Working With Blackboard Collaborate
Configuration, Joining a Session, Equipment Required, Software Required, FAQs, Additional Information
Before connecting to Blackboard Collaborate for the first time, make sure to complete the Configuration setup. You MUST do this at least 24 hours ahead of time. Please use the same location and equipment that you will use when you attend the actual Blackboard Collaborate session(s) to complete the following steps:
1. Go to http://go.ncsu.edu/configuration
2. Make sure Step 1 shows two checks. If you do not see a check, follow the instructions to obtain the latest version of Java.
3. Enter the Configuration Room as outlined in Step 2. Follow the directions in the Configuration Room to test your audio setup, set your connection speed, and set up your profile.
If you have any problems configuring Blackboard Collaborate, call 877-382-2293 (select Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing version 11). Blackboard Collaborate support is available 24 hours day, 7 days a week.
NO LATER THAN 9:30am the morning of the broadcast.
To join the session:
1. Go to the LOGIN Link for that day. (See the Schedule)
2. Under section 2, "User Authentication", if you are an:
NC State Employee
select "Unity ID" and enter your Unity ID and password.
Extension Master Gardener Volunteer or a guest
select "Guest," then enter your email address, full name, and county
3. Leave the password blank if prompted. (If you are logging in with Unity ID, you will be prompted for this after the next step. )
4. Click "Log In."
5. Save the meeting to your "Downloads" folder
6. Look to the bottom of your screen and click on the meeting tab when it shows up as a downloaded file.
7. Java starts and then it gives a security warning -- click run
8. Then it disappears and it seems like nothing is happening but eventually the blackboard screen flashes, then you are back to the opening screen while you wait for it to load - it takes a while and it does not give you any indication that it is doing anything. So just be patient.
9. Eventually it will either open on your screen - or show up at the bottom as a tab that looks like a hot cup of coffee. If it does not open automatically, click on the coffee cup tab.
If you have any problems logging in to the session or hearing the audio, call 877-382-2293 (select Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing version 11). Let them know you are at NC State which is self-hosted. If you still have questions, please contact DELTA's LearnTech help desk at: learntech@ncsu.edu (919) 513-7094
At minimum, you will need computer speakers to hear the session.
If you will also be participating vocally, then you should use a headset with a built-in microphone. Unless the moderator tells you otherwise, you are not required to participate vocally in Blackboard Collaborate; alternative communication options such as text chat are also available. NC State University does not endorse specific headset vendors or products. You can find quality headsets ranging from $15 - $75 at a variety of computer stores, including the NCSU Bookstores and online retailers such as http://www.cdw.com or http://www.amazon.com.
Depending on the session moderator's use of Blackboard Collaborate s features, you may also want to use a webcam during a session. Most webcams work with Blackboard Collaborate. If your computer does not have a built-in webcam, you can purchase a webcam from any computer store, including those listed above.
If you experience difficulty using your equipment with Blackboard Collaborate,call 877-382-2293 (select Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing version 11) or browse the support pages at http://support.blackboardcollaborate.com/. If you still have questions, please contact DELTA's LearnTech help desk at: learntech@ncsu.edu (919) 513-7094
Blackboard Collaborate requires
Windows, Mac, or Linux OS,
up-to-date Java, and audio capability
To check whether your computer meets the minimum system requirements, go to http://go.ncsu.edu/configuration. For a full list of version and system requirements, also see Blackboard's System Requirements page at http://support.blackboardcollaborate.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=8336&task=knowledge&questionID=1473. If you still have questions, please contact DELTA's LearnTech help desk at: learntech@ncsu.edu (919) 513-7094
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
More information on Blackboard Collaborate
On-line Blackboard Collaborate Training and Handouts
Technical Support for Plants, Pests and Pathogens:
Leigh Jay Temple LeighJay_Temple@ncsu.edu, 919-513-8147
We will be using NetCam Client to display images from the microscope. To see the NetCam image on your screen, you will need to have both the Java Runtime Environment (JRE 1.5.1 or higher) and a Java-enabled Browser installed. The JRE is available as a free download from the Sun Microsystems’ Java Technology Web site. Download Java
