How to access and use Virtual Classroom Meetings
A Virtual Classroom is an integrated tool in Brightspace provided by Bongo that allows lecturers and students to engage with each other through Livestream video. Virtual Classroom enables live lectures and recordings, provides an online environment for discussion, and group work.
This article will show you how to:
Virtual Classroom is not supported by the following browsers Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge. For best functionality, it is recommended to use Google Chrome or Firefox
How to access a Virtual Classroom meeting
Navigate to your Course, on the right column,
1. Navigate to Calendar
2. Click on the meeting
A pop-up window will appear.
3. Click on the scheduled meeting
This will open an Overview page,
4. Click on Join
Keep in mind that it is only possible to enter the scheduled meeting only if the moderator has opened the session.
If this is the first time entering a Virtual Classroom, a pop-up window will appear granting permission to access you information
- Tick the box "Do not ask me again for this application"
- Click on Continue
It is possible to select how to enter the audio within the Virtual Classroom,
7. Click on the Microphone - to be able to speak or present at any given moment during the meeting
OR
Click on the Listen only - to only listen and do not intend to speak
Allow access to your microphone and audio devices when prompted by the system and proceed to the next step. Once the system check is completed, you will be able to enter the session.
When you select the option of joining audio with a microphone, you will be asked to perform a private echo test.
8. Click Yes - if the audio was heard
OR
No - if the audio wasn't heard
How to use the different features during the meeting
Once you have chosen the audio type, the Virtual Classroom meeting will open
In the list, you will see different icons and shapes. To learn what they represent please visit the following link: Participant roles in Virtual Classroom and their options.
It is not possible to search for a user within the user list. To be able to find a user, scroll down the user list
By clicking on the Person icon, the user list will appear
The presenter will be highlighted to make it clearer who is Presenting. The user list is firstly sorted by role (Moderator role at the top) then alphabetically.
In each meeting, the chat is enabled automatically.
By clicking on the Chat Icon, a public chat of the meeting will open its content will appear on the left of the main screen.
It is also possible to have a private chat between two users
It is possible to see if the meeting is being recorded,
Recording - the meeting is being recorded
Not Recording - the meeting is not being recorded
Keep in mind that the recording of the Virtual Classroom will be the same link you used to access the scheduled meeting
Be aware that it is imperative to choose the audio type when entering the Virtual Classroom. If the pop-up window is closed without selecting the audio type (Microphone or Listening only), there won't be the possibility to listen nor speak during the meeting. If that occurs, leave and rejoin the meeting choosing one of the two options.
It is possible to mute or unmute your microphone
If you choose this option, you won't be able to hear nor speak during the meeting. To rejoin the meeting with audio, leave the meeting and join again.
It is possible to leave the audio of the meeting
By clicking on the Webcam icon you are able to share your webcam. A window will pop out with settings before sharing (you can either leave the default settings or change them if you prefer).
Start Sharing button - to share your webcam
OR
Webcam icon - to stop sharing the camera
The bandwidth icon indicates whether the internet connection is strong (green) or weak (red)
By clicking on the three dot icon in the top right, more options will appear
To view the session of Virtual Classroom in full-screen
It is possible to set extra settings for the ongoing meeting
- Application - to set chat notifications and to adjust the text size
- Data savings tab - to set whether to allow webcam and screen sharing
- Advanced - to have the option to force both the camera and screen-share traffic to use the TURN server in case your network is not allowing for normal use of the camera or screen-share function within Virtual Classroom
To know more about the build date, build number, build SHA and branch
To just leave the meeting without ending it
You now know how to access and use a Virtual Classroom meeting in Brightspace!
Related topics
Want to know more about Virtual Classroom in Brightspace?
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