Online Classroom
Blackboard Collaborate
About Blackboard Collaborate- First time users: Getting started with Blackboard Collaborate
- Joining a Blackboard Collaborate session
- Ensuring Blackboard Collaborate works for you
- Support
About Blackboard Collaborate
Blackboard Collaborate combines the capabilities of online classroom industry leaders Wimba and Elluminate into an exciting new web conferencing, instant messaging and voice authoring tool. Charles Darwin University is delighted to announce the introduction of Blackboard Collaborate during our Summer Semester 2011.
- Web conferencing key features:
- Interactive Whiteboard
- Multi point video
- Two way audio
- Breakout Rooms
- Recording
- Application and Desktop Sharing
- Instant Messaging key features:
- Presence and instant messaging to find others and interact on demand
- Desktop video conferencing and VoIP audio for cost-effective meetings
- Convenient, ad hoc network invitations and broadcast notifications
- Whiteboard with built-in learning objects and templates
- Application sharing and queued chat for tutoring and online office hours
- Universal accessibility and advanced privacy features
- Voice Authoring key features:
- Voice Presentation: Add web content alongside vocal messages.
- Voice Board: Post and listen to voice messages within discussion boards.
- Voice Podcaster: Create or upload podcasts for user subscription.
- Voice Email: Send and listen to voice through email messages.
- Voice Recording: Record and listen to voice on a web page.
- Integrated Gradebook: Automatically update gradebook with voice board assessment
First time users: Getting started with Blackboard Collaborate
To prepare for your online classroom we recommend you watch the online orientation and review the Essentials for Participants guide.
For further information we recommend the On Demand Learning Centre for web conferencing where you will find a collection of guides and resources.
Joining a Blackboard Collaborate session
Prior to joining a session; have your microphone headset plugged in. We recommend using a USB microphone headset (or at least headphones/earphones and an echo cancelling microphone) rather than speakers. This will eliminate potential echoing and feedback and improve your online classroom experience.
To join a session please follow your lecturer’s instructions on how to access the online classroom in your unit.
Step 1 Select your session
Following the instructions provided by your lecturer, you will see the Blackboard Collaborate list page. Select the relevant online classroom session and wait while your session is launched.
Step 2 Opening the JNLP file
When the "Opening meeting.jnlp" window appears, click to "Open with Java..." and click OK. Wait for Java to load. (This may take a few minutes, so please be patient.)
When the security message comes up, check the"Always trust content from this publisher" box and click Run.
Step 3 Blackboard Collaborate loading window
The Blackboard Collaborate loading window will appear. If this is your first time logging into Blackboard Collaborate, you may encounter a connection speed window. Select your current connection type(eg. Cable/DSL; Wireless), then click OK
Step 4 Audio Setup Wizard
Upon entering your Blackboard Collaborate session, please run the audio setup wizard to configure your audio devices.
Ensuring Blackboard Collaborate works for you
To provide the best possible online classroom experience we recommend the following:
- Don't run other applications while viewing a class (eg. email, music etc.).
- Avoid downloading large files in the background.
- Don't appshare video.
- In your personal firewall settings permit Blackboard Collaborate
Support
CDU provides access to a 24hr, 7day/week central support desk for Learnline, Online Classroom and Voice tools. To access support, please choose from the following options.
- Call our 1 800 559 347 telephone support service, then follow the prompts, once your call has been answered.
- Send an email to learnlinesupport@cdu.edu.au
- Contact our online help support desk via our customised support portal
Prior to making a support request CDU recommends that you;
- Check that your computer meets the system requirements
- Clear your internet browser cache
- And finally to enable us to best support your request please have your Student ID number ready prior to making the call.
