Blackboard Collaborate Ultra is a browser-based web conferencing tool that teachers can use to schedule virtual meetings. Ideal for synchronous lectures and group presentations, Collaborate Ultra provides an accessible space for online teaching and learning. Given that it is browser-based, students are not reqiured to install a specific software and can join the meeting anywhere and anytime.
Some features of Collaborate Ultra include:
- Easy access from mobile devices, web browser, and more
- Seamless integration with Canvas
- Online lectures with up to 500 participants
- Accessibility features including but not limited to full-screen reader support, white board activities, and live closed captioning
- Ability to record and download sessions for later use
- Ability to upload and share content including your screen, files, or a virtual whiteboard
- Small breakout groups (random or custom assignment)
- Question polls that can gather and instantly show students’ response
As teachers and students look for a space to meet online, Collaborate Ultra fulfills the many needs of a virtual classroom. The well-designed interface closely resembles the whiteboard of a classroom, giving students the ability to annotate and ask questions in real-time. In addition, Collaborate Ultra is FIPPA compliant with its data stored securely in Canada. This can be a great advantage for teacher candidates to consider when selecting a web conferencing tool to teach online.
Collaborate Ultra can also be seamlessly integrated with Canvas. As some school districts have already transferred their content to Canvas, using Collaborate Ultra for meetings and office hours is very convenient and easy to set up.
- If your course is already on Canvas, please see here for a step-by-step tutorial created by the UBC Learning Technology Hub on how to set up Collaborate Ultra.
- If you are interested in using Collaborate Ultra as a standalone application, please feel free to sign up for a 30-day free trial on the Blackboard website.
- For more information on how to schedule real-time meetings and host office hours, please check out this detailed guide from Keep Teaching UBC.
