Distance learning

Conducting classes via video

The option to hold classes via video ts available to all professors at UAlg through the Colibri-Zoom platform, maintained by FCCN. Colibri, based on the Zoom videoconferencing system, supports up to 300 participants in each session and can be used from any personal computer, with no need to use a VPN outside UAlg Campuses, both by teachers and by students. This technology works on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

In addition to bidirectional video and audio channels for all participants, Colibri-Zoom includes a chat system for exchanging messages and offers users the possibility of sharing their work environment, thus allowing the simultaneous transmission of slides or PDFs.

Student

How do I attend a video conference class?

• To attend a class/session you do not need to log in to the Colibri system. Only session teachers/hosts must log in;
• To attend a class or session via videoconference, you should receive a link at the beginning of a session from the teacher who teaches the class. Just click on the link and follow the instructions;
• An authorisation request should appear to open the zoom.us.app page. This step may take some time the first time you access it, and you may be asked to install the zoom application;
• The option to test the audio system will appear (which allows you to confirm that the microphone and audio are working correctly);
• After these steps, you will be presented with the main Zoom screen, where the session/class should already be active. On this screen, most options are intuitive. In the lower bar you should ensure that you have the video and audio turned off, in order to guarantee the success of a class with a high number of participants. You should only turn on your video and/or audio if the moderator/teacher asks/tells you to;
• For more information on the configuration and operation of the zoom system, see https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials.

Teacher

How do I prepare a class/session?

Due to a very high number of simultaneous uses of the Colibri - Zoom system in the country, which exceeds the maximum number of licenses owned by the FCCN, some of the Colibri sessions will not be run using the professional version. As such, they will be limited to forty minutes in length (until this limitation is lifted by the FCCN). As long as this limitation remains, more than one session can be created per meeting/class.

The organisation and scheduling of each meeting/class must be done by the lecturer responsible, following the directives provided by the Rectory and Teaching Councils of each Organic Unit.

To do so, follow the steps available in the user manual (see document box) and more information at:​​​ http://novo.ualg.pt/node/155 and at ualgnet.ualg.pt