Before your First Session

Follow these steps to make sure that Blackboard Collaborate will work on your machine. This should be done at least 24hrs prior to your first session:

1. Check the system requirements by visiting the Blackboard Collaborate First Time Users page. If you need to upgrade your version of Java Webstart, the page will guide you on how to do so.
2. Set your connection speed and test your audio configuration by joining the v12 Configuration Room from the Blackboard Collaborate First Time Users page.
• You will be prompted to download (open or save) a file named meeting.jnlp. The Blackboard Collaborate client may take a few minutes to download.
• You will be presented with a window to select your internet connection speed, which will most often be either Wireless (300Kbps) or Cable/DSL. Hit OK and join the room.
• Run the Audio Setup Wizard, located at the top right of the AUDIO & VIDEO window. The icon looks like a microphone with a red star/cog:
• Exit the room when you have completed configuration.

Join a Session

Use the link that has been given to you to join the session. You should sign in 10-15 minutes early so that you have time to check that your equipment works and resolve any problems

Steps:

1. Sign in using your name
2. Select the correct internet connection speed
3. Run the Audio Setup Wizard to make sure that your speakers and/or microphone are set up correctly for the session
4. Use the chat panel to ask questions during and after the session

Watch a Recording

1. Click on the link to the session recording.
• Open or run the file named nativeplayback.jnlp. The Blackboard Collaborate client may take a few minutes to load, and the recording will open in a new window.
• If you receive a security warning click Run to open Blackboard Collaborate. You may also have to accept a Session Participant Agreement.
• If Blackboard Collaborate sucessfully launches but you receive an Audio System Error: "Cannot connect to speaker, but will keep trying" click OK, and run the Audio Setup Wizard to select your speakers for playback.
2. Use the control at the bottom of the recorded session to play/pause the recording. It make take a few minutes for the content to become available:

Troubleshooting

Audio Issues:

Check your connections and make sure you have gone through the Audio Setup Wizard

Audio, Video or Whiteboard is 'breaking up':

Check that you set your internet connection speed correctly Edit>Preferences>Session>Connection

Echoing/Feedback:

Use a headset instead of built-in microphones or speakers

Further Reading:

• Check the Blackboard Knowledgebase for Common Issues you may encounter
• Blackboard Collaborate On-Demand Learning Center