LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Using Adobe Connect

This page provides information about using Adobe Connect web conferencing software.

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About web conferences

A web conference is an environment for bringing together individuals from different locations into a single virtual space. There are many web conferencing platforms, each with similar features and functionality. This page provides information about using Adobe Connect Pro, web-based software that allows you to see, hear, and interact with presenters during a web conference.

What is Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro 7?

Acrobat Connect, formerly known as Macromedia Breeze, is a secure and flexible web-based communication system that provides the ability to conduct online synchronous classes, post multimedia course content for asynchronous access, and to connect with students one-on-one or in small groups anywhere, anytime.

Technical requirements

Technical requirements for participating virtually via Adobe Connect are minimal:

  • High-speed internet access (cable modem, DSL premium — not “lite,” or faster) is highly recommended for optimal performance. Access via dial-up modem will most likely result in slow, choppy performance when trying to view images/video, hear audio, and enter text during sessions. Ethernet connections are preferable to wireless connections: While high-speed wireless connections do work, “hard-wired” connections generally provide more stable connectivity.
  • You will need to disable any window pop-up blockers you are using on your computer.
  • You will need a current version of Adobe Flash Player.
  • You will need the Acrobat Connect Pro 7 add-in. To download the applicable add-in file for your operating system, go to the Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro “Getting Started” web page.

At the hardware level, you’ll need a good set of speakers or a headset to hear the audio component of the virtual conference. With nothing more, you can hear, see, and pose questions and comments using the built-in features of the web-conferencing platform. If you think you’ll want to ask a question or make a comment audibly, then you’ll need a microphone as well (usually a part of computer headsets). If you don’t already have a microphone and/or headset, there is no need to go buy them. Built-in or external speakers will suffice for virtual participants.

Test your connection

Please test your computer at least one day prior to the event to ensure that you will be able to access the conference. To see whether your computer is equipped for connection, go to the Acrobat Connect Pro Connection Test on the Adobe Connect website.

If the test indicates that you do not have the correct version of Flash Player and/or the correct add-in for Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro 7, please follow the on-screen prompts to install the needed software and run the test again.

Preparing for a conference

You may wish to view the short animated demo called “Participating in an Adobe Connect Meeting” on the Adobe Connect website. Note: Clicking on this link will re-size your browser window.

If you’ve never participated in a web conference or webinar, we suggest you also take a look at the archive of the web conference “Beyond Blended Learning.” There is no need to view the entire archive, but take note of the interface and its component “pods.”

Logging in

Before your session, you will receive via email a URL that will provide you access to the web conference or webinar. Enter the room at least ten minutes prior to the session by clicking on the URL.

You will not receive a user name and password. Instead, click on the option “enter as guest,” and then type in your full name.