Setup Instructions
NYChessKids Virtual Classroom Setup Instructions
We put together some instructions for you, so you can check if everything is working on your side in order to log-in and access our virtual classroom. Please let us know as soon as possible if the following setup instructions work for you or if you experience any difficulty. In order to make sure that there will be no technical problems during the lesson we would like to ask you to carefully read through the following setup instructions and to test your computer equipment as soon as possible.
Part A - Technical Requirements
(1) Computer with Internet access
(2) Web browser with Adobe Flash Player plug-in installed
(3) Headset with integrated speakers and microphone connected to your computer
(4) Web-cam for private lessons is highly recommended
We strongly recommend using a headset for best audio quality experience and also to prevent echo effects. You can find decent headsets in any computer shop. We use headsets from Logitech that we can recommend. You can check out nice headsets on the Logitech website.
Part B - Windows Vista Headset Check-Up Instructions
Here is a quick step by step guide for Windows Vista to check out if your headset is working properly. If you have Windows XP you can still follow the setup instructions but the screenshots won't apply. If you use a different operating system (Linux, Mac OS) please refer to your headset manufacturer's setup instructions.
(1) Before you start
Please make sure that your headset is properly connected to your computer.
(2) Open the Control Panel
Go to the start menu -> "Control Panel".
(3) Switch to "Classic View"
Switch to "Classic View" by clicking on "Classic View".
(4) Click on the Sound Icon
(5) Sound Dialog
The sound dialog pops up. Check out if your headset audio is currently marked as the default audio device: it should have a green/white check mark next to the headset device.
If your headset is currently not set as the default device you can select and right click the line that represents your headset. In the pop-up menu select "Set as Default Device".
(6) Test your Headset Audio
Select and right click the line that represents your headset. In the pop-up menu select "Test".
You should hear a sound playing in your left and right speaker of your headset. Your built-in speaker of your computer should not play any sound.
(7) Check your Headset Microphone
On the top of the dialog click on "Recording". You should now see the list of available microphones of your computer. Check out if your headset microphone is currently marked as the default microphone device: it should have a green/white check mark next to the headset microphone.
If your headset microphone is currently not set as the default microphone device you can select and right click the line that represents your headset microphone. In the pop-up menu select "Set as Default Device".
(8) Microphone Properties
Select and right click the line that represents your headset microphone. In the pop-up menu select "Properties".
(9) Check your Microphone Properties
A new dialog pops up where you can check out your microphone properties. Go to levels and check out if your microphone is activated as indicated by an activated loudspeaker symbol.
Part C – Virtual Classroom
(1) Virtual Classroom Log-In
Go to the log-in page of the NYChessKids Virtual Classroom by clicking on the following link: http://nychesskidsvirtualclassroom.acrobat.com/nychesskids. The first time you navigate to this page the Adobe ConnectPro browser plug-in will ask you to be installed, which you should confirm.
(2) Enter the Virtual Classroom
Enter the virtual classroom as a guest by typing your name and clicking on the button "Enter Room".
(3) Virtual Classroom
You will enter the Virtual Classroom. The layout of the classroom on your computer screen should look like as in the following screenshot.
(4) Headset Test
Test your headset by going to the menu "Meeting" -> "Manage My Settings" -> "Audio Setup Wizard..."
(5) Audio Setup Wizard
Follow the steps of the wizard to setup your headset's speakers and microphone for the virtual classroom.
On the last page (5/5) press the button "Advanced Settings".
(6) Advanced Audio Settings
In the Advanced Settings dialog please make sure that all the options are set accordingly.
Options to check are marked with a red arrow. Please note that this dialog can look differently when using another operating system.
(7) Web Cam
Test your web cam by clicking on the play button on the bottom left of the window called "Camera and Video". You will see a video capturing you in front of your computer.
(8) Hands Free Button
Turn off the video by pressing the stop button in the "Camera and Video" window. Press the "Hands free" button with the lock icon in the lower left corner right next to the "Talk" button. This will enable your microphone. Try to speak a couple of words into your microphone and you should see green indicator lights moving
The hands-free button is a toggle button to switch on or switch off your audio transmission. If you press it again your audio will be switched off. Pressing the button again will turn on audio again. Please note that if your camera is activated you do not need to activate your audio separately through the hands-free button.
That's it. If you experience any problem, please let us know as soon as possible. You can contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We can help you guide through any difficulty you might experience during the setup procedure. Thank you for taking your time.
