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.  

a. If your instructor is using the general room click, Get Launch Link

b. If your instructor is using a specific course session, click on the title of the presentation.

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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. 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 lower right side of the screen, click on the purple arrow icon, known as the Collaborate Panel.

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2. The panel will expand, click on the Share Content icon.

a. To add files to your presentation, drag the files to the, Add Files Here, section OR click 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 change from 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. Locate the Open Session menu on the top left side of the screen. 

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b. Select "Start Recording" 


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

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d. An illuminated video camera will appear in the top left corner.  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. 

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 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 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. To end the recording, repeat the above steps and click on the Stop Recording link.

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b. A notification will appear at the top right of the screen to indicate that you are no longer recording.

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c. To exit the Collaborate session, click the Leave Session option in the top left corner of the Collaborate window. 


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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.

a. Click on the menu icon above the word Course Room.

b. Then select Recordings on the menu.

Sharing The Link for Your Presentation

Your instructor will provide information about how you should inform your fellow classmates of your presentation.