Blackboard Collaborate Ultra: Virtual Classrooms & Meeting Spaces

For more information about Collaborate Ultra or to request moderator access ot the system, please contact the Center for Teaching & Learning (ctl@otterbein.edu | 614-823-1035).

Technical Support

If you encounter any technical problems while using Collaborate Ultra, see the information below to get help:

• General Questions: If you have other questions or comments regarding the use of Collaborate Ultra at Otterbein, send a message to collaborate@otterbein.edu.

• Before a Session: For questions regarding the pedagogical or administrative use of Collaborate Ultra, contact the Center for Teaching & Learning (ctl@otterbein.edu | 614-823-1064) or visit the CTL Studio on the 3rd floor of the Library.
  
  You can also contact cardinalskillsbuilder@otterbein.edu to request participant orientation for your students and training on how to use classroom hardware to conduct sessions in Collaborate Ultra.

• During a Session: If you run into any issues while moderating or participating in a Collaborate Ultra session (e.g., your session does not open or the system is not working properly, etc.), contact Blackboard's 24/7 Technical Support service via phone (1-877-382-2293) or chat (go to http://blackboard.secure.force.com and under Students, Faculty, and Other Users, click Collaborate).

• Technical Issues Outside Collaborate: For technical issues that may affect your usage of Collaborate Ultra (e.g., no network connection, problems with Java or with your headset or Web cam, etc.), submit an online Help Request or contact the ITS Help Desk (helpdesk@otterbein.edu | 614-823-3100).

When you first attempt to enter a session in Collaborate Ultra, an Adobe Flash Player Settings pop-up window may open. Please select Allow and select the check box next to Remember, then click Close (at bottom) to proceed.

You can access the local Flash Player Settings Manager for your operating system:

• Windows: Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Flash Player
• Macintosh: System Preferences (under Other) click Flash Player

You can download our Collaborate Ultra Support Quick Guide (below) and share it with participants, presenters, or other moderators.

For more information about the features and functions available in Collaborate Ultra, follow the links below to access Blackboard's Help content.

What's new?

Blackboard's developers are constantly adding new features to Collaborate Ultra as it expands and evolves. If you are interested in keeping up with changes in the system or if you notice something new in the interface, check the Collaborate Ultra Release Notes page for more information.

If you are disconnected from an ongoing Collaborate Ultra session, follow these steps to reconnect or to address the issue:

1. Follow these instructions to clear your browser's cache, then exit/quit the browser completely (close all browser windows): 
   • Clear the Cache in Chrome
   • Clear the Cache in Firefox
2. If time allows, restart your computer (do not disconnect your headset and/or Webcam).
    
3. Find the guest link you were provided and open it using Chrome or Firefox. Follow the system's prompts to rejoin the session.
    
4. If the issue persists:
   • During university business hours (M-F, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time), contact the ITS Help Desk (helpdesk@otterbein.edu | 614-823-3100)
   • Outside of business hours (nights and weekends), contact Blackboard's 24/7 hotline at 1-877-382-2293