you need to participate in that session, including the URL of the web-based meeting room.  A few minutes before your session is set to begin, you simply click on the URL to enter the Breeze meeting room signing in with your first name as a "Guest".  You do not require a special user name or password – it's three clicks and you are in!  If the session has not yet started, you will receive a message that reads, "This meeting room is presently unavailable. You will enter automatically when the instructor starts the meeting." Follow this link to test that your system and audio are functioning correctly.

During the online session, how can I ask questions or interact with the instructor?
Depending on the online session, there are several ways to interact with the instructor and other participants.  Some online sessions may be conducted with a telephone conference call providing the audio support.  If this is the case, you will receive the conference call instructions in your registration confirmation email.  For those sessions not using a conference call, during the session you can type in questions or comments using the online meeting chat feature or you can give instant feedback using the "My Status" choices and question polls.

Before Attending Session

What should I do before attending my first online learning session?
Follow this link to test that your system and audio are functioning correctly. You should be able to hear the music and see the information being presented.  If you can’t, Follow this computer test link to check your computer's configuration. You will be directed to the Macromedia website. (Additional information about Breeze is available on this test page, but you are not required to view it. You may exit the test page once the test is complete.)
What if I don't have the latest version of Flash Player installed on my computer?
If Flash Player 6.0.65 or higher is not installed, issues can arise when trying to access a Online learning session. To install or update Flash Player follow these steps:

• Check the Flash Player version on the Player test page. Mouse over About to see your installed version.
• Visit the Flash Player Download Center and click the Install Now button. (The Macromedia site will indicate whether or not the version should to be updated)
• Once the player is installed, close all browser windows and re-open before trying to connect to meeting again.

FAQs

When should I enter the online session?
It's always a good idea to enter the session at least five minutes before the scheduled start of the meeting.  The meeting room will be available then and it will give you a chance to read any introductory information and orient yourself to the meeting room.  Your instructor will also want to do a sound check to make sure you can hear him or her – if you can't, you'll want time to troubleshoot your own audio problems.

What if I have specific questions that weren't addressed during the online session?
The instructor will stay in the meeting room for at least fifteen minutes after the scheduled meeting end for any participants who may have specific questions or issues they would like to discuss.  During the actual session, if you miss an opportunity to ask a question, you might want to jot it down and ask it during that post-session time.

How can I receive the information if I am not able to attend the scheduled online session?
Online sessions will be repeated throughout the school year so you could register for a different session.  Most online sessions will also be recorded and saved as an archived resource.  You can access those recorded sessions on the individual software resource pages.  If, after viewing those recordings, you have any questions, you could email them to the session trainer.

Requirements

What are the computer system requirements for participating in the online sessions?
Most up-to-date computers have the necessary system requirements, browsers, and plug ins needed to participate in web-based meetings.  However, you should check the following list of requirements to make sure you will be able to see and interact with the Breeze interface.

What are the network requirements for participating in the online sessions?
For users who may be accessing our online sessions through tightly controlled school district networks, you may experience difficulty accessing our Breeze server.  If you are sure your computer meets the necessary requirements, you may need to discuss your network requirements with your IT department to check the following:

• Filtering Software: To attend a Breeze online meeting you will need to be able to connect to the SET-BC web site at http://www.setbc.org/  and to the SET-BC Breeze server at http://breeze.setbc.org/ . If your organization uses filtering software that limits your access to web sites, ensure that it is not preventing you from connecting to these addresses.
• Proxies: If you connect to the internet with Internet Explorer through a proxy server and are having difficulty entering a Breeze meeting, changing the following setting in Internet Explorer may help: select Tools>Internet Options>Advanced Tab; enable the setting “Use HTTP 1.1 through proxy connections” and click OK; close all browser windows and re-open before connecting again.
• Firewalls: When you attend a Breeze meeting, your computer communicates with the Breeze server at SET-BC on ports 80 and 1935, using HTTP and RMTP over HTTP protocols. RMTP is a Macromedia-specific protocol. A firewall, either a network-level firewall set up by your IT department, or personal firewall software installed on your computer, may block this communication.

For more detailed information on what is required, please view Accessing SET-BC's Online Resources and Services.

Can I participate in the online sessions if my internet connection is dial up?
Technically you should be able to participate in the online sessions.  However, you may find it more challenging to follow the demonstrations because of the possible delays in audio and so on.  The faster your internet connection, the better your online learning experience.