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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What is Horizon Wimba?
Horizon Wimba is a live virtual classroom that is integrated into Blackboard. Live Classroom allows faculty and students to build relationships by combining state-of-the-art interactive technologies such as voice, video, application sharing, polling, and whiteboarding, with traditional best practices of instruction.

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How do I enter the Horizon Live Classroom?

Follow the instructions below to enter a Horizon Live Classroom:

  • Log into Blackboard as you would normally do then click on the course that has a scheduled live lesson.
  • In the left-hand pane, click on the Communication button. Click on the Live Classrooms link.
  • Then click on the title of the classroom. NOTE: Please inform your Instructor if you do not see the classroom link. He or she will need to contact the Help Desk to have it enabled.
  • In the right-hand corner, click on the Setup Wizard button (NOTE: make sure you have popups enabled).
  • Use the wizard in order to test your computer and install the appropriate software.

Once you have passed the setup wizard, press the Enter Room button to join the class.

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Why do I get Java error messages when I enter the classroom if I passed the setup wizard?

Although the wizard checks for audio it does not check for problems with Java. If you do get Java error messages, perform the following:

  • Go to the Control Panel.
  • Open Add/Remove Programs.
  • Check the list for Java 2 Runtime and J2SE (short for Java 2 Standard Edition). NOTE: If there is more than one listing with Java 2 Runtime and J2SE, remove all other instances of Java 2 Runtime and J2SE except the latest version of Java 2 Runtime.
  • Run the Wizard to check that it is working properly.

Another problem may be caused by a Windows Internet Options setting. Also try following the steps below:

  • Go to Internet Explorer and go to Tools --> Internet Options --> Connections.
  • Click on the 'LAN Settings…' button towards the bottom of the window.
  • Un-check the 'Automatically detect settings' option.
  • Restart your computer.
  • Run the Wizard to test HorizonMedia.

If this does not stop the errors and fix the problem, please contact Horizon Wimba directly for further troubleshooting at help@horizonwimba.com or by calling 212.651.8049 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Monday through Friday. Additional solutions can be found at http://staff.goucher.edu/training/Virtual%20Classroom.htm.

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How do I archive a course in Blackboard?

Here are the steps you need to archive all or part of your Blackboard course:

  • Log into Blackboard and go into the course you want to archive.
  • Click on the button labeled Control Panel.
  • Click on the link on the bottom left labeled Course Utilities.
  • Follow the link labeled Archive Course.
  • Select the content areas and format desired.
  • Hit the Submit button.
  • Click on the link provided to download the course site and choose the location on your computer where you want to save the file.

A zip file will be saved in the location you chose. Uploading this content into another course or on another Blackboard server will depend on the setup at that organization. At Goucher, one of the Blackboard administrators would upload it for you. If you need us to do this for you, just contact the Help Desk either by phone (410-337-6322) or by e-mail (helpdesk@goucher.edu) and they will forward your request to the right person.

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How do I log into Blackboard?
To log into blackboard go to http://blackboard.goucher.edu and click on Login. Your username is the same as your GCADMIN username name and your initial password will be your AIMS (student) ID number which can be found on your OneCard.  Please note: that your Blackboard username and password is the same as your email/network account information.  Therefore, if you change the password you use to check your email, that new password will now be the one used to check your Blackboard account.

Why do I keep getting a “Challenge Token Null” error message when I try to login?

There are two login screens. The first one has the login button and the second page allows you to type in your credentials. If you bookmark the second page, you will get the error message.

Delete your current bookmark to avoid getting the error message. If you still want a bookmark, make sure to create one of the page with the login button.

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How can I change my password?

You can change your Goucher password by going to https://password.goucher.edu.  If needed, you can download instructions on how to change your password by going to http://www.goucher.edu/x2848.xml.

From now on you’ll use the new password to log into Blackboard and your other Goucher accounts. If you are not able to login because you do not remember your password please call the Help Desk  at 410-337-6322 to have it reset to your Goucher ID number.

I have registered for all my courses but they do not appear in Blackboard. Why is that?
Students are automatically enrolled in courses once registered.  However, it may take up to 48 hrs for the courses to appear in Blackboard.

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A course that I took last semester still appears in Blackboard. How do I remove it?
Look for the small pencil in the upper right hand corner of the Course panel on that page. If you click on the pencil, you will get a list of all your courses. Simply uncheck the boxes for courses that you no longer want to see. Click on the Submit button and they will be gone!

How do I copy material from one course to be used in another?

At times you may want to transfer materials from a previous course you have taught into a new course in Blackboard. In order for this process to work, your new course must already be established in Blackboard. To copy course materials:

  • Enter the previous course.
  • Click on Control Panel.
  • Click on Course Copy.
  • Select Copy Course Materials into an Existing Course. NOTE: You will not be able to create a new course.
  • Enter the Destination Course ID.
  • Select which course materials you wish to copy by selecting the appropriate checkbox(es).
  • Click on Submit.

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Where can I find instructions on how to use Blackboard?

If you click on the Tools button from within any course – whether you are in a course as a student, instructor, or administrator – there is a link to the Blackboard manual appropriate for your role.