Wimba is a tool available in some classes through the Blackboard Vista system.  It allows you to interact with your instructor and classmates through text chat, speech, and video.  Depending on your course, this option may be available to you.

Here are instructions on configuring Wimba for your personal computer.

1. In order to use Wimba, you need to have Java installed and updated.   Install Java instructions
2. Wimba works best with Mozilla Firefox.  Download Mozilla Firefox
3. In order to communicate vocally, it is recommended that you you install a webcam and microphone.  Many webcams have microphones built into them, and these are the easiest to install and configure.  You will need to follow the instructions that came with your webcam in order to set it up.  Most webcams require you to install software before you plug it into your computer.
4. Ensure your microphone is setup correctly within your operating system.  Mac OS usually does not need any configuring, but in Windows you may need to open your volume control and adjust your microphone volume and input.
   1. To adjust your microphone level in Windows, click on Start > All Programs > Accessories > Entertainment > Volume Control, or double click the speaker icon in your system tray (lower right hand corner).
   2. Select the Options menu, and then Properties.
   3. Under "Adjust Volume for", select Recording and click OK.
   4. Now make sure the microphone input is selected.  You may also adjust the volume of your microphone.
      

**  There are many different types of software that may need to be configured in order to ensure your webcam and microphone work properly - more than can be detailed here.  Your system may not match the above instructions.  If you need assistance in setting up your webcam or microphone, please call the Student Helpdesk at:  (435) 652-7951, or contact your computer, webcam, or software vendor.

** At any point in time, you may be prompted with a Java certificate.  When presented with this pop-up window, always select Run.

1.  Login to Blackboard Vista and enter your course.  Now locate and click on the Wimba Classroom icon.  It can have any name, but will have the same icon as shown below:

2.  You may be presented with a security warning.  Click OK to continue.

3.  Click on Enter this Room to enter the Wimba Classroom. 

4.  A Wimba setup wizard will launch.  Click on Run Wizard unless you have previously done so.

5.  You will be prompted by a series of tests with specific instructions.

Select Next:

6.  A pop-up checker will run.  You may need to disable pop-ups for the Wimba site.

*Example:

Select Options (upper right corner) and then Allow pop-ups...

Then click on Retry Test to run the pop-up check again.



7.  Wimba will now check your audio playback.  It may take a moment for the audio bar to load.  Do not click next until it has loaded.  Once loaded, you should hear a woman speaking, and see the volume indicators light up.  If you do not, please check your speakers and make sure your volume control is set correctly.   

8.  Wimba will now check your microphone level.  Click on the Talk button and speak.  You should see the volume indicators light up.  If you do not, please check to make sure your microphone is plugged in and turned on, and your volume control is set correctly.  See the top of this page for more specific instructions on setting up your microphone input.

9.  Once the setup wizard has completed, click on Launch. 

10.   You will be presented with the main Wimba Classroom window.

• Talk Button:  Press this button to talk to your instructor and classmates.  You may also use the Ctrl key for this action.
  
• Audio Status:  These bars will indicate the audio volume (left) and your microphone volume (right).
• Video Preview:  Select this icon to display a pop-up preview window of your webcam.  You may need to click on the enable preview button (far left) in order to display your webcam.
• Options Menu:  There are advanced options under this menu.  
• If you are not able to see your webcam preview, you may need to click on Options > Video Inputs and select the correct input for your device.
• If you are having trouble with your microphone, you may need to click on Options > Audio Inputs and select the correct audio input for your device.
• Main Chat Window:  This is where chat text will be displayed.
• Status Indicators:  These icons display feedback for your professor.  From left to right:  Check or Yes, No, Raise your hand, and emoticons.  Hover over each icon for it's self-explanatory title.

**If you need assistance with using Wimba, please call the Student Helpdesk at (435) 652-7951, or email at:  helpdesk@dixie.edu.