To join a Blackboard Collaborate session, users must first launch the program using the provided link, then log in with their assigned name. The session is joined once the user's name appears in the participant list. Troubleshooting audio and video issues involves selecting "Tools" and "Audio Setup Wizard" to test speakers and microphones. Users cycle through selecting different speaker and microphone options in the provided lists until they can both hear audio and their microphone is detected.

1. Joining a Collaborate Session
A short tutorial on joining a session and troubleshooting
sound and video

2. Once you click on the link for the session you will need to launch the program for Blackboard Collaborate. In
Google Chrome it looks like this:
In Firefox you will see this: (click “Open with...”)

3. It will take several seconds for the program to load and open, once it is ready you will be prompted to login
with the name you will be using during the webinar.

4. The final step before joining the session is letting Blackboard Collaborate “Run” the platform:

5. You will know you have joined the session when you see this:
You should see your
name in this participant
box.

6. Troubleshooting Sound and Video

7. The meeting appears to be going, but you are struggling to hear the speaker.
Follow these quick tips to check your system and get participate with your
microphone.
Along the top of Collaborate you will see the following:
Select “Tools”

8. In the drop down box select
“Audio” and then
“Audio Setup Wizard”

9. First you will be prompted to select your speakers to make sure you are able to hear
the meeting. If you have a list on the screen, select one and see if you are able to
hear the test. If you are NOT able to hear the prompt, then click on “No” and select
another option in this box.

10. To set up your microphone, follow the prompts and click “Record”, Say “Test, 1, 2, 3..” is the microphone
being picked up? If not, click “Stop” and then “No” and select another microphone input option in the list.
Continue this until you see that the microphone is being picked up and/or you hear your test through the
speakers.
Pick a microphone you
have attached to your
computer Record a test to see if it is
picked up.
Can you hear the test?

11. Did you hear your microphone test?
YES! I heard my test.
You are done. Click
Yes and join the
meeting.
NO! I wasn’t able to
hear my test. Click
“No” and select
another microphone
in the list. If you
don’t have another
microphone,
remember you can
always “Chat” with
members during a
session to ask
questions.