Blackboard Collaborate is a web-conferencing tool built specifically for live, multi-media, many-to many collaboration using:

In addition to using Blackboard Collaborate to host distance courses and facilitate the Institutional Leaders’ Meetings, this tool will be available upon request to members of the CIRTL Network to conduct meetings, presentations, workshops, and other synchronous distance collaborations related to CIRTL activities.

Headphones / Headset and Microphone

A headset or headphones and a microphone are required when using Blackboard Collaborate, as feedback can occur when participants use their computer speakers for audio.

If joining the Blackboard Collaborate room from a location with background noise, a headset is recommended.

Webcam

To take full advantage of Blackboard Collaborate's features, a webcam is recommended.

Technology Requirements for CIRTL Cross-Network Courses

Initial Configuration

Before connecting for the first time, visit the Blackboard Collaborate First Time Users page to verify that your system meets Blackboard Collaborate's requirements. The First Time Users page will provide additional instructions on how to upgrade the Java version on your machine, if needed.

The First Time Users page also provides access to a Configuration Room, where you can test your audio configuration and set your connection speed. When joining the Configuration Room, you will need to open or save the file meeting.jnhlp. It may take 1-3 minutes to download and launch the Blackboard Collaborate client. Once you have successfully completed your configuration, you can exit the room. Note that the Configuration Room does not have the full functionality that CIRTL's Blackboard Collaborate room will have.

Connecting

When connecting to the Blackboard Collaborate room, you may be presented with a registration form, which you need to complete before continuing to the Blackboard Collaborate room.

All participants will see a Blackboard Collaborate Session Login page, where you must enter your name as it should appear in the participants window for the session, and then click "Log in."

You will also need to open or save the file dropin.jnlp.

Troubleshooting

If you cannot connect to the Blackboard Collaborate room, visit the Blackboard Collaborate First Time Users page to verify that your system meets Blackboard Collaborate's requirements.

Google Chrome users may see a message that the correct version of Java is not installed, even if the machine does have the current version of Java installed. If you've that verified the version of Java installed on your machine is up to date and you still cannot connect to the Blackboard Collaborate room, you may wish to try connecting to Blackboard Collaborate with a different browser, such as Firefox or Internet Explorer.

• Troubleshooting Tips
• Blackboard Collaborate Tutorial - Participant  (7 min video via Brainshark)
• Blackboard Collaborate Tutorial - Moderator (10 min video via Blackboard)
• Blackboard Collaborate On-Demand Learning Center
• Blackboard Collaborate Virtual Community