UAA CHD Project ECHO | The Center for Human Development | University of Alaska Anchorage
“Moving Knowledge, Not People”
These virtual learning communities provide educators, service providers, case managers,
administrators, families, and others access to expert advice from professionals throughout
the state and country, building capacity in home communities to implement best practices
and improve outcomes.
Hub and spoke knowledge-sharing networks create a learning loop:
Community participants learn from specialists
Community participants learn from each other
Specialists learn from community participants as best practices emerge
ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) uses videoconferencing technology
to connect a team of interdisciplinary experts with primary care providers, other
health services professionals, and community members. The discussions with, and mentoring
from, specialists help equip participants to support individuals and their families
with health and disabilities related needs in their home communities.
What do I need to do to get started?
Register for an ECHO in the “Project ECHOs” tab
High-speed internet connection
A front-facing camera on smartphone, tablet, or computer (laptop or desktop)
Access to Zoom web conference software (more information below)
- Using Zoom
Using Zoom for ECHO Sessions
You can test your connection to Zoom prior to the scheduled time by visiting http://zoom.us/test
Once on the Zoom test page, click on the blue Join button to launch Zoom.
If you do not already have Zoom installed on your computer, follow the prompts to
download and run Zoom. Click on the download file if it does not open automatically
and follow the computer prompts to install.
Once Zoom is installed, it will open the Zoom window.
You will then have the option to Join the Audio Conference by the Computer or to view the details to dial in by phone. If this is your first time joining a Zoom meeting, we recommend choosing the option Test your Computer Mic & Speaker.
Click Test Speaker and confirm that you can hear the tone. If it does not play, you may need to adjust the volume or choose a different speaker from the drop down menu.
Click Test Mic and speak into your microphone. Click the button Recording when you are done speaking and it will play your microphone test back to you. If you cannot hear your microphone recording, you can select another microphone from the drop down menu, or adjust the input level.
Once you’ve confirm that your microphone and speakers are working properly, you can close out of the audio settings window. To continue using computer audio, now choose Join Audio Conference by Computer. You can also check the option Automatically join audio by computer when joining a meeting if you want Zoom to automatically connect to computer audio each time you join a Zoom meeting.
Zoom Desktop Systems
Zoom conferencing from a desktop/laptop is good for 1-2 people to participate.
When video conferencing over a wireless connection, be aware of bandwidth usage and
your system limitations. It is preferred that you connect virtually over a hard-wired
connection for best connectivity.Check to make sure that you have a microphone/speaker and camera when utilizing the
desktop system. If you do not have a microphone/speaker, dial in by telephone for
audio as directed in the clinic connection email.Can’t see or hear participants? Check your system settings to make sure that you have
a microphone/speaker and camera selected, and that you are not muted.
Click here for more information about Zoom desktop.
Zoom Room Systems
Zoom conferencing from a room system is preferred for larger groups of participants.
Arrive a bit early and make sure that the camera pre-sets are set to where your multiple
participants will be seated.Ensure the microphone/speaker are operational. If you do not have a microphone/ speaker,
dial in by telephone for audio as directed in the clinic connection email.If you cannot hear audio please check the television monitor volume and then the volume
control on the room system (they are separate).If the far site cannot hear your audio, make sure the microphone is not muted (red
light is off).
