Dimdim tips

About the use of DimDim by Unfettered Mind

http://www.dimdim.com/ is a free webconferencing service being used by Unfettered Mind for online classes. Please familiarize yourself with DimDim before attending an online class for the first time and take a look at the tips below.

Testing

Set up your own account with DimDim (it's free). This will give you more latitude to test and work out any problems before the meeting. Tech support at DimDim is pretty good. There are also a few tips on Unfettered Mind's ning site , as we are using DimDim for other programs.

Preparation

Close out any program that uses audio or video, such as Skype, iChat, Yahoo messenger, and music and video editing programs. Best to restart your computer. We have found that dimdim works more reliably when it doesn't have to compete with other programs for shared resources.

Headset

Also, it's good to use a USB headset with a mike. Many people have found the Logitech headset inexpensive and reliable. The headset cuts out feedback and ensures better sound quality. Be sure to position the mike away from your nose as otherwise, it will faithfully pick up the sound of your breathing. If you don't have a headset, please do not use the "hands free" option if I give you a mike to talk (see below).

Invitation

Check in early to allow you time to connect with the room and make sure everything is working so that we can start our session on time with a minimum of technological issues.

In the invitation, you will have a link to the "room" where the program will be held. The name of the room is "kenmcleod".

Interaction

While you should see my video and hear me throughout the program, there are only three additional mikes and one additional video display. When I give a mike to a person, there may be initially a considerable delay when some people talk (anything from 1 to 30 seconds!).

Very likely, one person will make notes of the meeting using the Chat feature. You will be able to see these notes and add your own at any time.

Because of the limited number of mikes and the delays, the best way to present a point or a question is to use the Private Chat feature, which is located to the right of the main screen. By clicking on my name, you can send me a private message. Simply type in your comment or question and press return. You can also use private chat if you wish to pass notes to each other during the program.

I will repeat your chat posting so that everyone hears it and it is recorded. If the comment or questions leads to a discussion, I will transfer one of the mikes to you so we can discuss the matter together.

When I do assign a mike to you, you have two options:

1. Click on the "hands free" box and use the mute control, if you have one, on your headset.

2. Hold down the "Talk" button with your mouse when you wish to talk.

Please don't have an unmuted mike as the feedback can create problems for everyone.

Also, please make sure you know where your input and output volume controls are for your computer. On Friday, we had problems with one person being extremely loud, but he solved the problem when he adjusted his volume output control.

Displays

There are several display options, some of which work better than others. The primary display option is the presentation display, which seems to update pretty quickly to each person's computer screen. We may make more use of the whiteboard, which allows anyone to type text or draw diagrams for all to see.

For web pages, if we use them, I'll probably enter the URL into the Chat and you can copy it to your browser to bring up that page. You can, of course, do the same if there is a web page you'd like to share.

Recording

The dimdim recording feature worked very well. Please keep in mind that your comments and questions are being recorded. The recording will be distributed to everyone who registered. I have not yet decided whether and how recordings of these sessions will be made available to others.

Telephone bridge

Dimdim says that they provide a telephone bridge, but I'm not sure, at this point, how well it works. You will find the number and passcode at the top of the dimdim window in the meeting. We'll be testing this and will keep you informed.

Last updated by Ann Braun Aug 9.

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