Adobe Connect is a web conferencing platform that allows for highly interactive synchronous meetings. It provides tools for audio and video conferencing, screen sharing, chat functions, and attendee participation indicators. The document provides step-by-step instructions for students on how to set up and use their audio during an Adobe Connect meeting, interact with other participants via chat and status indicators, connect to meetings from a mobile device, and troubleshoot common issues.

1. Adobe Connect
Adobe Connect is a web conferencing platform which
provides novices and experts alike with the capability to
conduct highly interactive synchronous meetings.
Student Orientation Updated 3/2/15

2. 1 – Make sure the speaker and microphone icons on the top bar
of the screen are both green.
2 – Wait for a support person to call on you, then say “hello.”
3 – If you are OK, put up check mark.
Click the arrow next to the person
with the raised hand, then select Agree.
4 – If you will not be speaking for a while,
click the mic icon to mute it.
Audio Check

3. 1 – When you enter the room, you will need to join the conference.
Normally, select Using Microphone.
Starting Your Audio
3 – If there is no phone in the room, you may just
see a white mic icon on the top bar.
Click it to start your audio.
2 – You may be prompted
with this pop-up.
Always click Allow.

4. 1 – If for some reason your audio gets disconnected, click on
whichever icon you see at the top to reconnect
Starting Your Audio (cont)
2 – You may be prompted with this pop-up.
Normally, select Using Microphone.
OR

5. Run the Audio Setup Wizard
On menu bar on upper left, select Meeting,
then select Audio Setup Wizard
The first thing you should do when you log into an Adobe Connect meeting
is to run the Audio Setup Wizard to ensure your audio is working properly.

6. Audio Setup Wizard
A series of four screens
will show, allowing you to:
1 - check your speakers
2 - select your microphone
3 - test your microphone
4 – set background noise level
Click arrow to right of mic,
then Select Microphone
to quickly change setting

7. Headsets
Easier to use, lower quality
USB (1 flat connector)Analog (1 or 2 plugs - 1/8”)
Higher quality, can “act up”
• Make sure headset and microphone are properly connected
• For analog, ensure compatibility with your PC/Mac
• Make sure microphone is NOT muted (mostly on USB)
• Mac users should generally use built-in mic/speakers
Combined mic
& headphone
Mic & headphone
Each separate
Volume and mute

8. Get Wired!
1 - Use an ethernet cable to connect your computer to a router or modem
Wired connections work better then wireless …
2 – IMPORTANT: Disable wireless on your computer
Typical
Mac
disable
Typical
PC
disable

9. Finding the Meeting
Read this information
to get oriented to
Adobe Connect
Click here to fill out form
for help
Click here to enter room;
there may be several
sections.
Phone and mobile info
also provided.
Recordings are stored here
Click Web Conferencing on the left course menu to see the Web Conferencing page below.

10. Classroom Overview
B – Share Pod
A – Menu Bar
C –Chat Pod
D – Attendees Pod
used for presentations, app share, etc.
E – Video Pod
F – Connection
Status
NOTE: Each room may have a different number and/or arrangement of the various pods.

11. Interacting in Class
Disagree
Click the arrow to the right of the hand-raise icon
on the bar on the top of the screen.
Then, select any of the status options
(the four common ones are at the top).
Select Clear Status at the bottom to remove what you selected.
Status
Agree
Your status will then appear to the right of your name in the list of Attendees.
Note that if you select Step Away, your mic is
automatically muted, and you will need to
un-mute it to talk after you return.

12. Text Chat - Public
By default, messages you type are public –
anyone in the room can read them.
Find the Chat Pod.
Type a message in the white bar and the bottom, then
hit Enter or click the speech bubble on the right.

13. Text Chat - Private
Chat Tabs
You can also change the size
and color of your chat text.
You can send a message just to one person.
1 - From the menu in the upper right, select Start Chat With.
2 – Select Hosts, Presenters, or Attendees (plus a specific person)
3 – A new tab will open at the bottom of the chat window. You may
have several tabs at once, switching back and forth between them.
Note the menus may pop-up on the left
side rather than the right side.

14. Calling In for Audio
Below the link to enter class, you will see
- the link for accessing the room via mobile application
- the room phone number (always 617-861-6840)
- the room “Conference ID” (unique for each classroom)
For phone info while in the room, click the i on the upper right,
then click View Info for details.

15. Connecting with your mobile device
You will need the URL for the room
OR enter through Blackboard Learn mobile
Download application (for both iOS and Android) from:
http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect/mobile-meetings.html
Note:
presentations
and video may
use up
your data plan.
Controls for
mic, chat,
hand-raise, etc.
are on the side.

16. Troubleshooting
• Slides not updating, text/buttons not working
• Exit and Re-enter Room - fixes temporary glitches
• Stubborn problem could be Flash or browser issue
Audio Issues
• Verify using latest version of Flash
• http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
• Quit and Restart browser after upgrading
• Have multiple browsers available
• PC: Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome
• Mac: Safari, Firefox, Chrome
• Turn off pop-up blockers and remove plug-in toolbars
• Make sure microphone is properly connected and not accidentally muted
• Make sure correct mic option is selected
• Test sound by playing a YouTube video or similar
• Close out of room and re-enter
Flash/Browsers
Visual Issues

17. Blackboard General Help: http://umb.echelp.org
Support Information
“Read this first” link – good for general review
Blackboard Account Issues
• UMass Service Desk: 617-287-5220 (9 am - 5 pm Eastern)
More at http://adobeconnect.wikispaces.umb.edu/Students
Fill out form to get help using this link

18. Recommendations
• Arrive 10-15 minutes before class
• Do audio mic check before going away
• Connect wired instead of wireless
• Master basic troubleshooting
• Try to exit and re-enter the room
• Try a different browser (have 2 or 3 installed)
• Call in for audio if having problems (don’t wait)
• Check for current version of Flash
• Basic “etiquette”
• Talking – If you are in a noisy environment, mute your mic
• Status – clear status of checks, hands, etc. promptly
• Phoning – wait until called on, mute phone if not talking

19. Good Luck!
Have a great semester!