Blackboard Collaborate
Participating in an Online Classroom
Your teacher may require you to participate in an online classroom using Blackboard Collaborate. Collaborate allows users to communicate with a camera and microphone, share files with one another, and interact with other features.
Setting Up Audio and Video
When you first join a Blackboard Collaborate session, or when you first try to share video or audio, Collaborate will have you set up your microphone and camera.
First, your browser will ask permission to access your camera and microphone. Give it that access, and you will be able to proceed. If the audio and video setup screen does not come up automatically, you can access it in the My Settings panel.
After you are set up, select the microphone and video camera icons any time during a meeting to turn them on or off.
Collaborate remembers your device setup, so you won't have to repeat the process unless you use a new device or browser, or clear your browser's cache.
For more information, visit the Blackboard Collaborate support page, "Audio and Video."
Navigating Blackboard Collaborate
Collaborate is organized into three main areas.
The content presentation area is where you will see content from the teacher, such as slides. When the teacher does not share content, you will instead see a grid with profile images of session attendees.
The settings menu is opened with a button at the top left of the Collaborate screen. It allows you access to profile settings and various tools.
The Collaborate Panel is where you'll have most of your interaction with the class. Here you'll find the session's Chat, a list of attendees, and the My Settings button.
For more information, visit the Blackboard Collaborate support page, "Find Your Way Around."
Blackboard Support - Guides and Troubleshooting
For more information, students are encouraged to explore the Collaborate Ultra Help for Participants page. Topics include how to get started, supported browsers and devices, and best practices.
Students may also make use of Blackboard's Troubleshooting page and open a ticket directly with Blackboard.