Technical Considerations for Hebrew Courses
Hebrew College's Online Course Environment
Hebrew College's online courses are conducted via the Blackboard course delivery platform, which provides students with state-of-the-art tools that makes learning possible anywhere, anytime. There is more information about this in the Learning Environment Blackboard section of the Web site.
Your Hebrew course in Blackboard will also contain links to other systems we use as learning tools. Instructions for logging in to each are provided in your "Welcome to the Semester" email.
Wimba Voice Tools: Audio Assignments and Class Discussion
Hebrew College is one of the first educational institutions to incorporate Wimba for online courses. Wimba offers a suite of web-based asynchronous Voice Tools products that provide the interactivity needed for language courses. The course web pages connect directly to this system, which uses Java applets. No downloading or installation should be required. Hebrew language courses will be using Wimba's threaded voice boards for submission of audio assignments and for asynchronous class discussion. Students can also communicate with each other and with the instructor using Wimba's voice e-mail tool.
While Wimba tools will work with your computer's built in microphone, we recommend an inexpensive external microphone headset for better quality audio. These can be acquired at most computer stores or online vendors.
If you notice a static hum in your recordings, place the microphone away from the computer or other electronic equipment that may cause interference. These include certain lamps and devices with motors.
See the technical information area of the site for more information on headsets and audio quality.
Macromedia Flash Player
To view graphics and listen to audio on the course Web site your computer will use Macromedia's Flash Player. Your web browser most likely has Flash Player installed. You'll know right away when you first log into the course; you should be able to see your instructor's photograph and hear her welcome message. If you do not have Flash, you will be automatically prompted to download the Flash Player or to update the version you have. Please refer to the Macromedia Flash Player Download Center if you encounter difficulties or have questions about Macromedia's Flash Player.
Pop Up Blockers
Many browsers include a Pop Up Blocker, which prevents those annoying pop up windows with unwanted advertisements. Unfortunately, these Pop Up Blockers may also prevent the opening of new windows by legitimate web pages, even when you deliberately click on links to open them. For example, our Hebrew courses include links to pop open new windows in which to take quizzes. If your browser includes a Pop Up Blocker you may find that certain links, especially to quizzes, don't work.
A temporary solution is often to hold down the Control key (usually in lower left corner of the keyboard) while clicking on the link. This tells the Pop Up Blocker to go ahead and pop open the new window just this once. To fix your configuration more permanently, refer to the pages about popup blockers in the What You'll Need segment of this Web site.
Online Help Desk
When you are enrolled in online courses, you will have access to Hebrew College Online's Help Desk system, which allows you to create an account to access Self Help information and to request service from our technical consultants. You will access this system by clicking the Help! button in the menu on the left in your course Web site. You will learn more about using this resource, and set up your help desk account, during orientation.
