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Web Conferencing with Blackboard Collaborate

**What is Blackboard Collaborate?**

Blackboard Collaborate is a virtual meeting space optimized for learning. Whether you have two learners or two hundred, Blackboard Collaborate enables communication, collaboration and education that transforms teaching and learning. Through the use of classroom tools such as a virtual whiteboard, chat, webcam, voice-over-IP, application sharing, etc. you can create an interactive learning experience that is constantly evolving. Blackboard Collaborate can open many possibilities for you to create virtual classrooms, an e-office, and meeting spaces to consistently engage your audience.

NOTE: USG has advised that Java 7 Update 11 will work with Collaborate.

Getting Started with Blackboard Collaborate:

What you need to know before you "Get Started" with Blackboard Collaborate.

Quick Video Tour of Blackboard Collaborate
Before You Begin - Get the required software
Browser Check
Rules of Conduct for Blackboard Collaborate
Known Issues
Supported Browsers
FAQs

Requirements:

Standard:

Internet connection speed must be at least 56k or above.
Wired connections work better than wireless connections (even if you have high-speed Internet cable/DSL). We recommend that a wired connections should be used for the best experience.
Note: We do not recommend the use of an aircard or mifi device when connecting to a Collaborate session due to the connectivity of the cell device.
Browsers must be Java and Javascript enabled.
Java version 1.5 or higher (32-bit only) is required to run Blackboard Collaborate.
Operating systems must have at least 256 MB of RAM.
Pentium III 1 GHz processor.
View our Supported Browsers page for a list of required Operating Systems, Browsers, and Java.

Moderator/Participant Requirements:

To moderate (present) or attend a Blackboard Collaborate classroom session, one must have speakers or a headset to receive audio transmissions. A microphone and webcam are needed to transmit audio and video during a classroom session. Read More

Note: In a lab environment, all participants must use headsets.