Blackboard Collaborate

Blackboard Collaborate logo
Blackboard Collaborate is a real-time video conferencing tool that lets you add files, share applications, and use a virtual whiteboard to interact. Collaborate with the Ultra experience opens right in your browser, so you don’t have to install any software to join a session. Collaborate Ultra can be used to host synchronous lectures and instructional activities with your students. Students can also work within groups to participate in Collaborate Ultra group sessions.

Collaborate Ultra is available in every Blackboard course and organization! (If you are not a faculty member, you can request a Collaborate Ultra account to be used outside of Blackboard.)

Collaborate Ultra Tips

Browsers
Google Chrome is the preferred browser when using Collaborate Ultra. 

Note:
If using a mobile iOS device, the default browser is most likely Safari. Ask students to download the Chrome app in advance. They will copy the Collaborate Link from Safari, open the Chrome app, paste the link in Chrome to join the Collaborate session.

Moderators (Instructors) should not use mobile devices especially if intending to use the  Share Content feature.

  • Course Menu > Tools 
  • Control Panel > Course Tools > Blackboard Collaborate Ultra
  • Course Menu, once added as a Tool link.
  • To add: Click  + icon located above the Course ID
  • Enter  Name  (e.g. Collaborate Ultra)
  • in Type, click the down-arrow; select Blackboard Collaborate Ultra

 

For easy access by students, click Available to Users, then  Submit. 

  • Log into Blackboard
  • Open a course
  • Locate Blackboard Collaborate Ultra (see possible locations under Access above)
  • Click the top-most link with your Course ID - Course Room  (i.e.  It is NOT necessary to  Create a Session).
  • From the right panel, check the Session Settings. Most likely, you will not need to make any modifications, but if you do, click the Save tab, which is located at the bottom-right of the panel. This is a one-time setup. From then on, simply click the Course ID /Course Name - Course Room then Join Course Room to launch Collaborate Ultra.
  • Always check audio and video settings.
  • Make sure that the microphone is ON especially when recording a lecture with no students to let you know that they cannot hear you.

For your session to be recorded, you must click Start Recording.  Recordings are posted into the course soon after a session ends. You must Stop Recording and Leave Session for the recording to be processed and posted.

Viewing a Recording
Open your course

  • In Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, click the three-line icon (Menu) located above your Course ID/Name - Course Room
  • Select Recordings
  • Click Recording Name, then Watch Now

Collaborate Ultra Help (for Moderators/Instructors)
Collaborate Ultra Help (for Participants/Students)

Blackboard Collaborate Support
For questions about using Blackboard Collaborate features, contact Blackboard Collaborate Support at
(877) 382-2293