BlackboardCollaborate

** Description **
Blackboard Collaborate Is the current web conferencing platform offered by Blackboard, a global leader in the educational software market. Blackboard Collaborate allows users to hold both synchronous and asynchronous sessions and has been used as a classroom, for instructor office hours, Webinars, and even departmental meetings.

** History **
Blackboard Collaborate is the evolution of a project started by [|TutorsEdge] in the early 2000s. From the beginnings at TutorsEdge, it evolved to as a web conferencing tool to [|Elluminate //Live!//] In July 2010, Blackboard purchased the Elluminate company, and as of version 11 the software is called [|Blackboard Collaborate]. Currently Blackboard Collaborate is on the 12th version of the software and has introduced support for iOS devices.

** Impact on Teaching and Learning **

 * Student and faculty access that is geographically independent
 * Synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities
 * Learner-centered learning tool
 * Immediate feedback for students and faculty.
 * Allows for multi-modal communication
 * Video
 * Voice
 * Text
 * Small Group Collaboration through Breakout Rooms
 * Assistive Technologies such as closed captioning, screen reader compatibility, and selective notifications.
 * Multi-platform
 * Windows XP, Vista, 7
 * Apple OS X 10.5+
 * Ubuntu 10.04
 * iOS 6

** Practical Applications **
Blackboard Collaborate v12 Is an easy to use web conferencing tool that requires very little infrastructure. Students, guests, and faculty can use a wide range of devices and connection methods to experience a robust and full-featured online classroom / training environment.

Blackboard Collaborate has been used successfully at University of Hawaii at Manoa & within the University of Hawaii system successfully since approximately 2006. Instructors and staff have used the software for many activities:
 * Synchronous & asynchronous instruction
 * Supplementary material for face-to-face instruction
 * Review Sessions
 * Office Hours
 * Tutoring
 * Departmental meetings for Staff & Faculty

** Examples or Demonstrations **
Introductory Training Session on BrainShark





** References **
Kolowich, Steve (February 22, 2011). [|"Blackboard's Next Phase"]. //Inside Higher Ed//. Retrieved April 10, 2011. Blackboard Collaborate Statistics & Usage: []

Blackboard Collaborate v12 Blackboard Collaborate v12 iOS 6 Application
 * External Links **

** About the Author **
Andy Kauffman is a student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He is pursuing a Masters of Education in Educational Technology, and is a self-professed life-long geek. He has worked with Blackboard Collaborate at the enterprise level and has provided training, support, and administration for the software.