Other Ways to Communicate as a Class
Web Conferencing
- Hebrew courses use Wimba's Live Classroom Web conferencing interface to have a weekly class discussion.
- Gateway courses use this software for their bet midrash conversations.
- Other courses may opt to have a class "meeting" once or twice during the semester using this software.
Voice Tools
Wimba's "Voice Tools" voice boards work just like the text discussion board, but—rather than reading and entering text—you use them to record audio clips for each other to listen and respond to.
- Hebrew courses use the voice boards for submitting oral homework and holding asynchronous conversations.
- Other courses may make similar use of the Voice Tools when a conversation may be more easily held orally than through text, or just for an occasional change of pace.
The Tools You'll Need: Headset with Microphone
As noted in the technical requirements for studying at Hebrew College Online, you'll need an external headset with microphone to participate in online conversations.
This link offers pointers for the best quality sound when recording audio or using your headset to participate in live conversations.
Web Conferencing: How to Join and Participate in Live, Online Discussions
If you've successfully completed the configuration wizard, then you have also already configured your Web browser for using this software. The last step is to check into the meeting "room" and make sure that your headphones and microphone are working, to avoid technical problems during class meetings. The information at this link explains what you will see and how to interact with others in Live Classroom.
Voice Boards
Throughout the course you will be asked to submit your oral work. You do this via Wimba voice boards, described in the All Things Technical folder in the Course Information section. The links from within the course exercises will take you directly to each lesson's homework submission voice board.
As mentioned earlier, Voice Tools voice boards are available for holding class conversations asynchronously"in other words, you don't need to log on at the same time as other students or your instructor to hold the conversation. In some cases, you will be assigned to specifically submit your work by opening the instructor's threads messages and replying directly to them. In other cases, you'll be invited to create a free-form conversation by creating your own threads or listening to and responding to your instructor's or fellow students' comments.
When entering a voice board for the first time, you will be asked to log in with your e-mail and password. Please enter the e-mail address that you provided on your registration form and the same password you use to access the course.
If you are unable to submit your oral homework via voice boards or voice e-mail, please click the Help! button at the bottom of the navigation bar and describe as fully as you can what you are attempting to do, how you are proceeding, and the specific results you get when you take these actions.
