Making Sure Your Computer is Ready for a blendedschools.net Class

Before your class begins, follow each of the steps below to test your computer settings to make sure it is ready for your blendedschools.net class.

1) Find out what web browser you are using.

A web browser is the program you use to access the Internet. It is important for you to know which browser you are using for your online classes. Visit this link to learn more about the browser you are using.

2) Disable pop-up blockers.

You will need to allow pop-up windows in order to fully participate in this course. Follow the steps in the following video to adjust the settings in your browser to allow pop-ups. Try clicking this link; it should open up the blendedschools.net website in a new window. If you do not see the blendedschools.net website, you should check on your popup blockers.

Here are some links to help you configure common popup blocker tool bars:
|Google Toolbar | AOL Toolbar | Windows Explorer | Firefox | Safari | Yahoo Toolbar | How To Disable Popup Blockers Help Page|

3) Install Adobe Flash©.

Flash will be needed for many of the activities in your class. Listen to the recording below to see if you have Flash installed properly.

As long as you can hear the recording, you have Flash© installed correctly. If you cannot hear the recording, contact your school's tech department or go to the Adobe Flash© Download Website and follow the download directions.

4) Install Java.

Java will be needed throughout your course. Use this link from Java© to make sure that you have an updated version of Java© installed correctly. The website will provide you with the necessary file download information if it detects that you computer needs Java© installed or updated. Contact your school's tech department if you need help with this installation.

5) Run the Wimba Classroom Setup Wizard.

The Wimba Classroom is a tool you may need to use in your class. Click this link to run a wizard which will help you test your computer settings needed for the Wimba Classroom tool to work properly. It will also allow you to test your microphone, speakers and/or headset. The wizard will guide you through any fixes or solutions that are necessary. Be sure to read each screen of the wizard carefully before clicking "Next."

6) Run the Wimba Voice Tools Setup Wizard.

You may need to use the Wimba Voice Tools in your class. Click this link to run a wizard which will help you test your computer settings needed for the Wimba Voice Tools. It will also allow you to test your microphone, speakers and/or headset. The wizard will guide you through any fixes or solutions that are necessary. Be sure to read each screen of the wizard carefully before clicking "Next."

7) Stop blocking file downloads.

If you are using Internet Explorer, you may find that you aren't able to download files from your course. Follow the steps in this video to change some settings in Internet Explorer to allow files to download from your courses.

8) Find out if YouTube is blocked.

If you can play the video below, then you will be able to view any YouTube videos that are in your course. If you do not see a video below, then YouTube is probably blocked in your school and you will need to let your teacher know. Your teacher should then contact the district's tech department. This is only an adjustment that your school district can make.