Computer Software Help
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| Adobe Connect Instructions |
Adobe Connect is a web conferencing software program some instructors use to deliver online courses or record classes for later viewing.
Video tutorials are also available for the Adobe Connect program.
Click on the links below to access instructions on using Adobe Connect to attend class.
Getting Started with Adobe Connect
The Adobe Connect Online Classroom
Communicating with Adobe Connect
- Using the chat pod for communication
- Raising your hand
- Using the microphone for communication
- Hearing the instructor
- Troubleshooting Sound
Downloading Content from the Instructor
Getting Started with Adobe Connect
If you require technical assistance with Adobe Connect, please contact our Online Learning Support Helpdesk; they are available 7 days a week 9:00am-9:00pm. You can contact them by phone 403-464-0836 or toll free 1-866-615-8923 or you can send an email to onlinehelp@bowvalleycollege.ca.
Thirty minutes before class: test your computer.
1) Open your Browser.
2) Go to the Adobe Connect test website.
3) A connection test will automatically start and check that your computer has all of the requirements.
4) There are four components the test will check. The final check is the Adobe Connect Add-in.
5) Click Install Add-in.
6) If your computer does not pass, suggestions to fix the problem will come up. Follow the instructions and try the test again.
7) If you are still having problems, contact Online Learning Support at 1-866-615-8923.
Adobe Connect requires:
1) An Internet connection (high speed recommended).
2) Web browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc).
3) Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher (click Flash Player to download the latest version).
4) Adobe Connect Add-in (click the link and then click on the download for Adobe Connect 8 for Windows or Mac).
Fifteen minutes before class start: join the class
Your instructor will send you a link (URL) before you begin classes for the first time. This may be provided on Blackboard or may have been emailed or mailed to you. When you are ready to join the class, click on the link provided or enter the URL into your web browser address bar.
Enter the meeting as a Guest. Enter your first name and the first initial of your last name and click Enter Room.
If the instructor has not arrived you may be sent to a waiting room. When they arrive you will automatically be moved into the classroom area.
The Adobe Connect Online Classroom
Adobe Connect uses pods to perform functions in the classroom. Pods are placed on the screen by the instructor. Not every class will look the same.
Attendee List pod - the instructor and students attending over Adobe Connect will be listed here.
Help menu - here you can find help and troubleshooting tips.
Whiteboard pod - your instructor will write notes and give lessons here.
Note pod - your instructor may post notes or an agenda here.
Chat pod - you can communicate with the instructor here.
File Share pod - your instructor may place documents for you to download here.
Communicating with Adobe Connect
- Using the chat pod for communication
- Raising your hand
- Using the microphone for communication
- Hearing the instructor
- Troubleshooting Sound
Using the chat pod for communication
You may be asked to communicate with your instructor or classmates using the chat function.
To send a message to everyone in the class, type the question in the text line and press enter on your keyboard.
To communicate privately, click on the box in the top right of the chat pod (See picture below).
Click on Start Chat With.
Click on the person you want to speak privately with such as the Presenter (teacher).
You will notice a new box at the bottom of the chat pod and you can click between the two chat boxes, one for everyone and one for only the Presenters.*
*If your instructor is also projecting their screen in a classroom, other students will be able to see your chats with the presenter. Please check with your instructor before using private chat.
You can raise your hand to get the attention of the presenter. If you raise your hand you need to clear your status once you have been acknowledged.
The raise hand button is at the top of the meeting screen. (See picture below)
Click on the arrow next to the Raise Hand button.
Click on Raise Hand.
When you have been acknowledged click on the arrow again and click on Clear Status.
Using the microphone for communication
You will only be able to use the microphone if your instructor gives you permission. If you have been given permission to talk with the microphone there will be a picture of a microphone next to your name in the Attendee pod.
Your microphone needs to be plugged in to the computer before you enter the online classroom. If needed, leave the classroom, plug in the microphone to the computer and enter the online classroom again.
If you are using a headset microphone, plug it into the slot located either on the front or the back of your computer. The slot will either have a picture of a microphone near it or be coloured pink.
If you are using a USB microphone, plug it into an available USB port on your computer.
For your class and instructor to hear you, click on the arrow next to the microphone at the top of the screen and click Connect My Audio.
You will have to Allow the microphone access to your computer. Click Allow.
