Cisco WebEx in the Classroom

We've talked about how to use WebEx for contacting parents, and I know some of you have used it for PLCs, but it is also a great tool to use with your students in the classroom or away from the classroom.  We are all aware of the trouble with AirPlay.  Using WebEx is a way to avoid having to use AirPlay in the first place.  With WebEx, students are viewing your screen on their Macbook in real time.

Here's how to use WebEx:
Instructor
  • Load WebEx with the following link using Google Chrome: smsd.webex.com .
  • Log in via the link in the top right corner of the page
  • Click the green 'Start Meeting' button
    • This will launch the Cisco Webex Meeting Center application
  • Click on the 'Meeting Info' tab
  • Take note of the meeting number, as you will need to provide this to your students
    • Post the the number in Google Classroom, or simply write it on the board
  • Once your students have all joined the meeting session, go to the 'Quick Start' tab and click 'Share Screen'
    • Students will now be able to view the content displayed on the screen of the instructor station
Student
  • Load WebEx with the following link smsd.webex.com using Google Chrome.
  • Follow the prompts to install the extension
  • Enter the meeting number provided by your instructor in the box onscreen and click 'Join'
    • This will launch the Cisco Webex Meeting Center application
  • Once your instructor opts to begin screen sharing, you will be able to see the content from the instructor station on the screen of the classroom laptop
It's important to note:
To have the most control over your meeting, you need to be both Host and Presenter.  Some other info for a successful meeting:

  • You, as Host and Presenter, need to have "Anyone can share" UNchecked.  This prevents students from taking over the meeting.



  • To prevent students from chatting with each other, you need to UNcheck the options below.  Students can still ask questions of you, the instructor, via WebEx, but not openly chat with other classmates.


Some features of WebEx:
  • You can designate a certain student as host, and other students within the "meeting" will see that student's screen
  • Students can be in the meeting from home if they're absent
  • Students do not need to register to be able to participate in a meeting
  • Teachers can record a meeting so students can watch again later
  • There is a built-in whiteboard if you want to quickly draw something
This video offers a closer look at how to use WebEx.
This page answers a lot of FAQs.

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