Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Navigating the New Create Session Menu for Collaborate

So there's a new menu to create a session in Collaborate. The menu has been simplified, but some users may be uncertain about what each option entails. The following is an option-by-option breakdown of the menu.

Getting Started. You arrive at the menu the same way as before: find your course in Blackboard, go to Collaborate in Course Tools, and then click "Create Session."

1. The new menu is broken down into two sections: Session Information and Room Options. The green-font options below Room Options drop down when you click on them.


2. In Session Information, you can name your session and set times for when it is available.


3. Under Room Options, you can determine the "Session Type"--that is, whether users in just this course or in all of your courses can attend the session.


4. In Teleconference Options, you can determine settings for users to phone into your session. 


5.  In Room Attributes, you can manage recording options, audio/visual settings, permissions and preloaded content. 


6.  In Grade Center Integration, you can create a grade within Blackboard for the session.

7. Under Assign Roles, you can assign the role of participant or moderator to all users. 

8. By selecting Assign access, you can assign specific roles to individual users. 

9. When finished, click Save.




Wednesday, December 11, 2013

For Existing Users: Navigating the New Menu to Create a Session in Collaborate

Resulting from a recent update to Collaborate, the menu to create a session has changed. Previously, the menu included tabs for different categories. Now the categories are featured in drop-down headings on one screen. Here are some things to look out for:

1. You arrive at the menu to create a session the same way you always did through Blackboard. Find your course, go to Course Tools and click Blackboard Collaborate. Then, you will find the same button to create a session.


2. Next, you will find options by clicking on the green-font headings below "Room Options," which will drop down. Some of the options are "Session Type," "Room Attributes," etc.
3. In the Room Attributes option, you'll see many of the same defaults as before. All Permissions remains on, so that all participants retain the privileges of audio, video, chat and whiteboard. Allow In-Session Invitations lets you create a link for users not enrolled in the course. (Hover over the "i" icon to receive further information about each option.)

4. Because you are creating the session, you are by default a moderator. If you wish to make other users moderators, select "Assign access." By pressing "Add Moderators" or "Add Participants," you can select from your call roster to assign roles. Please remember that when you choose "Assign access," every user you wish to participate in the session must be assigned a role to gain access.