Adobe Connect Introduction
Adobe Connect Meeting Host Instructions
Description of the Tool
JHU has licensed a piece of software to serve as a companion to Sakai called Adobe Connect. Connect serves as a more full featured alternative to Sakai's built in synchronous communication tools, Chat and Whiteboard. Connect has a much more advanced whiteboard, text chat capability, two-way audio using Voice Over IP (VoIP), and two-way streaming video capabilities. Sessions may also be recorded so that you can view all the content and interactions later if you can't make the session. It is an excellent tool for office hours, student meeting space for group projects, and occasional guest lectures.
How To Access This Tool
Links to access specific Connect meetings will be provided by the meeting host, and are usually posted in the appropriate Sakai course site. To access the scheduled session, simply click on the posted link.
When you click on the link to access your session, you will be taken outside of the Sakai course web site to a Connect meeting room. The first time you access a Connect meeting, you will be required to download and install an applet. (See first access below.)
Using Adobe Connect in Your Online Course
Office Hours
Your instructor may choose to use the Connect software to hold office hours and to collaborate with students over the Internet.
Group Work
Students may also reserve the Connect classroom for group work related to their course. To schedule a Connect session for group work, please contact your instructor who will be able to set up the session for you.
Installation and First Access
The first time you join an Adobe Connect session, you may be prompted to install the Adobe Flash Reader if it is not already installed on your computer. Simply follow the easy on screen installation instructions for this program. This only the first time you use Connect on a given computer. It is recommended that you install the program in advance of your scheduled session. Please take the time to test your browser and install the Adobe Flash Reader by performing a Browser check.
Perform a Browser Check
If you have not already done so, you should perform the Connect Browser Check before your session. Please go to http://connect.johnshopkins.edu/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm to perform a browser check and ensure that you have the required software to join a Connect session.
If you do not perform a browser check prior to your scheduled session, you may experience a slight delay when clicking on the link to enter the session for the necessary Adobe Flash Reader installation. It is highly recommended that you perform the browser check prior to your session so that you have adequate time to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
If you require additional support, please visit the Connect Online Help page at http://connect.johnshopkins.edu/help. If you have problems installing Connect software or entering a meeting room, you may contact support by emailing connectsupport@jhu.edu.
Signing Into a Connect Session
When you click on a link to enter a Connect session from the Course Calendar you will be presented with a sign on screen. There is no special username that is assigned for Connect sessions. Simply select the button next to Enter as a Guest, type your first and last name into the box provided, and select the Enter Room button.
Interface
After clicking the Enter Room button, you will then enter a Connect meeting room similar to the example below.
Faculty Training Pages
For access to our 1-Page Quick Reference Guides please see the Connect Help page.
Adobe Connect Pro Participant Orientation
The Orientation consists of two parts, a nine minute video familiarizing you with Adobe Connect and an actual Connect Meeting that you should log into to pratice and test your computer settings. You may watch the video first and then log into the Meeting; However, ideally you would have two seperate browser windows open; one for the video and one for the Connect Meeting so you can follow allong and try things for yourself.
Participant Training Video
To access the video Using Adobe Connect Pro as a Participant go to:
http://streams1.nts.jhu.edu/EPP_Media/AdobeConnect/Participant.html
To log into Adobe Connect for test settings only go to:
http://connect.johnshopkins.edu/participanttest
Last updated by Bob Armstrong, training@ep.jhu.edu, on 11/18/2009