Quick Links
We’re still getting the documentation ready for you!
Blackboard Collaborate is a new and exciting set of features and functionality that we are introducing sooner and more rapidly than originally planned. Please be patient that the documentation may not be as complete and thorough as you are used to with our typical Blackboard online guidance.
Getting Started
What is Blackboard Collaborate? What can I do with it?
Blackboard Collaborate is a real-time video conferencing tool integrated into every Blackboard course that lets you add files, share applications, and use a virtual whiteboard to interact. Collaborate opens right in your Chrome or Firefox browser, so you don’t have to install any software to join a session. It will work on phones and tablets without needing an additional app. Find out more in this guide.
Recommended Technology and Equipment
Which technologies (such as browsers and operating systems) and what equipment (such as microphones and headsets) works best with Blackboard Collaborate?
How to resolve technical issues
Blackboard Collaborate is a new service that we introduced in a very condensed time-frame. As such there may be teething problems that would normally have been addressed during a pilot phase.
Whatever the issue facing you, please review these steps that should resolve most issues.
Accessibility Information
Blackboard Collaborate was designed with accessibility in mind. Follow this link to review the vendor’s latest guidance on using tools such as screen-readers with Blackboard Collaborate.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have collated the questions most frequently asked by UoS students about Blackboard Collaborate and have compiled this useful list.
If you already have a question, you may find the answer here.
Using Blackboard Collaborate
Starting / Joining a Blackboard Collaborate Session
How do you kick off a session on Blackboard Collaborate? It could be a the built-in “Course Room” or a session you have created for a specific purpose.
This guide takes you through what happens when you join a session.
The Collaborate User Interface
The Collaborate User Inteface is minimal and easy to get to grips with. A tutorial even starts when you use it for the first time. If you should ever need a reminder this guide covers the basics of the Blackboard Collaborate User Interface.
Engaging with a Blackboard Collaborate Session
Roles, permissions, and being made a presenter
Moderator, presenter, participant, what do these roles mean and what can they do? What happens if I am made a presenter by the session moderator?
Sharing Content
During a Blackboard Collaborate session, moderators and presenters may share content so that they other participants may see it.
This could be sharing your screen, sharing a browser tab, or sharing a presentation or file.
Using the whiteboard
During a Blackboard Collaborate session, moderators and presenters may open a white board and draw over it. They may also use the drawing tools to draw over a presentation or other shared file.
Expressing Sentiment or Situation
During a Blackboard Collaborate session participants may enter messages in a chat or share their sentiment about the session such as agreeing or asking the presenter to slow down for example.
You can answer polls, these are covered in a separate guide.
Answering poll questions
During a Blackboard Collaborate session you may be asked to complete a poll. This may be for example, making a choice, indicating an opinion, or confirming knowledge.
Taking part in Breakout Groups
During a Blackboard Collaborate session, moderators may assign you into a breakout group. This allows you to do some short discussion as part of this group before rejoining the main group to share your ideas or answers.
Using mobile devices or dialling in
Using Collaborate on a Tablet or Smart Phone
You don’t need a special app to use Blackboard collaborate on your phone or tablet. Just use Chrome on Android or Safari on iOS.
Dialing into a Blackboard Collaborate Session using a phone line
There may be times when you can’t use a computer or mobile device but you want to join a Collaborate session. You can dial in with an old fashioned phone, or even make a call on your mobile. It will cost you to do so however, so check with the person who pays the bill before you pick up the phone.
Accessing Recordings
Accessing videos of sessions that have been recorded
At the moderators discretion, Blackboard Collaborate sessions may be recorded. While we expect recording to mostly be held in Panopto via Recorded Sessions in your Blackboard course menu, you may find that you can also access session recordings directly from Blackboard Collaborate.
Using Collaborate within a Blackboard Group
How Student Groups can use Collaborate
If you are put into a group on your Blackboard course, the instructor may have enabled a Blackboard Collaborate area just for your group.