EIU Collaborate Ultra

Tutorial:  How to download a Collaborate Ultra recording from D2L Brightspace

Collaborate Ultra is a web-based video conferencing system allowing participants to engage in two-way audio, multi-point video, interactive whiteboard, application and desktop sharing, breakout rooms, polling and session recording. Using the recording feature, live sessions can be recorded or Collaborate Ultra can be used to create video recordings that can be easily linked within a course in D2L Brightspace.

Highlights of Collaborate Ultra (pdf)

Collaborate Ultra can be accessed through D2L Brightspace or it can be used outside of D2L. To request a Collaborate Ultra account outside of D2L Brightspace, EIU faculty and staff can contact Julie Lockett at jalockett@eiu.edu.

Collaborate Ultra opens directly in the browser and does not require a separate download, installation, or Java.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Collaborate Ultra supports Windows and Mac PCs, Google Chromebook and Microsoft Surface Pro devices provided one of the supported browsers is being used and audio/camera devices work with those browsers. (Microsoft Surface devices running Windows RT are not supported.) 

RECOMMENDED BROWSER

Use Google Chrome or Firefox for the best experience. While Collaborate supports all browsers, Chrome or Firefox gives you the best experience.

BEST PRACTICES

Go to the Collaborate Session Best Practices page for recommendations on getting the most out of your Collaborate session including:

• Best practices for best experience
• Smart scheduling
• Session prep
• Accessibility considerations
• Facilitate dynamic sessions
• Good follow up

HOW TO JOIN A COLLABORATE ULTRA SESSION:

• To access a session using a link provided by email:
  Note:  This link will work for anyone.  No EIU netID or password required.
  
  • Click on the link in the email, Collaborate will open in a separate window.
  • Enter your first AND last name. 
  • Select "Join Session"
  • If prompted, allow access to your webcam and microphone.
  • Follow any on-screen instruction.
    
    
• To access a session through a course in D2L:
  • Log into D2L Brightspace, www.eiu.edu/d2l, and select your course.
  • The Collaborate link may be located in the Content section of the course or in the course navigation bar:
    • If there is a link to Collaborate in the top navigation bar in the course.
    • If the link is not in the navigation bar:
      • Select “Content” then select the module in which Collaborate Ultra is located.
      • Select “Collaborate Ultra” within the module.
  • A Collaborate Ultra window will open inside D2L within a few seconds.
  • Select the desired session.
  • Select “Join session” in the window that pops out on the right.
  • The session will open in a new tab in your browser.
  • If prompted, allow access to your webcam and microphone.
  • Follow any on-screen instruction.

HOW TO ADD COLLABORATE ULTRA TO YOUR COURSE IN D2L:

• To use Collaborate Ultra in a course in D2L Brightspace, the instructor must first add Collaborate Ultra to the course.
  
  • Add Collaborate to the Course Navigation Bar in D2L: 
    The Course Navigation Bar can be easily changed to a navigation bar that includes Collaborate.
    •  Follow the directions, How to Change the Course Navbar, and make the "Course Default - with Collaborate" the active navbar.
  • Or Add Collaborate to a Content Module:
    You can add Collaborate to a Content Module in a course.  (It only needs to be added to one content module.)
    • Follow the directions, How to add Collaborate Ultra to a content module in a course in D2L.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDES FOR COLLABORATE ULTRA:

• How to create a Collaborate session in D2L:  This tutorial includes adding Collaborate Ultra to a course, the course room, creating a session, session settings, joining and inviting others to the session.
• Moderating and Presenting a Collaborate session:  This tutorial includes user roles, accessing a session, sharing content, recording, managing attendees, attendee reports, polling, breakout groups, and best practices for moderators.
• How to create a narrated PowerPoint presentation video using Collaborate:  This tutorial demonstrates how to narrate and record a PowerPoint presentation in Collaborate Ultra and post a link in a content module in D2L for students to access and view the recording.

STUDENT/USER GUIDES FOR COLLABORATE ULTRA:

• User Guide:  Includes system requirements, accessing a session, audio & video, participant best practices, using chat, providing feedback, Collaborate Ultra interface & tools, accessing session recordings.
• Audio and Video Setup

The written tutorials on this site are developed and brought to you by the

Faculty Development and Innovation Center

phone 217-581-7051 :: email fdic@eiu.edu :: web www.eiu.edu/fdic

Contact the FDIC for questions about the tutorials, to suggest topics for new tutorials, or to schedule a consultation appointment. The FDIC staff can recommend integration solutions using Collaborate Ultra and other instructional technologies for your online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses.

Technical Support for Collaborate Ultra

Call 217-581-HELP (4357), email support@eiu.edu, or contact the Instructional Support Specialist (ISS) for your department.