1. Service Catalog
  2. Communication and Collaboration
  3. Conferencing and Telephones
  4. Blackboard Collaborate

Blackboard Collaborate

What Is It?

Blackboard Collaborate is a web conferencing system that facilitates real-time online teaching and learning. Blackboard Collaborate is available to all UIC Blackboard users. Instructors and TAs can create individual (and repeat) web conferencing sessions on their own without requesting a session to be created or activated. All session links and recordings are located under Course Tools > Blackboard Collaborate.

Features

  • Audio communication via a microphone, headset, or telephone
  • Video communication via webcam
  • Application and desktop sharing with participants
  • Group collaboration of whiteboard space
  • Moderated chat functionality
  • Participants can raise hand, indicate yes or no, participate in polling activities, etc.
  • Instructors can create and manage their web conferences directly
  • Guest speakers can join and lead sessions by using a public link
  • Recordings of sessions are archived

Requirements

For users who wish to participate with audio, their system must have a sound card, speakers, and a microphone. For users that want to share video, they must have a webcam installed on their system. Users who wish to participate in conferences who do not have these peripherals installed on their systems can still communicate during a collaboration session through the use of the text chat tool.

Who Is Eligible To Use It?

  • Faculty
  • Students
  • Staff

Where Can I Get It?

Blackboard Collaborate is available in Blackboard Learn only. Click the "Access Collaborate via Blackboard" button on the right side of this page.

How Do I Use It?

Here is a Blackboard Collaborate Quick Guide to help you get started.

How Much Does It Cost?

This service is funded by the University; there are no direct costs to clients.

How Can I Get Support?

If you are experiencing a problem with this service, please report it. If you just have a question, feel free to ask us.

Service Levels

Service Request Fulfillment Time Under 2 business days, unless in-person training/discussion is required, or escalation to the vendor is required
Incident Resolution Time Under 2 business days unless escalation to the vendor is required
Service Availability 24x7
Maintenance Window(s)

Weekly maintenance window: Friday, 1:00am - 5:00am
Approved Technology Solutions maintenance window(s)
Occasionally major upgrades take place outside of this window, which are always communicated to the campus.
Service Notification Channel(s) Technology Solutions News and Alerts, BB News and Alerts (Blackboard Login Page), BB Administrator direct email to BB users.