Blackboard Collaborate for Students

Collaborate Ultra requires a modern web browser with WebRTC support.

Collaborate requires certain permissions to function as desired. For example, Collaborate needs permission to access your camera and microphone so you can use audio and video. Give Collaborate permission when asked, and/or set up permissions in browser preferences.

Collaborate doesn't require or use plugins. All you need is one of the supported browsers.

Collaborate only supports the most recent two stable channel releases of browsers.

For more information about Brower Support visit Blackboard Browser Support.

Preparation

• Find a comfortable place with no distractions.
• Before your first session visit Blackboard Collaborate Help - Getting Started.
• Plug in your webcam and microphone, if they are not built into your computer. For best results, use headphones with a built-in microphone. 
• Watch the Interface Tour video below, and explore the Tutorials and Quick Guides to the right

In Session

• Be sure to join the session 5 – 10 minutes prior to the start.
• Setup your audio and video when you first join a session.
• Call into the session via telephone if your audio is not working well.
• Participate in the session by responding to polls and providing feedback to the moderator.
• Raise your hand by clicking the hand icon when you have a question or a comment.
• Use Chat to send text messages to other participants and the moderator during the session.
• Remember that running other applications on your computer can slow your connection to the session.

For more information, visit Blackboard's Session Best Practices.

You can participate in a Blackboard Collaborate session directly from your mobile device directly in your browser (Safari on an iPhone or Chrome on an Android phone). On your mobile device, you are able to fully interact during the session:

• Join live classes or meetings 
• Share audio and video
• Interact via text chat
• View content shared by the instructor  
• Use whiteboard tools 
• Use emoticons, hand raising, polls, breakout rooms

When participating from a mobile device, you will have the best experience over Wi-Fi.

Can’t connect to a session?

• Try another browser or another device (tablet or phone). See browser-specific tips.
• If you get a spinning purple circle, you probably need to enable third party cookies in your browser.
• Use the dial-in audio option (when available) located in Blackboard Collaborate Ultra page in your Blackboard course, visible before you click Join Room.

Audio or Video problems?

• If you are in a session but can’t hear, first check your speaker volume level. Is it turned up?
• You must turn your mic on by clicking the mic icon at the bottom. If Collaborate can hear you, you will see the mic icon fill in as you speak.
• If you have problems speaking, do you have a microphone built into your computer? If not, plug in compatible earbuds or connect wireless earbuds to your device.
• Test your settings
  • Clicking the profile icon at the bottom and then your name.
  • Click Set up your camera and microphone.
  • Be sure to say yes to any browser prompts.
• Use phone dial-in options (located on the same page as the above step). International numbers are available.
• Try another browser or device (phones or tablets). See browser specific tips.
• Blackboard offers additional audio and video tips.

Poor connection or bad audio quality in a session?

• Ask others in the room to turn off their mics and webcams unless they are speaking to reduce feedback.
• Try another bowser or device.

For more information visit the Ed-Tech page for Collaborate Issues or Blackboard's Troubleshooting Guide for more information.

Quick Guides

• Getting Started for Participants
• Browser Support
• Participant FAQs
• Session Best Practices
• Troubleshooting

See Also...

• Moderating a Blackboard Collaborate Session