Note: Breeze has been renamed Adobe Connect Professional.
Adobe Connect is an online virtual classroom / meeting space. Connect requires the Flash player be installed on your machine as well as a working microphone and speakers (all hooked to a working sound card). A web cam is optional.
Note: If you are using a computer in your workplace or in a public area you may need to consult with the computer support staff to install the software and microphone.
QUICK STEPS: (You can perform Steps 1 and 2 at any time.)
This feature is a live Connect session, it will allow you to ensure that your microphone and camera are broadcasting properly, and you can take time to learn the interface without having to also keep up with course content. Instructions are provided on the whiteboard area once you enter the room.If you run into difficulties and would like a staff member to help, feel free to call us at 319-335-3925 or 800-272-6430 (toll-free, nationwide), and ask to be connected with someone who can help you troubleshoot Connect.
The Center for Credit Programs Connect test room is provided for the sole purpose of testing the compatibility of your computer system with Connect and familiarizing yourself with the features of the product. Any other use is strictly prohibited.
Please complete this short request form to receive access information for the Connect Test Room. Please include the course number for the offering using Connect or your University of Iowa affiliation.
- Do I need a password? Only if your instructor specifies a password. Otherwise just enter your name to sign in at login.
Tip: Once logged in to your Connect session check your audio again. Walk through the steps of adjusting your audio connections, microphone and speakers.
View a Connect Features Demo:
Select "Launch Connect Meeting Experience" from the following link.This recording uses the same software needed to use Connect. If you have not verified that you have the required software, selecting the link above will check for you. The software may take several minutes to load the first time you use the system.
Features Demo (from Adobe Macromedia)
Tour of Adobe Connect meeting elements
This flash clip refers to the software as Breeze. Breeze has been renamed Adobe Connect.
Connect software works on both Mac and PC. The requirements are the same. First, go to http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/ to check if you have Flash Player installed on your machine.
Connect virtual classroom allows participants to communicate using audio over the internet or Voice Over IP. A microphone is required to use this feature. We recommend a USB headset
microphone. These are available for around $35 from most electronics/computer retailers.
Note: Using your computer speakers and a microphone can cause audio feedback. If you hear a high pitched noise when talking during a Connect session, try using a headset instead of your computer's speakers.
Connect can also send web video via a web cam or digital video camera. Web cams are available from many computer retailers starting around $40. Not all courses use the video feature. Check with your instructor before investing in a web cam.
Guide to Connect Setup (Slide show)
The following
link will take you to a recording discussing
some of the features available in Connect.
Tour of Adobe Connect meeting elements
This flash clip refers to the software as Breeze. Breeze has been renamed Adobe Connect.
In Windows XP select the Control Panel then "Sounds and Audio Devices Properties" . In the control panel, move to the "Voice" tab and select the "Test Hardware" button. Follow the instructions to test microphone recording volume and speaker/headphone volume.
Using a Mac OSX computer, you open System Preferences and the "Sounds" Control Panel. Some Mac computers require a USB microphone; and a regular connection to headphones. In the "Sounds" Control Panel you can adjust the volume for input (microphones) and output (headphones or speakers).
You will have been emailed a link to your virtual classroom or a link will be available from your courses ICON site.
Do I need a password? Only if your instructor specifies a password. Otherwise just enter your name to sign in at login and a request will be sent to the meeting host to approve your entry.
This is the first time I've tried to launch Adobe Connect from this computer and it won't let me connect, what's wrong?
Firewall issues. If your session connection appears to be blocked, check to see if Port 1935 is being blocked by a software or hardware based firewall. Port 1935 must be open for Connect to work. You can change the required settings in the administrative console that every firewall provides. The most common software firewall is the one that bundles with Windows XP Service Pack 2. To open Port 1935 within newer Windows systems, go to the Control Panel, find the Windows Firewall icon, and double-click it. Click the Exceptions tab, then click the Add Port button. In the name dialog, type Connect. In the Port number dialog, type 1935. Selected the TCP radio button and click OK. That will open Port 1935 for Connect functionality.
Why do I have to use a headset microphone, my speakers work just fine?
There are several reasons why using a headset microphone is important. First, this helps avoid audio feedback. Audio feedback occurs when the signal comes out of the speakers is picked up by a second microphone and sent back into the system. This results in a very distracting delayed repeating of the audio. Play Sample (mp3)
If you happen to have a slower internet connection the audio signal is delayed further which exacerbates the problem. By using a headset microphone the audio comes out the earpiece and is not picked up buy the microphone. This is also one of the reasons we ask that you DO NOT leave your microphone locked on and only turn your microphone on when you are ready to speak.
Secondly, the quality of your audio is better if the microphone is near your mouth. The microphone should be positioned just to the side and not directly in front of your mouth. This placement will avoid the loud popping sound when pronouncing words starting with the letter “P”.
Why do I need to turn my microphone off when I'm not talking?
You should always turn your microphone off when not in use. Failure to do so may result in audio feedback for the other participants. This is especially true when using your computers speakers instead of a headset. The audio may sound normal to you but the rest of the participants will hear a severe echo. Here is a sample of how it may sound. Play Sample (mp3)
Another good reason is to avid potential embarrassment. If your microphone is on and someone enters the room, any conversation you have with that person would be broadcast to the rest of the class.
Why does the audio and video seem choppy or delayed it was fine last week?
Poor performance can be the result of lower bandwidth or slow connection speed. A slow connection or low bandwidth may result the following:
Connection speed / bandwidth can change from hour to hour, day to day or week to week. Internet Bandwidth varies depending on several factors. The main factor is increased internet traffic in your area. If you have a cable modem or DSL connection in your home the bandwidth of that connection is split between all the computers you have connected and turned on in your home at the time. Your available bandwidth can also decrease depending on the number of computers connected on the same system/hub in your neighborhood.
How do I tell if I have a slow internet connection?
Connect will provide an indication if your connection speed is slowing / bandwidth lowering while in a session. This indication is in the form of a small bar graph next to your name in the attendee list. The graph will change colors depending on the level of connection speed, clear (slowing slightly), yellow (slowing moderately) or red (slowing significantly).
What actions can I take if my connection is slow or bandwidth low?
There are a few actions you can take to decrease your bandwidth usage.
Note: Clicking on the small green bar in the upper right of the screen will provide a bandwidth usage meter. The meter will show amount of delay, upload and download levels.
How do I use a Mac with built-in webcamera with Connect?
Here is the correct order of events to use your built-in isight camera with Adobe Connect:
1. Turn on ichat software. It will turn on the built-in webcamera. Use the video command to select "video preview".
2. Enter your Adobe Connect Session. Under "Meeting" select Camera and then "USB camera option".
3. Quit ichat to release the web camera.
4. Back in Connect, click on the "Share my camera" tab and check "allow access to my camera and microphone" when prompted.
Technical Support
The University of Iowa Division of Continuing Education
Phone: 1-319-335-3925
Email: tech-support@www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu
Web Form: http://www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/ccp/sos/help_form.htm
Contact Us | Last Updated
6/23/08