The University’s online Virtual Classroom tool Blackboard Collaborate enables you to interact live with your students online through a web browser via webcams, screen sharing, and chat without the need to download additional software. Up to 250 people can join a session at the same time. As the system is designed with learning and teaching in mind, it offers useful features not generally provided by other webinar software. It is integrated with Blackboard Learn as part of the NILE software which makes it easy to access for staff and students using their main University account details. Guests can also join your online sessions if required without the need for a University account, enabling guest lecturers to visit you and your students virtually, without the associated travel costs.
Collaborate sessions are live so they can be used for synchronous teaching. Among other use cases, to date Collaborate has been used in the following scenarios:
Collaborate works directly in the web browser and does not require you to download additional software. Below are some recommendations on the technical requirements of running Collaborate sessions successfully.
NOTE: It is important to keep your web browser up to date. Just like you would keep any other application up to date, keeping your browser up to date will mean that it will work best when using Collaborate.
LearnTech recommends either the Chrome or Firefox browser for the best experience with Collaborate. Both of these are installed on staff laptops. If you normally use an Ad Blocker in your web browser, such as Ad Block Plus, you may need to disable it when using Blackboard Collaborate.
Staff can also access and run Collaborate sessions on a mobile device using the Blackboard Instructor App. Even if you don't intend to use it on a regular basis, this is a good backup option in case you ever have problems with your laptop. Once you've installed the app, you can find out how to use it here: Collaborate in the Blackboard Instructor App.
A reliable internet connection is required, preferably broadband. It is recommended that you prioritise your bandwidth for Collaborate when running sessions by closing other applications that use the internet connection. Consider asking household members to turn off other devices that use the internet when running sessions from home, such as video or music streaming services.
A laptop or desktop computer is usually preferred due to the screen size and battery power. As mentioned under the software heading above, mobile devices such as phones or tablets can also be used as a backup device should you encounter problems with your staff laptop.
A microphone is required to speak, headphones or speakers to hear, and a webcam to share a video feed. Most modern devices, including staff issue laptops, have all of these built-in. You may wish to consider external webcams and microphones if your teaching style calls for it; to share a webcam feed of a live practical element, for example. Please contact the AV department for further advice in this regard on avinfo@northampton.ac.uk.
NOTE: Please see the section of this guide, 'Troubleshooting tips' for more advice regarding technical aspects of using Collaborate if you experience difficulties.
If you require assistance with NILE, please contact LearnTech Support using the NILE Enquiry Form
If you require assistance with PebblePad, please contact PebblePad Support using the PebblePad Contact Form