Communication & Collaboration

What is Blackboard Collaborate?

Blackboard Collaborate is a comprehensive online learning and collaboration platform designed specifically for education. This software tries to deliver a level of engagement that makes learners feel like they’re together in the same room via collaboration and conference tools.

What does it look like? 

There are two versions of Bb Collaborate: Original Experience and Ultra Experience. Let's have a quick glance of them one by one by watching the following videos.

  • Bb Collaborate with Ultra Experience
Collaborating in Blackboard Collaborate
Duration: (3:00)
User:
 Blackboard Inc. - Added: 31/10/16
 
  • Bb Collaborate with Original Experience
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Bb Collaborate Demo
Duration: (11:13)
User:
 Chico Technology and Learning Program - Added: 10/2/12

What are the differences between the Original experience and the Ultra experience? 

The link includes a table to identify what has changed and what has stayed the same when you switch from Original experience to the Ultra experience.

The link includes a table which gives you hints of which version you should use for different scenarios.

 
 
What are the major features?
 
The major features of Bb Collaborate Ultra experience are listed as follows:
  • Browser-based web conferencing: Browser-based web conferencing means simple deployment and convenient access with nothing to install—and more supported devices, including Chromebooks.
  • Classroom chatter: Instant, convenient chat with all participants promotes participation, but can be disabled as needed. Supports twemoji, Twitter’s emoji standard.
  • Chalk it up: Collaboration is enhanced with real-time annotations and text. Whiteboard text editing allows content to be added and edited on the fly.
  • Flipped learning goes mobile: Record sessions in a mobile-friendly format, perfect for flipped lessons. Captured video, audio, and shared content can be played back as streamed MP4 files.
  • High-quality audio and video: Engage learners with HD audio, video, and webcam support. Display up to 5 HD videos at once, with dynamic adjustment for bandwidth/network constraints.
  • Simple, fast file sharingShare content with drag-and-drop ease. PowerPoint and PDF files can be shared without additional software. Supports real-time annotation and text entry.
 
The major features of Bb Collaborate Original experience are listed as follows:
  • Interactive whiteboardDisplay PowerPoint or OpenOffice slides, and rearrange them with the drag-and-drop Page Explorer. Engage participants with multiple simultaneous presenters.
  • Mobile collaboration: Meet the needs of today's active learners with the interactivity they want—anywhere, anytime, and from any LMS.
  • Universal accessibility: With equal opportunity education, everyone, including those with disabilities, can fully engage and participate in the teaching and learning experience.
Extra resources
  • This help page from Blackboard provides all the basics that you need to know about Bb Collaborate.
  • This pdf file summarizes possible teaching and learning scenarios to make use of Bb Collaorate for better communication.
 
How to enable Ultra Experience in your Blackboard course?
Teachers who would like use the Ultra Experience may send your request, together with your subject code/Blackboard course ID, to the HelpCentre Online Tracking Service (HOTS) or by calling the IT HelpCentre Hotline at 2766 5900.