Student Class Collaborate

You may access Class Collaborate from within a Blackboard course or from a Guest Link provided by the Instructor.

1. Login to https://newlearn.govst.edu with your GSU username (email address @student.govst.edu) and password.
2. Select a course from the My Courses list.
3. Select the Class Collaborate link (or another title similar) in the left navigation menu. This link is made available/unavailable by your Instructor.
4. Select the appropriate session. The Instructor will either use the Course Room or they will create a new scheduled session.
5. Select Join Course Room (if left idle for a few moments will turn to Get secure link). The session will open in a new tab within your internet browser.

1. Select the link provided in the Blackboard course (most likely in the Announcements section) or GSU email/Course Messages. The Class Collaborate session will open in a new internet browser tab.
2. Enter your name to join the session as a Guest. It’s highly recommended to use the first and last name listed in the Blackboard course, so your Instructor can award points to the appropriate person.
3. Click Join Session.

Open the Class Collaborate Where to Access text tutorial to learn more.

There are three main roles within a Class Collaborate session:
Participant: By default, Students will have this role, which has access to chat, use audio/video (if Instructor enables this privilege), and draw on the Whiteboard/Shared Files (if Instructor enables this privilege).
Presenter: By default, no one has this role. Instructors may upgrade a Participants role to Presenter. As a Presenter, you have access to all the same privileges as a Participant and access to Share Content (i.e. Whiteboard, Application Sharing, and Share Files).
Moderator: By default, only Instructors have access to this role. Moderators have full privileges to the session.

Open the Class Collaborate Roles web tutorial to learn more.

Similar to a face to face classroom, make sure you have proper etiquette for web conferencing. Simple things, such as turning off your microphone when not speaking, turning off your webcam when you don't need to be seen, joining a session on time or early are just a few best practices for best experience and making a strong impression in a virtual setting.

• Quiet Area: When you are about to enter a Collaborate session, be sure you are in a quiet environment. This will help reduce echoes or loud feedback that you do not have control over.
• Audio options: If a microphone/headset is not available, you may dial-in, using the Collaborate phone number provided by the instructor (long distance rates may apply).
• Mute your microphone: Mute (or turn off) your microphone when not in use. This will ensure that you are not speaking over the speaker.
• Strong Internet Connection: Since audio and other multimedia is being shared to your device, please make sure you have a strong internet connection. A wired connection is recommended, but WiFi and mobile data will work.
• Close unnecessary programs: It is recommended to close other unnecessary programs to help Class Collaborate run more smoothly.

Before accessing Class Collaborate, please make sure you have a good internet connection, a current recommended browser (i.e. Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox) and close down other programs. This will provide an overview of Class Collaborate.

Open the Class Collaborate web tutorial to learn more.

Navigate through Class Collaborate and find the tools available to you, such as the Session menu tools (three lined icon, located top left of screen), Content presentation tools (four icons, located bottom center of screen) and Collaborate panel tools (purple arrow icon, located lower right corner of screen).

Open the Class Collaborate Tools and Navigation text tutorial to learn more.

Since Class Collaborate works through internet browsers, you will have to give permission to allow the browser to access your microphone (audio) and webcam (video).

Open the Class Collaborate Use Audio and Video text tutorial to learn more.

If you cannot connect using your computers audio, you may use the Class Collaborate telephone option. This will not allow you to view the session, but you will at least be able to hear the session. In order to use this option, your Instructor will have to provide a number and pin. Please note that this is a U.S. Virginia number, so long distance/international fees may apply.

Open the Class Collaborate Call Into a Session text tutorial to learn more.

If you cannot connect using your computers audio, you may use the Class Collaborate chat option. This tool uses text based responses. You have the option to chat with everyone or chat privately (with a single individual).

Open the Use Class Collaborate Chat text tutorial to learn more.

This tutorial will discuss how to share PowerPoint presentations, PDF files, picture files, desktop, or application in Class Collaborate. These options are available for Presenter or Moderator roles only.

Open the Class Collaborate Share Content text tutorial to learn more.

If your Instructor wants you to present materials to the class or pre-record a presentation, you may do so with the Presenter/Moderator role (recording option only available with Moderator access). Enter the session, share content (i.e. file or application share), turn on your microphone and record. Your Instructor is the one who provides you with the privileges to record a session. If you do not see the option available in the session and you require this functionality, please reach out to your Instructor.

Open the Class Collaborate Record Sessions text tutorial to learn more.

You may access the Recordings from Class Collaborate homepage menu (three lined icon, located top left corner). This will open a menu so you can toggle between Sessions and Recordings. Simply click the appropriate recording link to view. Your instructor determines if these recordings are downloadable.

Open the Class Collaborate Recordings text tutorial to learn more.

Since Class Collaborate is hosted within a web browser, we do recommend using Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome for best use. In the event you experience technical issues, you may try using the troubleshooting techniques provided below.

• Close out any other applications or browser windows, especially any that may use your camera or microphone.
• Use the Google Chrome or Firefox browser. If you are already using one, try switching to the other.
• Check that your browser is fully up-to-date and supported (https://help.blackboard.com/Collaborate/Ultra/Participant/Get_Started/Browser_Support).
• Make sure your browser allows third-party cookies – Google Chrome | Firefox
• Check your Audio and Video Setup to make sure your microphone is set up properly.
• Check the browser’s microphone and webcam settings to make sure the correct input is selected and that Class Collaborate has not been blocked.
• Clear your browser’s cache - Google Chrome | Firefox
• When in doubt, try restarting your computer.
• Disable AdBlockers and extensions, refresh your Class Collaborate session. If necessary try Chrome in an Incognito window or Firefox in a Private window.
• Home networking troubleshooting tips - https://support.class.com/s/article/Collaborate-home-networking-troubleshooting-tips