Canvas: Collaborate

For Faculty and Staff training on Blackboard Collaborate, view the Training page.

What is Collaborate?
Collaborate is a web-conferencing tool to facilitate live multimedia sessions. It is used by instructors to conduct live office hours, orientation, or class lectures so that students/participants from remote locations can attend these sessions via the Internet through Collaborate.

Do I need a separate username and password for a Collaborate session?
No, you don’t. The sessions are created and set in your courses in Canvas.

My instructor set up a Collaborate session in my course in Canvas, how do I access it?
There will be a link to Blackboard Collaborate in one of your course Modules. Your instructor will direct you to the correct module. Click on the link to open the list of sessions. Find the appropriate session and click on the title to join. Once you have launched the meeting, the session download will begin and you will be prompted to install and accept the session.

Do I need special software?
Collaborate uses a special launcher program. If you do not have it installed, you will be asked to install the launcher before you begin your first Collaborate session. There is a version for Windows and Mac.

Do I need special equipment?
No, as long as your computer has speakers so you can hear your instructor or facilitator, you can participate in a Collaborate session through a chat. However, to take full advantage of the collaborative capabilities during a session, a headset with a microphone is strongly recommended. Also, a webcam can be used if you want to be seen during the session.

Is there a tutorial I can review?
You can watch the Collaborate Orientation video tutorial to become familiar with its various features and functions. You can also review the Collaborate Student Orientation guide.

Can I test my computer capabilities in a Collaborate session?
You can access this Configuration Room to test your connection, settings, and configure your audio/video capabilities.

Tips for a successful session.

  • Find a quiet and comfortable place.
  • Watch the Collaborate Orientation video tutorial.
  • Test your audio and microphone.
  • Access the Configuration Room and test your connection and settings.
  • Stop running other applications on your computer (e.g., iTunes, etc.) or accessing other multimedia websites (e.g., YouTube, etc.).
  • Join your session 5-10 minutes prior to the start and greet your instructor/facilitator and peers.