If you need to Mute your microphone or adjust your microphone volume click on the arrow beside the microphone icon at the top of the screen and click on Mute My Mic or Adjust Mic Volume.
If you are using speakers make sure the power to the speakers is tumed on and they are plugged into the green port on the back of the computer.
If you are using headphones make sure they are plugged into the computer before you enter the online classroom. If you forgot, close the class window, plug in the headphones and re-enter the class.
Headphones plug into the audio port either located on the front or the back of your computer.
- The plugin for headphones is often coloured green.
- If you are using a laptop the plugin will be located on the side of the computer.
- If the port is not coloured there will be a picture of headphones next to the correct plugin.
If you cannot hear the instructor, even after leaving and re-entering the online classroom, or no one can hear you on the microphone, try the following steps.
Run the Audio Setup Wizard (It is a good idea to do this before class starts).
Click on Meeting located at the top of the screen and clik on Audio Setup Wizard.
Follow the steps in the wizard to see if your speakers and microphone are working. Adjust volumes as necessary.
Remember to call the online learning support help desk (1-866-615-8923) if you have any problems with the audio setup wizard.
Downloading Content from the Instructor
Your instructor may have you download important files from the online classroom. These will be located inside the Files pod. Follow the steps to download and save the file.
In the Files pod, click on the name of the file you want to download.
Click on Save to My Computer.
A new window will open in your Internet browser with a link in the middle of the screen. Click on the link.
Now you can choose the location on your computer to save the file from your instructor. Click Save.
| Adobe Connect Video Tutorials |
Please watch the videos to become familiar with Adobe Connect.
The videos are best viewed using Mozilla Firefox and may take a few seconds to load.
Headphones or speakers recommended while watching the videos.
Communicating with Adobe Connect:
Using the chat box and raising your hand
Using the microphone
Downloading content from the instructor
For more information on using Adobe Connect please read through the Adobe Connect Instructions.
| Microsoft Office 2007 |
Microsoft Office 2007 suite has the programs Microsoft Word 2007, Microsoft Excel 2007, Microsoft PowerPoint 2007, Microsoft Access 2007, Microsoft Publisher 2007 and Microsoft Outlook 2007.
Click on the program name to find tutorials to help you.
Word 2007
Excel 2007
PowerPoint 2007
Access 2007
Publisher 2007
Outlook 2007
Click on the links below for access to guides, tutorials, videos, free courses and more to help you use Word 2007.
Quick Reference Guide
A short, printable guide to using Word 2007.
Word 2003 to Word 2007 Interactive Guide
Try this interactive guide from Microsoft that will demonstrate to you where to locate Word 2003 commands in Word 2007! This tutorial requires the free Adobe Flash Player.
Woopid Word Demos
Over 100 demos to watch on how to use Word 2007.
Microsoft Demos
Over 50 demos to watch. There are text versions with each demo video.
Microsoft Word 2007 Courses
A Free self-paced courses that allow you to watch and listen. Each course has lessons, a self-test and a quick reference card for printing.
Step-by-step exercises
Learn Word 2007 by following along with the lessons.
Accessibility features in Word
Do you want to learn the accessibility features in Word 2007? This Web site provides information for those with limited dexterity, low vision and other disabilities.
Word Keyboard Shortcuts
Do you want to know what the different shortcuts are in Microsoft? This site provides a list of how to perform functions more quickly using shortcuts located on your keyboard.
Quick Reference Guide
A short, printable quide to using Excel 2007
Excel 2003 to Excel 2007 Interactive Guide
Try this interactive guide from Microsoft that will demonstrate to you where to locate Excel 2003 commands in Excel 2007! This tutorial requires the free Adobe Flash Player.
Woopid Excel Demos
Over 100 demos to watch on how to use Excel 2007.
Microsoft Demos
Over 40 demos to watch. There are text versions with each demo video.
Microsoft Excel 2007 Courses
Free self-paced courses that allow you to watch and listen. Each course has lessons, a self-test and a quick reference card for printing.
Step-by-step exercises
Learn Excel 2007 by following along with the lessons.
Excel Keyboard Shortcuts
Do you want to know what the different shortcuts are in Microsoft? This site provides a list of how to perform functions more quickly using shortcuts located on your keyboard.
Quick Reference Guide
A short, printable guide to using PowerPoint 2007.
