Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing

What is it?

Blackboard Collaborate is a collaborative web conferencing platform that can be used for large and small group meetings and collaborative projects, office hours, class and guest presentations between remote presenters, and lectures or orientations with real time Q&A. Up to 250 people can be attendance. The session can stream audio and webcam video from up to six people at once if all have USB headsets and high speed Internet connections. Slides and images import quickly to the shared whiteboard. Two-way desktop sharing allows remote participants to view, and request to interact with, presented content. Sessions can be recorded and playback links posted in a course or web page.

How do I get access?

Blackboard Collaborate is a robust but complex tool that usually requires advance training and support. Request web conference training through a phone call, email, or the Ask a Librarian service. A member of the Academic Technology team will follow up within 48 hours to discuss the simple software installation, audio equipment issues, and learning resources available to you and your participants.

Schools, departments, and program coordinators each have a license for frequent and flexible scheduling, so faculty and staff should first contact their manager to obtain session access. Faculty and students may also request an occasional Collaborate session through the Ask a Librarian service with at least 48 hours' notice.

Who do I contact if I have problems?

If you are having problems with Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing specifically, contact Sue Wolff or Matt Lechner, or Ask a Librarian. For other technical problems, visit the CityU 24/7 Help Desk or call 866-379-0288 to get help over the phone.

Where can I learn more?

Experienced web conferencing moderators must ensure their operating system updates are current, Java is current and enabled, and that their security suites allow Java and associated .jnlp files. Perform this quick system check all the way through Step Two which launches a test session to configure audio. Then review the recorded Moderator Orientation. Most participants will be successful after the system check and viewing the recorded Participant Orientation.

For all conference administrators and moderators who schedule sessions, the Academic Technology team provides personal, interactive training on an as-needed basis, usually within a week of request. The one-hour required training takes place online in Collaborate.

A drop-in, unstaffed Collaborate practice session is always open for any CityU faculty, staff or students.

LRC Academic Technology staff invite you to request a private or custom practice or troubleshooting session with them at your convenience with at least 48 hours notice. Email LRC@cityu.edu

Need more help? Ask a Librarian!