Accessing Blackboard Collaborate “(BBC)”

What is Blackboard Collaborate?

Blackboard Collaborate is a web conferencing system that provides a virtual environment that
facilitates real-time collaboration. It can be used for teaching, meetings, seminars, student
presentations, training, etc. Blackboard Collaborate was designed by educators for educators and as
such, it provides a rich set of interactive tools and educational resources.

Accessing the BBC Online teaching session

Before getting started you must have access to a course container on OurVLE. Your ID number
should be valid and your password active.

 Once you have logged into your profile identify the course that you wish to access.
 Enter the course container
 Locate the block within the course container where the BBC session has been placed.
 Click on the BBC icon or to enter the classroom and start the session
 Once in the classroom there will be sessions listed based on the updated
timetables posted or sent.
 Click on the relevant session based on the day/date/time given the timetable, as some of the
sessions are recurring there may not be any specific title given to each session. Therefore,
make sure you are logged in to the appropriate session and if the sessions are recurring it
means that they will be held on the same day and time each week unless notified.
 When you have selected the appropriate session click on the “Join Session” Button located
to the right-hand side of the screen (under the name of the session).
 On joining the session, you will see the following screen

This black icon

opens a side tab This purple
that enables you to icon opens a
leave the session side tab
containing:
Chat
Attendee List
attendees
Content share
Setting

The icons at the bottom shows your status and settings, mute or unmute your mic, turns on or off
your camera and allows you to raise your hand if you need to ask or answer a question
 When the session has started you should be able to hear and/or see the lecturer in charge of
the session.
 When the session is over leave the classroom. Click on the black icon found to the top left-
hand corner of the screen and the “Leave session button” is located to the bottom of the
side tab
 If you need to query any issue with your lecturer, you can use the chat screen or request a
private chat with the lecturer or send an email using their UWI email address.

Things to do before the session

 Test audio capability ahead of time

 Join the meeting early – BbC allows you to enter 15 minutes before the start time.
 Have all material to be used properly prepared and accessible before session.
 If using a web camera, make eye contact with the camera and not the computer screen.
 Sign out of all other messaging applications.
 Mute speakers when not in use.
 Click on “Raise hands” when you wish to make an audio comment, statement or question
unless otherwise advised.
 No shouting.