This document provides an overview of the web conferencing tool Blackboard Collaborate. It discusses what web conferencing is, how it can be used for meetings and professional development, and how it is used for eLearning at BTC. It also provides instructions for accessing Blackboard Collaborate at BTC, participating in a web conference as well as what features are included like web conferencing, whiteboarding, chat, application sharing and more. The document aims to familiarize users with Blackboard Collaborate and how to effectively participate in web conferences.

1. Blackboard Collaborate
DIGITAL LITERACY & PROFESSIONALISM

2. Please take a few moments to fill out the pre-workshop survey.
Photo by McKay Savage via Creative Commons License https://www.flickr.com/photos/mckaysavage/2225262197/

3. Web Conferencing
What is web conferencing?
How is it used for meetings and professional
development?
How is web conferencing used in eLearning
How to access Blackboard Collaborate at BTC
How to be a participant
Participate in a web conference

4. What is Web Conferencing?
Also called webinar software
Other types: WebEX
Live video connection between two or more locations for
communication or interaction
Needs a computer, headset or speakers, microphone, and
plug-ins
Can be used for small or large groups, meetings, or classes

5. What does Collaborate include?
Web conferencing
Whiteboard
Chat
Application sharing
Web tour
File sharing
Live Video
File sharing
Mobile access
Telephony (Coming soon)

6. Meetings and Professional Development Use
Small or large meetings or seminars
View material (usually PowerPoint) or collaborate on
documents
Easy to record and send links to the recording
Can use chat or the microphone for comments
If a large meeting or class, it helps the leader to have a
moderator

7. How is it used in eLearning at BTC
 Radiologic Technology used it with videoconferencing.
(Transitioned to Blackboard Collaborate only)
• Group projects and presentations
• Online office hours

8. How to access Blackboard Collaborate at BTC
Before the meeting time, a
meeting link is sent via email
Test your computer and update
software or plug-ins before the
meeting
Click on link at least 15 minutes
before the conference starts
On Canvas, sign in to your
course, then look for the
Blackboard Collaborate Link on
the left (or directions from your
instructor).
https://btc.instructure.com/

9. Blackboard Collaborate Invitation

10. How to be a Participant
When logging in give both name and school
Run the Audio Set-up Wizard
Best to use a headset with a microphone instead of speakers and a
separate microphone
Often there is feedback with a speaker/microphone set-up
Mute your microphone when not speaking
Raise your hand when you want to speak

11. How to be a Participant (continued)
There can be a delay between speaking and hearing because of
network traffic
When there is a network delay resulting in a long pause, the voice
will speed up and sound like Donald Duck
Participate when asked to answer a poll or vote
Large conferences sometimes only allow written questions in the
chat box
Smaller meetings are more likely to use the microphone

12. University of Southern Maine, & Center for Technology Enhanced Learning. (2014). Joining a web conference. Retrieved June 12, 2014, from http://usm.maine.edu/ctel/joining-elluminate-live-session

13. Questions?

14. Let’s Practice

15. Please complete the post-workshop survey before you go.
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