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?
Where Can I Get It?
Blackboard Collaborate is available in Blackboard Learn only. Select the Access Collaborate via Blackboard button located on 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.
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| Service Notification Channel(s) |
Technology Solutions News and Alerts, BB News and Alerts (Blackboard Login Page), BB Administrator direct email to BB users. |