To prepare for your online presentation using Collaborate, please follow the instructions below:
- Watch a 10 minute presenter orientation video.
- Prepare a headset and a webcam. Make sure the headset has a microphone.
- Configure your computer. Follow the on-screen instructions and run the audio wizard make sure your microphone is working properly.
- Ensure you have steady high speed internet. Go to http://www.speedtest.net/ and run the speed test. Please note connection less than 300kbps will result in poor audio and video quality during your presentation. Wired internet connection is highly recommended.
- Do a practice run. Be prepared, and ask us for help if you need it.
Once you are familiar with the Collaborate environment and have configured your computer, you are ready for your Collaborate session. An administrator should have forwarded to you the URL of your Collaborate session.
Tips
-
Contact Collaborate for 24/7 tech support (if your webcam is not showing up, your Powerpoint is not uploaded, etc): http://blackboard.force.com/btbb_publichome?dfprod=Collaborate, then click on “Chat with an Agent” or “Call us”.
-
Ensure your presentation is in PowerPoint or PDF format. In addition, animations/transitions in a PowerPoint will not show up in Collaborate. If you need to have animations to demonstrate “before” and “after”, put the content on 2 slides instead of using animations on a single slide. You may also share the screen while you present to keep transitions.
-
If you are not using a PowerPoint, you can share your screen. This will show everything on your screen, but won’t play a video very well. You can always share a link to the video and ask participants to watch it on their own computers.
-
The uploaded PowerPoint will automatically be erased from the Collaborate room when everyone exits the room.
- If you wish to record the session, remember to click on the “Record” button in the top left menu (three horizontal lines) on the screen.