Getting started
This page gives advice on how to set up and run a Blackboard Collaborate session, and introduces some of the key features within Collaborate. This guide does not cover all of the functionality within Collaborate - please refer to the full Blackboard Collaborate guides for more information.
Blackboard Collaborate can be accessed from any Blackboard Course or Organisation. If you do not ordinarily use Blackboard, or do not have access to a Blackboard course, please fill in the Blackboard Organisation Request Form. This will provide you with an area to set up and deliver Blackboard Collaborate sessions. Only members of staff delivering Collaborate sessions need access to Blackboard, your attendees can join via a unique URL link.
Getting started with Blackboard Collaborate
Create a Blackboard Collaborate Session |
The *first* time you use Blackboard Collaborate you will need to create a link to it in your Blackboard Course. Create a Blackboard Collaborate SessionLogin to Blackboard, open the appropriate course, and navigate to the Blackboard Collaborate Link.
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Join a Blackboard Collaborate Session |
We recommend using Google Chrome to access Blackboard Collaborate.
Any students enrolled on your Blackboard course can access the session in the same way. Alternatively, provide your attendees with the guest link. Consider sending your attendees our Participants Guide for more information.
You can check your connection to Blackboard Collaborate by using our test room. |
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Understand the interface |
OrientationThe main stage in Collaborate is where the content of the session is displayed - this could be webcam video(s), a presentation or screen sharing. If there is no shared content, you’ll see attendee profiles in a grid view. At the bottom of the main stage you will see controls for turning on your webcam and microphone - these are switched off as default when you enter the session. Access the Collaborate Panel via the purple chevron on the lower right hand side of the screen to access features like the Chat, Attendee Panel and Share Content controls. Start RecordingAccess the session menu on the top left hand side of your screen to start recording and access the Collaborate help pages. |
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Share Content |
You can upload content, including PowerPoint presentations, or share your desktop screen to show more detail. Open the Collaborate panel and select Share Content to start sharing and collaborating with your attendees. Sharing Application / ScreenShare your desktop or a software application to teach students about a topic. Whenever you move through the application or desktop, your students automatically follow along. You can choose to share your whole screen, a specific application or even a tab in Chrome. If sharing your whole screen, Make sure to close any windows and applications you don't want others to see before starting to share. Share filesUpload GIF, JPEG and PNG images, PDF files, or PowerPoint presentations of 60MB or lower to your session. We recommend saving PowerPoint presentations as a PDF before uploading to Collaborate to ensure content appears as expected. After you’ve uploaded your files, select the slide you wish to share, and click Share Now when you’re ready. Uploading PDF’s & PPT’s will remove any animations and videos in your presentation. If you want to preserve animations, just use Share Application / Screen instead. Discover more about sharing content in Blackboard Collaborate |
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At the end of your session |
To leave a Blackboard Collaborate session, simply close the browser tab. Find your RecordingIf you recorded the session, it will be available to view after your session has finished, or in the case of open-ended sessions, once the last participant has left the session.
View AttendanceAccess the session attendance report to get an overview of when attendees joined and left the session. Reports are available in the Session Option menu - click the small dots next to a session name to access. Discover more about Session Attendance Reports. |
Access our full Blackboard Collaborate guidance for more detailed information
For help email digital.learning@sheffield.ac.uk - we aim to reply within one working day. For immediate technical assistance with a Collaborate Session please use the live chat on the Blackboard Collaborate support page.