Blackboard Collaborate – quick start (participants)

This guide will show you how to join a Blackboard Collaborate session as a guest participant.

1. Get the link

The session organiser will provide you with a web link to follow to join the session.  Use the link to launch the session in your browser – Google Chrome or Firefox browser recommended (more info).

2. Join the session

Type your name and click Join Session.

Time to check your equipment! Collaborate online sessions allow interactivity including via video and audio.   You will need headphones or speakers to listen to the session.  To participate using video or voice, your device will need to have a camera and microphone connected (more info).

If you will only be using the on-screen text chat or merely observing, you will not need a microphone or camera.  Check with the session organiser if unsure.

3. Browser permissions

If your browser asks for permission to use your microphone/camera, click Allow.

(If you won’t be using your audio or video, you can close any browser prompts, and click the white X inside the top right of the window to skip the audio & video tests.)

4. Audio Test

Check that your microphone is working – the purple bar should move when you make a sound.

If not, make sure the correct microphone is selected in the drop-down box, and/or check your computer’s settings. (Click No – I need help to launch Blackboard Collaborate support page)

Once successful, click Yes – it’s working.

5. a) Video Test – no camera

If you don’t have a camera connected, you might see this message.

(If you won’t be using a camera, you can click Skip video test.)

5. b) Video Test – with camera

Check that your video camera is working – you should see a preview of your camera on screen.

If not, make sure the correct camera is selected in the drop-down box, and/or check your computer’s settings.  (Click No – I need help to launch Blackboard Collaborate support page)

Once successful, click Yes – it’s working.

6. Tutorial

You may now be asked if you want a quick tutorial of the Collaborate features.  To do this, click Start Tutorial, otherwise, click Later.

7. Navigation

You are now in the session!  This is the main Collaborate screen.  Content will appear in the middle area. Also notice the three control areas highlighted above:

  • Top left: Session menu. Access help, tutorial, leave session.
  • Bottom centre: User settings. Change status, turn audio/video on/off (if enabled), raise hand.
  • Bottom right: Collaborate panel (purple). Expand to access chat, participant list, shared content, settings.

Take a few moments to familiarise yourself with the controls before the session starts.

8. Collaborate Panel

When the Collaborate Panel is open, use the four tabs at the bottom (L-R) to access chat, participant list, shared content, and settings.  Click the X on the purple button to collapse the panel again.

Further information

Blackboard Help for Students: Collaborate (Virtual Classroom)

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Permanent link to this article: https://blogs.reading.ac.uk/tellang/2019/02/07/blackboard-collaborate-quick-start-participants/

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