T.L. Stachowicz 2020
2020
Davenport University
Blackboard Collaborate Ultra March 2020
Center for Teaching Excellence
Blackboard Collaborate Ultra Hacks 1
T. L. Stachowicz 2020
Best Practices for Using Bb Collaborate as Webinar
I recall a conversation I had with a colleague years ago who had done her teaching education in
the 1970’s. She told the story of a multi-media classroom instructor who taught the blossoming K-12
teachers the key of making small talk while adjusting issues with film projectors. There have always
been glitches with technology, your webinar will be no different. But being prepared, exuding
confidence, and knowing the software you are using will go a long ways to making your learners
experience meaningful and effective.
Tips for hosting a top notch webinar:
1. Plan on having at least two people to run the session
a. One for introducing the speaker and tracking the chat box, and one for leading the
session/key speaker
2. Prepare script or outline
a. To avoid being tongue tied, or stumbling over your words, write a brief script to
introduce the topic, speaker, and any directions
b. Using an outline will help you remember to cover key points for your audience, using
PowerPoint slides can work for this and keep things on track
3. Prepare in advance for tech glitches
a. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection
b. If possible have a tech person available for session
c. Have a back-up plan (phone, email, another platform, etc.)
d. Practice, practice, practice
4. Host a practice webinar
a. Practice with colleagues or even friends and family
5. Remember, confidence and value will overshadow any glitches!
For practical information and setting up your session – read on…
Blackboard Collaborate Ultra Hacks 2
T. L. Stachowicz 2020
Create a Session
1. Open the Blackboard course you wish to develop the session for
2. Click on Blackboard Tools, or go to Course Management>Control
Panel>Course Tools> Blackboard Collaborate Ultra
3. Click on “Create Session”, located in white print in a gray box in
middle of screen
4. A right side menu will appear with some options for “Event Details”
5. You can always edit the room settings and use “Join Room” if you
prefer
Collaborate Panel
To see Participants and additional tools you will now look to open the Collaborate
“panel” by clicking on the purple chevron in the bottom right corner of the page this will show
more options and tools:
Participants Chat Participants Share Content Settings
To find a participant or to mute all mics
if necessary.
Blackboard Collaborate Ultra Hacks 3
T. L. Stachowicz 2020
Individual Participant Permissions
This icon indicates signal strength for
participants and may explain problems in session.
From this icon, you can give or take away
moderator privileges.
Share Content
KEYS to Whiteboard Tools (or annotation tools)
Session Menu Selection Tool Pointer Pencil Shapes Text Eraser
View/Show Controls Zoom in Zoom out Full Screen Actual Size
REMEMBER: Remind
students to take a screen shot or use
snipping tool to capture work on
breakout room white boards. There is
no option to save them.
Blackboard Collaborate Ultra Hacks 4
T. L. Stachowicz 2020
Mobile Participation
There are mobile apps for students to participate from their phones. While not the ideal
experience, it does provide access to the session when computers are not available or as back-up when
your own system has logged you off. While the mobile App doesn’t allow for a student to “present” it
does allow them to talk through slides that you as the moderator advances if the student sends the
presentation to you via email. CAUTION: If student is on a mobile device they can erase everything
you have put on the whiteboard by using the eraser icon. Blackboard Collaborate is working to fix this.
Short Cuts via Keyboard
Mic on and off: ALT and M
Camera one and off: ALT and C
Hand up and down: ALT and H
Move slides: ALT and Page Up or Page Down