Webinar FAQs

Note: Elluminate Live! has now transitioned to Blackboard Collaborate 11. Please be patient while we update our documentation.

BEFORE THE EVENT:

How do I test my access to the Elluminate software before an event?
ALT requests that all participants check their systems before a webinar, to ensure they can access Elluminate and participate during the event. The best way to do this is to try the test session available via the ALT server. You will not have to enter a username or password but you may have to enter your name.

When you enter the test session, to configure your audio settings, click Tools, Audio, Audio Set-up Wizard and follow the instructions on screen :

I don't have a microphone - can I still take part in a webinar?

Yes - you don't have to have a microphone to be able to take part in a webinar. To ask a question you will be able to raise your hand or write in the chat window and to agree or disagree with a comment you can use the happy/unhappy face icons or the tick/cross. These can all be found in the bottom left hand corner of the Elluminate screen, below the list of participants.

I am chairing a session - how should I prepare?

If this is your first time of charing a webinar, you may find it helpful to get familiar with the Elluminate software before your session. You can do this by visiting the Elluminate training pages and following the Elluminate Live Moderator Training links. You can even book to attend a free training session where you can build your confidence by using the software before your event.

You may also want to contact the ALT staff member who will be moderating your event, so they can be prepared to help you whilst your event is in session. It is always a good idea to send a copy of your presentation and any docments/links you will be using to the moderator, in case the moderator needs to circulate these whilst you are presenting!

Also - don't forget to test your audio and microphone settings before the session so you're ready to go when your event starts.

I'm attending a session as a participant - how should I prepare?

Make sure you have tested your audio and microphone settings before the session so you're ready to go when the event starts.

Your joining instructions will explain if you need to read/prepare anything before the event.

If you are attending a CMALT webinar, please ensure you have read the CMALT guidelines and information for candidates documents before the event.

DURING THE EVENT

I haven't received my joining instructions and the session is about to start - what should I do?

Please contact the ALT office on 01865 484125 and a member of staff can send the joining instructions and session link to you.

I have registered for a webinar but now I am unable to attend - what should I do?

If you are unable to attend a webinar, don't worry, ALT records all webinars so you can always follow the session another day when you are free.

The session says it is full - what can I do?

Unfortunately if you try to attend a webinar and your receive a message saying that the session is full, the maximum number of people allowed in a session has been reached. To avoid dissapointment, we suggest to participants to arrive early (you can always virtually leave the room until the session starts).  If you are unable to attend the session, you can listen to the recording after the event has finished.

I can't hear the speaker - what should I do?

If you can't hear the speaker, you can turn up the speaker volume using the controls in the bottome left hand corner. If this does not work, try using the audio setup wizard. The session moderator will check at the beginning of a session that all participants can hear them.

My microphone isn't working - what should I do?

If your microphone is very quiet or is not working, you can turn up the volume using the controls in the bottom left hand corner. If this does not work, try using the audio setup wizard.

How can I ask a question?

You can ask a question by typing in the chat window or raising your hand by clicking the hand icon in the bottom left hand corner. The speaker or moderator will then allow you to ask you question.

How can I chat to other participants?

If you want to chat to other participants without other participants seeing your message, you can select who receives your message using the 'send to' function below the chat window. NB moderators can see all message sent in a session.

How can I chat to the moderators only?

You can send a message to the moderators of a session by selecting 'moderators' from the send to options below the chat box.

How can I agree/disagree with something?

To agree or disagree with something you can use the happy/unhappy face, the tick/cross or the clapping icons. These can all be found in the bottom left hand corner, below the list of participants and will flash next to your name when you click them.

I need to leave the session early - what should I do?

We try to run webinars to time as we know people may be attending during their lunch break, but sometimes they can run over. If this happens and you need to leave a session due to another commitment, you can always listen to the last part on the session recording at a later date. If you have a question to ask but have to leave, pose your question in the chat room and the moderator will try to make sure your question is asked.

AFTER THE EVENT

Where can I find a webinar recording?

eLN webinars are published on the ALT Repository, whilst CMALT webinars are published through the CMALT community.

Why should I complete the survey after each session?

ALT staff and presenters are always striving to produced better webinars for participants. We use your feedback to tell us what went well and what didn't work so we can try to improve the set up for next time.

I have an idea for a webinar - who should I contact?

If you have an idea for a webinar you think ALT's members and the Learning Technology community would benefit from, please contact ALT. To see what other events ALT are running, supporting or attending, please visit our events page.

More useful hints and tips can be found in the Elluminate quick guide

Other Elluminate help information can be found on ALT's Open Access Repository

Question not answered? Contact ALT.