Collaborate Ultra – Participant guide
What is Collaborate Ultra
Collaborate Ultra lets you make video calls to groups of people, but also offers extra tools designed for education. It includes audio, video, text chat, an interactive whiteboard, screen sharing, breakout rooms, polling and session recording. It can be accessed using a web browser on desktop PCs and laptops, and via the Blackboard Student app.
System requirements and preparation
Internet Browsers
For the best experience, use Google Chrome or Chromium. Please note Internet Explorer 11 is not supported and other browsers may have limited functionality. Check Browser Support for Collaborate configurations in different browsers.
Preparation
- 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. Test the setup for your camera and microphone (you will not be able to hear voice playback but will see a purple bar move up and down).
Test Room
The link below is a Collaborate Ultra Test Room. You can test to see if you’re able to enter a Collaborate Ultra session before your actual session. This link is for a Collaborate Ultra Test Room
Interface Tour
During your Collaborate Session
- Join the session early. Give yourself time to learn what you can and can’t do in the session. Add a profile picture and set up your audio and video. If you are presenting, make sure you can share content. Practice using the tools.
- Be on time. If you can’t be early, be on time. Let the moderator know if you are going to be late or absent. Everyone can set notifications to alert them when someone has joined the session and may see who is joining when.
- Mute yourself when not speaking. Nothing is more distracting than background noise. For example, typing or a private conversation. It can also give the impression that you aren’t paying attention.
- Be professional. You may be joining the session from somewhere private but you are not alone. You are face-to-face with your peers, instructors, and guest experts.
- Make an effort to participate. Don’t talk over someone. Raise your hand if there is no opening to speak. Type questions and feedback in the chat.
- Take an active part. Use the feedback feature and chat to show your engagement.
- Avoid distractions. Close all programs on your computer except for the browser you are using for your Collaborate session.
- Stay up to date. Only use up-to-date Internet browsers that are supported by Blackboard Collaborate.
- Limit video use if you have a poor connection. If you have a poor connection, use video during the session only when necessary. Use a hard-wired (Ethernet) connection, if available. If not available, use a Wifi connection.