Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching

  1. University Website
  2. Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching
  3. Technology Enhanced Learning
  4. Blackboard
  5. Collaborate

Collaborate

Collaborate is an online virtual classroom/meeting space which allows users to connect via audio, see each other via webcams, use a chat tool, collaborate on documents and view presentations, and access other features. 

To access Collaborate, you will need to select the module in Blackboard that relates to the group you wish to collaborate with. Once in the module, select 'Communication & Tools' link from the left hand navigation and then 'Blackboard Collaborate Ultra'.

To find out more about how Collaborate can be used to enhance your students' learning experience, view the video below.

Guides

The following guides and many more are available from the Blackboard Collaborate Help site:

Further guidance on good practice for getting a better experience with Blackboard Collaborate is available and can be downloaded below:

Accessibility

Collaborate has been developed in accordance with internationally recognised Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 level AA. The Accessibility in Blackboard Collaborate help pages provide guidance on use with screen readers, keyboard short cuts and other tools to support an accessible learning experience.

FAQ and Troubleshooting

Collaborate Ultra Capabilities in China

Collaborate can be accessed from within China, but we recommend students download Firefox on to a computer to access sessions as Google Chrome is not easily accessible. 

Before running sessions with students in China, please check the Collaborate Capabilities in China document which details the best internet providers and those which may cause access issues, as well as information on bandwidth and other connection support suggestions. 

If your students are still unable to access Collaborate during your sessions then you may wish to consider scheduling a Teams meeting as an alternative. Note: You do not need to request a new Teams area to run a session, simply to create a calendar invite and invite your students to it.

More help and training

The TEL team are happy to provide advice and support about how best to use Collaborate to enhance learning and teaching. Contact your faculty partner for more information. 

Workshops on getting started with Collaborate are held regularly. Check iTrent for details and to book a place.