What is Elluminate?
Elluminate is a web-conferencing program that allows multiple users to meet in real-time and collaborate virtually. Communication can occur via a chat area or by using Elluminate’s audio feature (which does require a microphone, either internal or external). PowerPoint files can be uploaded to the system and presented by one or more moderators. Additional features that enhance usability are application sharing and remote desktop control. In order for Elluminate to run, a computer must have an Internet connection and Java. Dial-up (low-speed) connections are not a problem when accessing the Elluminate program. If Java is not already loaded on a computer, Elluminate will prompt the user to download it.
How do I access Elluminate?
Access to Elluminate is provided to users by a web address (URL) that is unique to each virtual meeting room or each user. Depending upon the link setup (universal or guest-specific URL), an Elluminate page will load in your web browser and may or may not ask you for your name for the session. This is not a user name, but is how you will be shown to other participants in the session. If prompted, it is recommended that you enter your full name (first and last). After entering your name, click the “Login” box (shown below).
What do I need to do?
Your initial login to Elluminate will require a few set-up steps. As the room loads, you will have to agree to the Elluminate license agreement. After that, you will need to select your connection speed. Once these things have been done on a particular computer, you will not be prompted to do them again. (The connection speed can be changed later on if you realize you selected the wrong option.) When the Elluminate room is fully loaded, you should see a few key areas. A “Participants” box will be in the upper left corner (shown below in a blue box). The “Chat” area is below the “Participants” box (shown below in a green box). Underneath that is the “Audio” section (shown below in a pink box). The main area of the screen is the “Whiteboard” (shown below in an orange box).
The “Participants” Area
All users who enter the Elluminate room will have their name (exactly as they entered it on the login page) displayed in the “Participants” area. Moderator names will always appear at the top of this area and will be shown in bold type. Non-moderator participants will have their names appear below the moderators and will be organized alphabetically by the first letter of the first name entered. Your name will appear in blue type and will say “(me).” (That’s handy in case you forget who you are! J ) Depending on the room settings, participants may or may not be brought into the Elluminate with all permissions, as shown by the icons appearing to the right of someone’s name. Those icons (from left to right) are permissions for using public chatting, whiteboard tools, microphone, web cam, and application sharing.
The “Chat” Area
Elluminate allows chatting to occur either publicly (where all participants see the message) or privately (where a participant can select the particular user or users who will see the message). If you see the chat bubble next to your name in the “Participants” box, the default setting is for public chatting. Those without the bubble are still able to chat, but the messages will show only to the moderator(s).
To send a public message, type in the blank white box (shown below with the red arrow pointing to it) and then click “Send.” This will then show in the chat box to participants who are currently logged into the Elluminate room. Participants who enter after the message is sent will not see it. Your name will precede any message sent in this area, so participants will always know who made that statement.
To send a private message, click on where it says “This Room” and a drop-down menu will appear. You can then select the recipient for your private message by clicking on that user’s name. Type your message in the same area as before and click “Send” when you’re done. Private messages will appear in blue text. Only the sender of a private message and the recipient of it will see it appear in the “Chat” area. Moderators do have the ability to set the chat on a “supervised” level which means that he/she is able to view all messages, public and private.
The “Audio” Area
Elluminate’s audio capability allows users to speak in real-time to each other, provided that speakers are connected and a working microphone is recognized by the system. Microphones can be internal or external. External microphones should be connected to your computer before Elluminate is launched and may sometimes need to be connected before you turn your computer on in order to be recognized. External microphones can be purchased inexpensively at stores like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy.
After launching Elluminate, it is recommended that all users visit the “Audio Setup Wizard” to test their speaker & microphone connections. Go up to the top of the window, click on “Tools,” go to “Audio,” and select “Audio Setup Wizard.”
First, Elluminate will test your speakers. If you have multiple audio devices, all recognizable ones will appear in your list. If you have just one device, that one should be selected by default (as you see below). To begin testing your speaker level, click “OK.
After clicking “OK,” a new window will appear and you must click “Play.” Once the audio begins, you can adjust the volume by clicking & dragging the tab (shown below with the red arrow). Drag the tab to the right to make the volume louder. Drag the tab to the left to make it quieter.
After completing the speaker setup, Elluminate will have you test your microphone. Just like before, a list of devices will appear and you must select the one to use. (If you’re not sure, you can try one, see if it works. If it does not work, you can try it again, this time selecting a different device from the list.)
This time, when you select your microphone device and click “OK,” you will be asked to record a sample of yourself speaking. When you do this, if your microphone has been correctly connected to your computer and is recognized by Elluminate, you will see this shown. If you’re speaking, the black area should fill up with colors: green, yellow, and red.
Too little green (one or two “bars”) will probably mean that the volume is too low. Either speak louder, move closer to the microphone, or adjust the tab more to the right. If you’re seeing green, yellow, and red, the audio is not likely to be of good quality. Either speak a bit softer, move away from the microphone, or adjust the tab more to the left. After completing your recording, you will able to play it back and determine if the levels were adequate. If you were not happy with the playback of your recording, you will be able to try it again.
If you a trying to record and do not see any colors in the black area (shown below), your microphone may be off, not connected, not the right device, or not within range of your voice.
More Elluminate Information
For more information regarding Elluminate, please visit this website: http://support.blackboardcollaborate.com/ics/support/KBList.asp?folderID=889 . Technical support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all Elluminate users by calling 1-877-382-2293.