Virtual Classroom is an integrated web conferencing tool by Bongo. It helps instructors engage learners in two-way video conversations. Virtual Classroom is available within TCU Online courses now under the People menu on the course navbar.
Note: TCU does not have the Premium license for Virtual Classroom. TCU does currently have Zoom Pro through TCU IT’s department that integrates with TCU Online.
Features of Virtual Classroom in TCU Online include:
Run live video sessions right within your course.
Faculty can schedule live discussions, office hours, video-based training, and more.
Video sessions can be automatically recorded and seamlessly embedded into course content modules alongside other learning materials. Session recordings will be available for 14 days.
Voice and video conferencing
Max # of participants 50
Max of 60 minutes
Up to 7 simultaneous webcams enabled
Whiteboard
Document and desktop sharing
Live chat
VoiP-based audio and Phone bridge (for instructors)
250 sessions per week for all of TCU
Create, reschedule or cancel a virtual classroom session (instructors only)
Create a Content Link to a virtual classroom session (instructors only)
On the course home page, click Content.
In the module or sub-module where you want to add the quicklink, from the Existing Activities button, select Virtual Classrooms.
Select the meeting that you want to add or click Create Meeting to schedule a new session.
Tips for using Virtual Classroom
Use a laptop or desktop computer, tablets and mobile devices do not support all the features. Chrome and Firefox are the recommended and supported browsers.
Use headphones instead of speakers to prevent voice echo.
The Enter Meeting Room button will activate when it’s time to start your meeting, refresh your screen when it is time to start.
You can setup meetings for specific users, however those users must be enrolled in the course and must also have first opened the Virtual Classroom tool prior to being assigned to a meeting.
Audio and Video
Watch for browser permissions that appear at the top of the page and allow for your webcam and microphone to be used.
Share your microphone and webcam only when needed or required.
You can share and un-share your webcam and microphone when necessary.
Please use Chrome or Firefox.
Recording
Click the record button when you are ready to start the recording. Click record again when you want to finish the recording.
You can start, stop, and restart the recording, but all parts are combined into one video per meeting.
If you forget to click the record button in an assignment meeting, the entire meeting will be recorded automatically.
Your recording will be available for viewing after processing which may require 30-90 minutes depending on your meeting duration.
Participation
Session features may vary based on the configuration settings chosen by the moderator or assignment requirements.
Share your webcam and unmute your microphone only when needed or required, start with the Listen option unless your moderator provides other directions.
If you are using Chrome and will share your desktop, install the Screen Capturing for Bongo plugin from the Chrome Web Store so that your computer is ready when the meeting starts.
If you are using Firefox, ensure you have an up-to-date version to enable screen sharing during the meeting.
Virtual Classroom Tools
Desktop Share: Share an application or additional resource through your desktop.