You will be aware of the Covid-19 situation and as a result you may be considering moving some of your learning and teaching online. To support this, you may be looking at using Blackboard Collaborate. The TEL Unit have compiled this guide for your use and consideration.
What is Collaborate?
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Each Blackboard module is pre-populated with the Collaborate Virtual Classroom tool. This appears as a link in the standard menu which is hidden by default. To activate this just click on the dropdown link at the side of the name and select “Show link”. This is now visible to your students and ready to use.
Collaborate enables you to share your slides and/or screen and communicate with your students using audio, video or a chat panel. Students can ask questions using the “hand raise” button.
Requirements for using Collaborate
- A good Internet Connection
- Laptop with built in mic/webcam, or a USB headset (if using a desktop PC), such as the Microsoft LiveChat LX – 3000
- A recent version of either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox Browser
Support
The TEL Team are scheduling additional workshops in order to meet demand. These can be found on the Staff Development Workshops web page and a place can be reserved via the booking system.
Additional Support Resources:
Collaborate Help Pages in University Blackboard Manual: https://lttu.uk/support/Blackboard/Manual/virtual-classroom.html
Blackboard’s own “Getting Started with Collaborate” video: https://help.blackboard.com/Collaborate/Ultra/Moderator/Get_Started
In-Situ help via the burger menu on the top left hand side of your Collaborate Classroom Panel where you can report an issue directly with Blackboard.
We have attached a “Holding Slide” with some instructions for the benefit of your students. You may wish to display this at the start of your Collaborate Session.
