First Timers. Accessing the Collaborate Classroom

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2 First Timers Use a broadband internet connection. Wired is the best option. Wireless can be used but the user may experience connectivity issues. Do not use dial-up. Ensure the computer meets the minimum system requirements recommended for running a Collaborate session. Run this first time user check. Use a Collaborate supported browser such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari. Make sure the Java version is Up to date. Visit The user must install the Blackboard Collaborate Launcher. This is a one-time install but in order for Collaborate to work it must be installed. It is best to use this with a USB headset with microphone. TIP: Try to log into all scheduled Collaborate sessions at least minutes in advance. Accessing the Collaborate Classroom Step 1: The Instructor will place the Blackboard Collaborate Classroom in the course, either in the Content area or wherever it is outlined in the Syllabus. The instructors can also send the direct link to the Collaborate Classroom via . In the Course it will appear as this:

3 Step 2: Click on the session scheduled for the class session. Step 3: Click Join.

4 If the session is all audio, the Dial In number can be used. It is similar to a conference call. The Start identifies the time and date that the session will start or can be accessed. The End identifies the time and date the session will end, no access will be granted after the End has passed. The Early Entry indicates how early the session can be accessed. Entering the session 15 minutes early is recommended. Step 4: If this is the first login of Collaborate. Download the Blackboard Collaborate Launcher. Downloading the Launcher is necessary and should only be downloaded once per computer.

5 Select the type of computer that is in use (Windows or Mac). Then Click Download. Follow the on screen directions to completely install the launcher. After the install is complete and the session has been launched, a screen will appear asking, Do you want to run this application? Click Run. The next screen will appear, click Allow access. The Blackboard Collaborate box will select preference that fit the current computer being used. Welcome to the Collaborate Classroom!

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7 Running the Audio Setup Wizard Once in the Blackboard Collaborate session, it is recommended that the new user complete the audio setup wizard. This tool is used to verify that the Audio is setup correctly. Once the Audio Setup Wizard is open, follow the on screen instructions. Once the Audio Setup Wizard is complete the audio should be configured properly and ready to use. The Menus (1) Menus in the Main Menu Bar The following menus are available in Blackboard Collaborate in the main menu bar: File menu: Contains file-related commands (New, Open, Save and Print) for Whiteboard files, Multimedia files, quizzes, session plans, Chat conversations and the Participants list. It is also where you will find the Exit command for closingblackboard Collaborate web conferencing. Edit menu: Contains standard editing commands (Cut, Copy, Paste and Select All) and enables you to open the Preferences dialog. View menu: Contains commands for changing your window layout and changing content modes (Whiteboard, Application Sharing and Web Tour).

8 Tools menu: Contains sub-menus for using the various tools in Blackboard Collaborate: Application Sharing, Audio, Chat, Interaction, Profile, Video and Whiteboard. Window menu: Enables you to open the following windows: Activity, Graphing Calculator, Notes and File Transfer Library. Help menu: Gives you access to documentation (a table of Keyboard Shortcuts, the Accessibility Guide, the Blackboard Collaborate Essentials Guide and the On-Demand Learning Center web site), provides diagnostic tools (that Support personnel may ask you to use to help troubleshoot an issue), enables you to leave the session without closing the application (and then rejoin it) and provides general information about the Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing software.

9 Audio & Video Panel (2) If an option is grayed out it cannot be used, it has been disabled by the instructor or moderator. If the new user wants to share video of themselves, click the Video Button, this will only work if Blackboard Collaborate detects a web cam. Click the talk button if the user elects to address the participants in the session. Remember to unclick this button after the message.

10 Participants Panel (3) In this panel, all the users are present. Their status, responses to polls, and their activity can all be viewed in the Participants Panel.

11 In the chart below all the permissions are outlined in detail. The moderator or instructor can grant or revoke certain permissions at any giving time.

12 Chat Panel (4) The moderator can see all chats, so please keep personal information separate of this chat.

13 The Whiteboard (5) The Whiteboard is where the instructor will present the content of the session.