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Streaming Video from Blackboard

Since video and audio files are very large, FCLD recommends you ‘stream’ them rather than

uploading these large files directly into your Blackboard course. When students click on a

streaming file, they can begin watching or listening to it immediately because the video is

downloading in a continuous ‘stream’.

In order to have your video or audio files streamed, you must prepare them for streaming. Here,

we use Windows streaming, which means you must save your audio or video files either as

Windows Media Video (.wmv) or Windows Media Audio (.wma) files. You can stream at any

speed, but a streaming rate of 300k is recommended. Most video/audio editing applications such

as Pinnacle Studio or iMovie have options to prepare files as one of several streaming output

types: Real Player, QuickTime, or Windows Media. Windows media files end in ‘.wmv’ or

‘.wma’. You will have to check the settings in these applications to adjust the streaming rate.

Once you have created your video or audio files, bring them to FCLD so they can be put on the

University’s streaming server (computer). After the files have been placed on the streaming

server, all you have to do is link to the files from your Blackboard course. FCLD will provide

you with the link address, which will begin with mms.

There are two ways to add your files to stream from Blackboard:

(1) Add a URL in a Content Area (e.g. Course Documents, Course Information)

(2) Use the hyperlink icon available in the text box editor.

Adding a URL to a Content Area

Enter a Content Area in your Blackboard course.

Point to Build Content on the Action Bar and select URL.

Give the file a name (required).

Type in the URL address (provided by FCLD).

Fill in options and submit.

Entering a URL for your streaming video

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Adding an external link from a text box editor You can also add a link to your video in any place that has a text box editor, including

Announcements, Blogs, Discussion Board posts, and Assignments.

Select a Content Area or other location for your video.

If you are adding it to a Content Area, go to Build Content Item.

Fill in any required

information.

In the Message text box,

write the name of your video.

Highlight the text.

Click the hyperlink (globe)

icon above the text box.

A new window opens.

Where it says URL, type in

the web address provided to

you by FCLD. (Delete the

http:// first…)

Adding a hyperlink in a text box

Type the video name in the Title (tooltip) box so students can see the file name when they

float their cursor over the video link (see below).

You can elect to have the video open in a new window if desired.

Click Submit to finish.

Editing the hyperlink properties

If the video file does not run, be sure to check the URL carefully for any misspellings, proper

periods and slashes, and be aware that the streaming file names are case-sensitive. Be sure to

include the file extension (.wmv or .wma) at the end. A sample file name is as follows:

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mms://winmedia.hartford.edu/fcld/Chap2.wmv. Give FCLD a call to verify your media file name

if necessary.

Note to Mac users: Windows Media files (.wmv or .wma) can be played on your Mac with the

QuickTime player as long as you prepare it to do so with a free download. See these Microsoft

sites http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/flip4mac.mspx or

http://www.microsoft.com:80/windows/windowsmedia/player/wmcomponents.mspx for more

information.

A final note: Be sure that you are following appropriate copyright regulations if the files

are copyrighted. The University of Texas provides a great resource on teaching and

copyright: http://www.utsystem.edu/OGC/IntellectualProperty/Cprtindx.htm

Getting Help with Technology at the University of Hartford

Faculty Center for Learning Development (FCLD)

FCLD provides consulting and instructional support to faculty and staff who are using

technology in teaching and learning. The FCLD Faculty Lab in Mortensen 203a is available for

faculty support and use and is equipped with instructional technology- related equipment

including: PCs, Macs, scanners, and projectors as well as support staff. Faculty wishing to use

the lab may contact FCLD.

Phone: (860) 768-4661

Email: fcld@hartford.edu

Website: http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/fcld/

Information Technology Services (ITS)

ITS Help Desk – Computing Center

For general computer and Internet/network support questions (not directly related to the

classroom but rather passwords, Internet/email problems, printer not working, Banner, Facebook,

and grades).

Phone: (860) 768-5999

Email: its@hartford.edu

Website: http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/its/

Media Technology Services (MTS) – Harry Jack Gray Center E113

MTS maintains and installs classroom equipment, such as projectors, Sympodiums, and

interactive white boards, delivers and sets up technology needed for classes such as laptops,

overhead projectors, microphones, sound systems, DVD/VCRs, digital cameras, etc., and

provides instruction on its use. MTS is also responsible for overseeing ECHO360 Lecture

Capture classrooms and administers WebEx web conferencing accounts.

Phone: (860) 768-4643 (Main) or (860) 768-4662 (Tech Line)

Website: www.hartford.edu/mts