PowerPoint 2003 to PowerPoint 2007 Interactive Guide
Try this interactive guide from Microsoft that will demonstrate to you where to locate PowerPoint 2003 commands in PowerPoint 2007! This tutorial requires the free Adobe Flash Player.
Woopid PowerPoint Demos
There are over 50 demos to watch on how to use Microsoft PowerPoint.
Microsoft Demos
Over 40 demos to watch. There are text versions with each demo video.
Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 Courses
Free self-paced courses that allow you to watch and listen. Each course has lessons, a self-test and a quick reference card for printing.
Step-by-step exercises
Learn PowerPoint 2007 by following along with the lessons.
PowerPoint Keyboard Shortcuts
Do you want to know what the different shortcuts are in Microsoft? This site provides a list of how to perform functions more quickly using shortcuts located on your keyboard.
Quick Reference Guide
A short, printable guide to using Access 2007.
Access 2003 to Access 2007 Interactive Guide
Try this interactive guide from Microsoft that will demonstrate to you where to locate Access 2003 commands in Access 2007. This tutorial requires the free Adobe Flash Player.
Microsoft Demos
Over 30 demos to watch. There are text versions with each demo video.
Microsoft Access 2007 Courses
Free self-paced courses that allow you to watch and listen. Each course has lessons, a self-test and a quick reference card for printing.
Step-by-step exercises
Learn Access 2007 by following along with the lessons.
Access Keyboard Shortcuts
Do you want to know what the different shortcuts are in Microsoft? This site provides a list of how to perform function more quickly using shortcuts located on your keyboard.
Quick Reference Guide
A short, printable guide to using Publisher 2007.
Microsoft Demos
Over 30 demos to watch. There are text versions with each demo video.
Microsoft Publisher 2007 Courses
Free self-paced courses that allow you to watch and listen. Each course has lessons, a self-test and a quick reference card for printing.
Step-by-step exercises
Learn Publisher 2007 by following along with the lessons.
Publisher Keyboard Shortcuts
Do you want to know what the different shortcuts are in Microsoft? This site provides a list of how to perform functions more quickly using shortcuts located on your keyboard.
Quick Reference Guide
A short, printable guide to using Outlook 2007.
Outlook 2003 to Outlook 2007 Interactive Guide
Try this interactive guide from Microsoft that will demonstrate to you where to locate Outlook 2003 commands in Outlook 2007. This tutorial requires the free Adobe Flash Player.
Microsoft Demos
Over 50 demos to watch. There are text versions with each demo video.
Microsoft Outlook 2007 Courses
Free self-paced courses that allow you to watch and listen. Each course has lessons, a self-test and a quick reference card for printing.
Outlook Keyboard Shortcuts
Do you want to know what the different shortcuts are in Microsoft? This site provides a list of how to perform functions more quickly using shortcuts located on your keyboard.
| Microsoft Office FAQs |
Frequently Asked Questions for Word 2007
Click on the question to go to a tutorial website with the answer.
The menu or top menu is missing from Word. How can I bring back the Ribbon (top menu)?
Text is disappearing as I type. How do I make my text reappear?
How do I delete extra pages in Word?
How do I double space my text?
How do I indent the first line in a paragraph?
How do I format my page margins?
How do I start numbering on page 2 instead of page 1?
How do I insert a header or footer?
How do I add a header to all of the pages except the first page?
Frequently Asked Questions for Excel 2007
Click on the question to go to a tutorial website with the answer.
The menu or the top menu is missing in Excel. How do I bring it back?
How do I print my worksheet to fit on one page?
How do add color to the cells in Excel?
How do I insert headers and footers?
How do I print the gridlines in Excel?
How to add or multiply in Excel - Overview of Basic Functions
What is a VLookup? Can I see an example? (Movie)
How do I create an IF function? Can I see an example? (Movie)
How do I change my numbers to be a different format?
How do I change my numbers to currency?
How do I increase or decrease the decimal places on my numbers?
Frequently Asked Questions for PowerPoint 2007
Click on the question to go to a tutorial website with the answer.
The menu or the top menu is missing in PowerPoint. How do I bring it back?
How do I print off my PowerPoint slides to have 2, 4, or 6 slides per page?
How do I insert new slides? (Movie)
How do I add a background to my PowerPoint‘?
How do I add a transition to my slides? (Movie)
