Recently, we updated our BlackBoard Collaborate webinar platform to a new version. We would like to highlight some of the new features you will encounter in the new version of BlackBoard Collaborate.

BlackBoard Collaborate Session Links
First, we would like to note that the way you request BlackBoard Collaborate sessions has not changed. After you have requested your webinar session you will receive an email with moderator and participant links. Read the email you received carefully and remember to share the correct link with your participants. Click here to view a sample of this email.

Participate via Teleconference
You may have noticed in the sample email that there is now an option to participate using audio via teleconference. Be sure to share this information with your webinar participants.

Updated Demo Room
We have created a new demo room so you can test your computer and practice your presentations before your webinar session. The demo room is only to be used for testing purposes. To access the new demo room navigate in your web browser to bbc.nyittbls.org. This website also includes some support information to help you troubleshoot any problems and lists our technical support contact information.

Mac OS X 10.8 or higher
To help avoid some of the technical issues that Mac users have had in the past BlackBoard has released an app called the BlackBoard Collaborate Launcher. This app is required for any Mac that is running Mac OS X 10.8 or higher. You can find information on how to install the BlackBoard Collaborate Launcher on the bbc.nyittbls.org support website.

Mobile Apps
The new version of BlackBoard Collaborate also includes mobile apps for iOS and Android. You can now participate in a webinar session using this mobile apps, but you will still need to moderate a webinar session on your computer. You can find information on the compatibility for these mobile apps on the bbc.nyittbls.org support website.

Updated Pre-Webinar Template
We have updated the pre-webinar template for BlackBoard Collaborate. This includes sections to share the participant session link and teleconference information. We have also included links to the new BlackBoard Collaborate mobile apps. For future reference, the pre-webinar email is located on the bbc.nyittbls.org. support website.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to Ed Murray (emurra03@nyit.edu).