Decorum guidelines: how to create an uplifted environment for receiving the teachings via webcast.
How do I join an online event?
Click on the link that you received in your email. It will take you to a log in page. Please sign in as a "Guest" using your actual name - there is no password required - then click "enter". You will then be directed to the program site. If the talk or teaching has not started you will be asked to wait. Once the host arrives, you will automatically enter the site for the program. At that point, the facilitator or teacher will give instructions by voice or via chat (typing).
For additional help, please look at the tutorial found below.
Attending a program: Please plan to get online 15 minutes before the scheduled time to give you some time to test your setup.
Make sure you close all programs including e-mail programs, and other programs like Skype and MSN that use the internet.
What equipment do I need to join an online program?
A wired internet connection is best for this broadcast rather than wireless, so if you can connect using a network cable from your router to your computer, please do so.
A computer with built-in or external speakers.
What are the recommendations for internet connection?
There are really two specifications you will want to look into when determining the best internet connection. You will want to know download and upload rates from your ISP.
Upload speeds shouldn't really be an issue unless you are planning to broadcast video and audio from your new location to a large audience. The main reason for this is because most broadband internet packages include adequate upload rates for the general user. Anywhere in and around 1/2 Mbs upload should be fine. But of course the faster the better for sharing video / audio from your location.
For simply viewing broadcasts (especially one with many connected users) we recommend a high-speed broadband connection, with download rates of around at least 5.0 Mbs. Most companies offer these speeds with cable internet, or high-speed DSL options.
If you want to interact using a camera and microphone, you will need:
A webcam, camcorder or built-in camera
A built-in or external microphone. Logitech is a proven USB microphone . It can be purchased online at Amazon for less than $25.
If you plan to use a camera and microphone, please watch the video tutorial before your first class.
How do I use the chat window? During each class there will be a chat pod available for questions. This should only be used during the Q&A segment of the broadcast.Type your question or comment in the space at the bottom of the chat pod. Hit enter on your keyboard to submit it to the chat window. If you want to chat privately to the teacher or another particpant, select their name from the drop down menu at the bottom right of the chat pod. What do I do if I experience an interruption in the broadcast? Should you experience an interruption in the broadcast and you lose audio or video for more than 2 or 3 minutes, please close the program and your web browser, then click on the link for the talk again. Log in again as before.
Here are instructions about asking the teacher questions during the question and answer period of the talk. Please communicate with your group about the procedure for asking a question.
Asking a question using chat: Type the questioner's Name, City/Country or Centre, and then the question. You may do this any time during the question period only. Questions will be selected and read to everyone. Asking a question using a mic and/or camera: When the question time is offered, if you or someone in your group wants to ask a question, chat (type) that you have equipment and someone in your group has a question. When it is your turn, you will be given rights to use your camera and/or mic, and the facilitators will indicate when it is your turn. Then you activate your equipment by clicking on the camera icon. We will alternate chat and "live" questions, so you will be turning on your camera or mic during the time that the teacher is answering a chat question. After your question is answered, the facilitators will turn off your mic and camera. Please instruct everyone to speak directly into the microphone and leave a gap before they begin speaking. Release the talk button when the questioner has finished speaking.
To familiarize youself with the interface of these programs, please watch the video tutorial before your first class.
For any other questions, please contact us at info@shambhalaonline.org.
How to get started with an online program
Decorum guidelines: how to create an uplifted environment for receiving the teachings via webcast.
