Getting started with Blackboard Collaborate

Transcription

1 Getting started with Blackboard Collaborate A resource for participants, including: 1. What is Blackboard Collaborate? 2. What do I need to participate? 3. Enabling pop-ups on different browsers 4. Using Blackboard Collaborate for the first time 5. Accessing your Blackboard Collaborate class 6. Watching a Recording 7. If you experience any problems User Guide Blackboard Collaborate 1

2 1. What is Blackboard Collaborate Blackboard Collaborate is a virtual classroom, accessed online. Students and educators can interact in the virtual classroom via audio and video, share documents, break into small groups, and collaborate together. 2. What do I need to participate? To participate in a Blackboard Collaborate class you will need: A computer connected to the internet. Speakers and a microphone. A headset (with ear phones and microphone) is best and can be purchased from an electronics store for around $25. Some webcams also have a microphone built in. Webcam (mandatory for Counselling students, optional otherwise). JavaSun software available free by following the section 4 below. 3. Enabling pop-ups on different browsers Internet Explorer: Click on the gear icon on the far right of the screen and select internet options from the drop-down menu User Guide Blackboard Collaborate 2

3 Select the Privacy tab from the Internet Options window and make sure the Turn on Pop-Up Blocker box is un-ticked Mozilla Firefox: Click on the Firefox tab, and select Options User Guide Blackboard Collaborate 3

4 From the Options window select the Content tab, and un-tick the Block pop-up windows box Chrome: Click on the tab circled and select Settings from the drop-down menu User Guide Blackboard Collaborate 4

5 From the Settings page click on Show advanced settings at the bottom of the page User Guide Blackboard Collaborate 5

6 Click on Content Settings located under Privacy User Guide Blackboard Collaborate 6

7 Un-tick Allow all sites to show pop-ups under Pop-ups Safari: Click on the wheel on the far right of the top of the screen and un-tick the Block Pop-Up Windows from the drop-down menu User Guide Blackboard Collaborate 7

8 4. Using Blackboard Collaborate for the first time If you are using Blackboard Collaborate for the first time, or for the first time on a particular computer, you will need to follow the steps below: I. Check your computer has the software it needs: Click Here to check you have the correct system requirements. If a popup blocker appears, choose Run Add-on. Mac users will need to install the Blackboard Collaborate Mac Launcher, which requires additional confirmation on some versions of Mac OS. Click the pop-up and choose run add on. A new box will open, press Run Green ticks should appear if your system has the software it needs. If you see red crosses you need to follow the instructions to download Sun Microsystem's Java Web Start or OpenJNLP for Mac. If you are unable to do this please contact technical support immediately. If you can download it and the red cross changes to a green tick, then it s time to move onto the next step. User Guide Blackboard Collaborate 8

9 II. Test your connection & audio: Click on the Configuration Room to test your connection, and configure your audio. When joining a Blackboard Collaborate session for the first time you may see a security dialog box asking to confirm the application's digital signature. Click "Download File" to continue. Once in the configuration room, complete the Audio set up wizard by pressing the microphone icon in the top left hand corner of the screen. This will ensure your audio is working. It is recommended that you use a headset with microphone & speakers highest quality experience. 5. Accessing your Blackboard Collaborate class If your educator is using a Blackboard Collaborate class it will be available in your online class space for that particular unit/module. Click on the link in your online class space. Each unit may have a different name. You can find the link with this icon Click Join Session User Guide Blackboard Collaborate 9

10 The program will open as per section 4 of this guide. It is important to enter at least 5 minutes early so that you can complete the Audio setup wizard. You should complete the audio setup wizard each time you enter a Blackboard Collaborate class. 6. Watching a recording Recordings of Blackboard Collaborate sessions are available in your online class space on the same page as the Join Session link: Pressing Play recording will open Blackboard Collaborate classroom where audio, video, presentations will be played back. This also means that your system needs to run the JavaSun application as per section 4 of this guide. 7. If you experience problems Make sure that you have completed section 2 and 3 of this guide Problems with your Audio Make sure the volume of your computer is not mute or turned down. Check that your headset is plugged in to the right place. First try running the Audio Set up wizard in the Configuration Room. This will prompt you to choose which speakers and microphone you are using (e.g. Headset, webcam). Problems accessing your Blackboard Collaborate Class Ensure that you have followed section 5 of this guide. Navitas IT helpdesk: (Mon-Fri 8am-7pm). For out of hours support please contact Blackboard Collaborate technical support on User Guide Blackboard Collaborate 10