Blackboard Collaborate is an online meeting software that allows instructors to connect with students in real-time and engage with various features. The document provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up audio and video when entering a Collaborate session, access features in the session menu like recording and using a phone for audio, and utilize the Collaborate panel to chat, share content, and create breakout groups. Instructors can share their screen, files, or use the whiteboard and break students into smaller groups to encourage collaboration.

1. Blackboard Collaborate
Basic Navigation

2. 1
Blackboard Collaborate is an online meeting software that allows teachers and students from
across the world to connect in real-time. This tutorial is meant to describe the many features
you can utilize to help instruct and engage with your students.
Blackboard Collaborate Overview

3. Setting Up Audio/Video
*Please be sure your microphone and camera are plugged in prior to entering the session.
1. To set up audio/video, you will need to
access your course room. Click on Course
Tools from the course menu in the left-
hand column.
2

4. Setting Up Audio/Video
2. Click on the Course Room icon and select
Join Course Room.
3

5. Setting Up Audio/Video
3. To participate in a session, you will
need to give the browser permission
to use audio and video.
4. Once you have entered the session, a
pop up window will appear in your
browser with the option to grant
microphone and camera permissions.
Click Allow.
4

6. Setting Up Audio/Video
5. At the bottom of the screen,
click on the microphone to
enable audio and the camera
icon to enable video.
5

7. Session Menu
Collaborate allows you to record your
session and also use your phone in place
of a computer headset via the Session
Menu.
 To record the session, click Start
Recording.
 If you wish to use your phone, click
Use your phone for audio and dial
the number and pin provided.
6
Recording & Phone Access

8. Collaborate Panel
7
The Collaborate Panel provides
great features such as chat, content
sharing, and breakout rooms.
 To open the Collaborate Panel,
click the purple button in the
lower right-hand corner of the
screen.

9. 1. In the panel, click on the sharing
tool.
2. Options are provided to share a
whiteboard, screen-share, or
share presentations, documents,
or images.
8
Sharing Content
Collaborate Panel

10. Collaborate Panel
9
Using the Chat Feature
1. Click on the chat tool within
the Collaborate panel and
select Everyone.
2. Here, students can engage
with each other as well as
ask the instructor questions.

11. Collaborate Panel
Breakout Rooms
Breakout groups can be created to initiate a
small group collaboration. The breakout groups
are separate from the main room.
1. To create a breakout group, open the
collaborate panel and click on the share
tool and select Breakout Groups.
10

12. Collaborate Panel
Breakout Rooms
2. Inside the breakout room, you have the
option to allow Collaborate to randomly
assign a group or create your own group.
3. To randomly assign a group, click on the
drop down arrow beneath Assign Groups
and select Randomly Assign.
11

13. Collaborate Panel
Breakout Rooms
4. If you are satisfied with the group
setup, click Start.
12

14. Collaborate Panel
Breakout Rooms
5. To create your own group, click on the
drop down arrow beneath Assign Groups
and select Custom Assignment.
6. Click on the individual you would like to
assign to a group and drag them to the
correct group.
7. To add another group, click on the plus
symbol beneath the groups.
8. Once the groups have been assigned, click
Start.
13

15. Blackboard Collaborate
Additional Information
• Please feel free to access the link provided below for more information on the features of
Blackboard Collaborate.
https://help.blackboard.com/Collaborate/Ultra/Moderator/Get_Started/Navigation
14