Collaborate

Collaborate is a web conferencing tool where staff and students can interact in an online environment in real time. You can chat to each other using a headset and even see each other if you have a webcam. Your lectures and tutorials may take place in a virtual classroom in collaborate and sessions can be recorded by the tutor for later viewing.

Preparing to use Collaborate

Collaborate is available through your modules in Blackboard. Before you begin participating in sessions there are a few steps you need to complete.

  1. Check the Collaborate system requirements. In order to make sure that you have the right equipment to participate in a Collaborate session visit Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing system requirements
  2. To use the audio features of Collaborate you will need either a headset or headphone and a microphone.
  3. Once you have all the equipment in place you need to set up your computer to use Collaborate. Visit the Collaborate Website first time users page and complete step 1, if you have two green ticks then everything is set up correctly. If not then you should see links to download the appropriate software. At step 2 choose the v12 option to complete the set up process.
  4. Familiarise yourself with the training information for participants on the Collaborate site, which covers topics such as: Essentials for participants; Accessibility guides; Getting started quick reference guide; and Participant orientation

Accessing Collaborate Sessions

You are now ready to join in with Collaborate. To access a session, log in to Blackboard and access the relevant module from your courses list. Select the Collaborate link from the menu and you will see a list of all sessions you can access for that module, both live and previously recorded.

Connecting using a mobile device

Collaborate allows users of mobile devices to connect to sessions on their Apple iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone. A complete list of supported devices is available on the Blackboard Collaborate Portal

For further help visit:

Getting Help

For support with Blackboard Collaborate contact Service Desk on 0161 295 5535 or at its-servicedesk@salford.ac.uk

For out of hours or additional technical support you can visit the Collaborate Technical Support website to get assistance. From this webpage you can use "Live Chat" to text chat in real time with a technical support person to get advice. Alternatively, you can phone the dedicated Collaborate support line (phone numbers from your location given on webpage). The calls are free from North America, UK, Ireland and Australia.