How to Use Blackboard Collaborate Virtual Classroom?

Bilgi University Distance Education Center

NOTE 1: Be sure that Virtual Classroom link is available to the students.

NOTE 2: Blackboard Collaborate works best with Google Chrome web browser and it is advised. You should give required permissions when asked to access camera and microphone.

NOTE 3: Check the audio settings to make sure that microphone is connected. (Go to session settings)

NOTE 4: Allow post chat messages for students to make them interact you. (Go to session settings)

NOTE 5: At the beginning of the session you should start recording and at end of the session do not forget to stop the recording. (Buttons on the session menu)

NOTE 6: If you have any connection speed problem, turn off your camera. (Click the icon)

shares microphone

Joining the Session

View of the virtual classroom.

shares camera

raises hand

Audio and Video Sharing

To share your audio and video, click the buttons shown below. The icons will change passive to active.

NOTE: If there is an audio problem, follow these steps:

1- Open the Collaborate panel and select My Settings.

2- Select Set Up your Camera and Microphone and choose the microphone you want to use. Collaborate tells you that you sound great when it is receiving your audio. Select Yes, it's working to proceed.

Collaborate Panel

In the panel, you may see the attendee list, change the session settings, and share content.

Click to open collaborate panel

chat messages

attendee list

Collaborate Panel

share content

Session settings

Activating Chat Box for Students

You need to allow chatting to interact with students. Open the Collaborate panel and select My Settings. Select Session Settings and select Post chat messages.

To Make the Students Moderator (Optional)

Open the Collaborate panel and select My Settings. Select Session Settings and select Share audio and Video.

Share Content (File/Application/Screen/Whiteboard)

Open the Collaborate panel and select Share Content. To share a file (pdf, ppt) select Share Files.

Click the grey area to select the file or drag the file and click the Share Now button.

Share Content (File)

Share Content (File)

A slide navigator panel opens showing you all of your slides. Select a slide to start sharing it and use the navigation buttons at the bottom. You may also use whiteboard tools on slides.

To stop sharing the file, click the stop sharing button on right top. Stop sharing

Whiteboard Tools

Content Sharing (Application)

Open the Collaborate panel and select Share Content. To share an application click just an application;

You may share entire screen or just an application.

Share Content (Screen)

Choose the application and click the share button. To stop sharing click the Stop Sharing.

Content Sharing (Whiteboard)

Open the Collaborate panel and select Share Content. To share a whiteboard click the Share Blank Whiteboard and use the whiteboard tools.

Whiteboard Tools

Recording the Session

To start recording, open the Session Menu at the top left corner and select Start Recording.

Please do not forget to stop recording at the end of the session.

Opens Session menu