Hello Blackboard users,
We wanted to inform you of some changes coming to Blackboard Collaborate for the fall semester. On August 16th, 2016 we will be adding the new version of Blackboard Collaborate called “Blackboard Collaborate Ultra”. This new version will be available alongside the older version, so that you can decide when you want to begin using the new Collaborate Ultra.
When available, a new link will be added to the Course Tools:
You can add the link to your course for student access from any content area and add the tool:
The new clean interface looks like this when you click on the "Blackboard Collaborate Ultra" tool link after it is deployed in the content area:
To start using Collaborate Ultra, just click on the "Join room" link:
To learn about Collaborate Ultra, watch this short video. It will show you how easy Collaborate Ultra is to use and how to get the most out of it.
There are some limitations to the new Blackboard Collaborate Ultra experience that everyone should be aware of:
· Currently, screen sharing can only be used when the presenter is using Firefox or some other java-capable browser.
· There is a limit of 250 participants in Ultra sessions, but that should be increasing to 1,000 by the end of 2016.
· Recordings of Ultra sessions are only available as MP4 videos.
· These videos do not include the chat from the session.
· The use of a telephone conference call for audio in Ultra sessions is limited to 25 users and all users must be logged into the session in order to use the dial-in.
We have gathered a series of resources to get you familiar with the new Collaborate Ultra version:
· Blackboard Collaborate Ultra Training Material
Please feel free to contact us if you have any question regarding this matter at 305-284-3949 or email at blackboardhelp@miami.edu
Your Blackboard Team
(P): 305-284-3949
blackboardhelp@miami.edu
