Student Handout: Using Blackboard’s Collaboration Tools

 

From your Blackboard course, go to Communication à Collaboration.

 

There are two options within this area:

·        Lightweight Chat – using this tool, you can chat with your instructor and classmates.  This tool is similar to Instant Messaging features found within AOL, Yahoo, and MSN. 

·        Virtual Classroom – this tool allows you to interact with your instructor in classmates using chat tools, a group browser to view websites, and share class materials. 

 

NOTE:  You may be prompted to download the JAVA plugin.  This is necessary in order to activate the chat tools.  Turn popup blockers off as they will interfere with the Chat tools.

Lightweight Chat

1.      Select the Lightweight Chat tool

2.      The left part of the screen displays chat participants.  The right part of the screen displays Chat text.

 

3.      Type your message in the compose text box and then hit Send or Enter.

4.      Click on Private Message to send a private message to someone.

 

 

 

 

 

Accessing Archived Chat Sessions

Your instructor may record (i.e. archive) chat sessions that you can read later if you miss a chat.

To access an archived chat:

  1. Click onto the “Recordings” button next to the Lightweight Chat tool

 

  1. A list of all available archives appears.
  2. Select the name of the archive you want.  You can now view the entire conversation.

Virtual Classroom

 

Main Areas

Map – Display a section of the Blackboard course (syllabus, assignment, etc.) to the class.

Whiteboard – draw graphics.

Group Browser – display websites to the class.

Ask Question – send questions to your instructor.

Chat – use this to talk to your instructor and classmates.

 

 

 

Group Browser

This feature can be used to display websites to the class.

  • Click onto “Group Browser.”
  • Enter the address of the website you wish to display and click “Go.”
  • The site will appear within the main window of the Whiteboard.

 

 

Ask Question

To ask your instructor a question during a Virtual Classroom session, click on the “Ask Question” button.  Type a question in the box and click “Send.”  The question will now appear in the “Question Inbox,” where the instructor can read and respond.