Support for Texas Comprehensive Center
(CC) Webinars

Participating in Texas CC Webinars

 

What is a Webinar?

Webinars are like seminars, except you participate using a computer to view and listen to the presentation. Texas CC webinars include interactivity—for example, you can submit questions in advance or during the event, and instantaneous polling is used for a variety of purposes.

Participating in a Live Webinar

TTo participate** in the live webinar, watch, listen, and interact with the presentation of information and resources on your computer via web-based software. You can interact by participating in online polls and asking questions. If appropriate, the presenter may plan for small groups to meet in “breakout rooms,” where participants can meet and share ideas, questions, and notes. Then the large group will reconvene and a few of the small groups will summarize their discussion.
[**If special access is needed (e.g., you have a hearing impairment and need special arrangements made to access the audio), please notify Sylvia Segura Pirtle at sylvia.pirtle@sedl.org as early as possible prior to the webinar so that appropriate arrangements can be made.]

Accessing Past Webinars

Unable to attend the scheduled live webinar? Archived webinars and accompanying resource materials can be viewed from the Texas CC Web site. Participants can watch and listen to the presentation and discussions that occurred in the live webinar. [Archives are available three days after the live webinar.]

Registration

Register online for the Texas CC Webinars.

 

---

Instructions for Using Adobe® Acrobat® Connect™ Pro

Instructions for Using Connect Pro 19.51 MB

The Texas CC uses Adobe® Acrobat® Connect™ Pro for its webinars. Prior to the scheduled Texas CC webinar, please check your computer to ensure that you can access Connect™ Pro. We recommend that you do this at least 72 hours prior to the webinar. To do this, go to
http://sedl.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm
The Web site will check your computer to see whether it has the components necessary to join a Connect™ Pro meeting. If not, it will set up your computer for you.

In addition, each time you use the Connect™ Pro meeting interface, run the Audio Setup Wizard. This is located under the “Meeting” menu, in the upper-left corner of the Connect™ Pro meeting interface. Go to Menu: Meeting > Manage My Settings > Audio Setup Wizard…

NOTE: If you will be using a headset, you need to have the headset connected to your computer when you run the Audio Setup Wizard.

This process will test whether your computer speakers and microphone are set to function properly with the Connect™ Pro meeting. Follow the directions in the dialog box that appears, then click “Next” after completing each step.

---

Adobe® provides useful information for the new and experienced user at their Adobe® Acrobat® Connect™ Pro Resource Center, which is located at http://www.adobe.com/resources/acrobatconnect/

If you are experiencing difficulty with Connect™ Pro, please contact technical support at 1-800-422-3623.

Contacts Information

For technical assistance, please contact Jackie Burniske at (512) 391-6518 or jackie.burniske@sedl.org.

To cancel your registration for an event, contact Sylvia Segura Pirtle at (512) 391-6545 or sylvia.pirtle@sedl.org prior to the scheduled webinar.

Tips for Small Group Participation in Texas CC Webinars

Webinars are designed for individuals to participate primarily from their computer at their desk. However, for the Texas CC webinars, we recommend that ESC staff convene to participate as a learning community. To make the most of the group experience, we recommend the following:

1. Reserve a room large enough to accommodate all group members comfortably.
2. Download, print, and make copies of the materials in advance so that each group member can take notes and follow the webinar.
3. Complete the Adobe® Acrobat® Connect Pro™ set-up on the computer that will be used for participating in the webinar. (See above.)
4. Set up external speakers and use a microphone (computer or headset) to speak when participating as a small group. Be sure to mute the microphone when you have finished speaking.
5. Use a projector to enlarge the screen of the webinar so that everyone can see.
6. Sign in to the webinar using the “Enter as a Guest” field, identifying your ESC # and participants’ first and last names. Example: ESC 1 (Ann Green, Brian Lee, Chuck Blue).
7. Assign a group facilitator for the webinar, who will complete the interactive polls and/or type responses, questions, or comments from the group. At times, instead of responding as individuals, each ESC will need to reach a consensus to participate in the polls and other interactive features.
8. Plan a pre-webinar conversation and follow-up discussion with your ESC colleagues as part of the webinar. Use regional issues to guide the discussion. Also, archived webinars can be used to prompt the follow-up discussion. The archive allows navigation through the webinar to see the sections of the presentation that were most relevant to your group.