Blackboard Collaborate Ultra

The new Java-free version of Blackboard Collaborate (Tentatively scheduled to be implemented in August, 2016), classified as the ‘Ultra Experience‘.

Blackboard Collaborate Ultra provides:

A clutter-free, intuitive interface
Crisp audio & hi-definition video
Dynamic adjustments according to bandwidth and network access
New roles:
- Captioner, which allows faculty to provide accessible alternatives to audio content for participants who are deaf and hard of hearing, as well as for participants whose native language is different from the moderator’s.
- Participant, which allow students to present without giving them full moderator privileges
A basic whiteboard
Image, PDF, and PowerPoint sharing

Differences between Blackboard Collaborate Ultra and Collaborate Classic.

Bb Collaborate Classic

Bb Collaborate Ultra

Requires Java and periodic application updates
Supports whiteboard, app/desktop sharing, web tours
Includes extended whiteboard tools, polling and breakout rooms
Recordings are accessible in Blackboard Learn. They are in Java format, but can be converted to MP4
Room capacity supports up to 1,000 participants
Sessions can be scheduled in Blackboard Learn.

The Chrome browser provides the best experience with WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication), but other browsers can access the environment using Flash.
A specific Chrome extension is required for desktop/app sharing in a session
Collaborate Ultra’s room capacity is currently limited to 100 users.
Basic whiteboard tools and app sharing available
Breakout rooms and polling tools are not available (Scheduled to be released July 1, 2016)

For more information about Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, please see these external resources: