This guide will provide steps for creating recorded presentations in Blackboard Collaborate as part of an assignment or mid-term/final exam. 

Accessing Blackboard Collaborate

To access Blackboard Collaborate within your online course:

1. From the course menu, click “Blackboard Collaborate.” The screen for Blackboard Collaborate will appear. 

2. Click on “Join Room.” (The room name varies by course.)


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Attention First Time Users: 
You will be asked to complete a few steps to set up your audio and video settings. Additionally, you may be asked to download some software, if needed. After the first time, you will not be asked to complete this again. To complete these steps, visit this page: To edit audio & video settings in Blackboard Collaborate. When you have completed these steps, return to this page.
 

3.  After the first time setting up your audio and video, you will be asked to enter your name to join the session.

a. Enter your name and click "Join Session."


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b. You will see a screen joining you into the session. Don't worry if it takes a minute or two. 


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c. When you enter the room, it will look like this: 


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Steps to Recording

Once you have completed configuring the audio and video settings, you can begin recording your presentation. The following instructions will walk you through the presentation and recording process.

Step 1: Upload your presentation

1. On the upper right side of the screen, click on the "+" button to display the "Share Files" window.


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a. To add files to your presentation, drag the files to "Add Files Here" section of the screen OR click on the section to manually upload files from your computer. 
b. Your file(s) will display in the "Share Files" window. 
c. Click "Share Now" to display your presentation. 

The next steps will allow you to add audio and video (optional) to your presentation.  

Step 2a: Turn on your audio

a. To turn on your audio, click the button that looks like a microphone. The button will go from grey with a slash to illuminated green. 


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Step 2b: Turn on your video (optional)

Unless your instructor specifically requests that you share a video or yourself, displaying your webam or a video of yourself is optional. Please check with your instructor if this is a requirement for your presentation. 

a. To turn on your video or webcam, click the button that looks like a video camera. The button will go from grey with a slash to illuminated blue. 

 
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Step 3: Start recording your session 

a. Click on "More Tools" from the options panel.


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b. Select "Start Recording" 


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c. A notification will appear at the upper right of the screen to indicate that you are recording.

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Next to the room name, a video camera icon will appear. It will only be displayed once you have indicated that you would like to start recording. It will disappear once you have stopped a recording. Additionally, you also will know that you are recording because if you click on "More Tools," a "Stop Recording" option will appear.

Step 4: Facilitate your presentation 

a. The moment you click "Start Recording" everything you say will be recorded. If you wish to make a practice recording, make sure you let your instructor know so that the recording can be deleted once your final recording is done. 

*Please note: The first time you record a presentation can be a nerve-wracking experience. Relax. Your instructor only wants you to your share your story, present a topic or gain experience with this type of software. If you run into any technical problems, you can contact the 24/7 Help Desk. Also  Also make sure to contact your instructor if issues arise. 

Step 5: Stop Recording

Once you have completed your presentation, it is time to stop the recording. 

a. Click "More Tools." You will see an option to "Stop Recording."

b. Select "Stop Recording." 


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c. Exit the room by clicking the button shown here. 


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Viewing Your Session

Once you have stopped your recording, the video will be uploaded to streaming media servers for Blackboard. This process may take a few minutes or several hours depending on the length of video and the number of queued requests ahead of your presentation.

Your recording will be displayed on the main page below "Join Room" and under "Recordings."

Sharing The Link for Your Presentation

Click the following link for more information regarding how you can retrieve and share the link for your presentation: /wiki/spaces/UASO/pages/14452080