Blackboard Collaborate is a web conferencing software that can be used to host meetings, guest speakers, virtual office hours, and lecture/presentation recordings. Blackboard has announced that the Classic/Original version will be discontinued on December 31, 2020.
On the UAMS campus, there are two versions of Collaborate available: Classic/Original and Ultra. The most recent and preferred version is Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Collaborate Classic/Original is an older version that is no longer recommended. UAMS users were encouraged to transition to the Ultra version in 2017.
What does this mean for you?
If you have shared a link to a video in your course or on your website, or if you have provided a meeting link to a Classic session, it will no longer work after December 31, 2020.
This change will have no impact on Collaborate Ultra recordings or session links.
Dates to remember:
May 31, 2020: Deadline to set up Blackboard Collaborate Ultra in your current courses.
December 31, 2020: Collaborate Classic will no longer be available on Blackboard. Links to Classic meetings or recordings will no longer work.
What you need to do:
It is recommended that you take the following steps:
- Review department/program website or Blackboard course/community shell to confirm that no links to old videos are available.
- Download old videos. Click here for instructions.
- Utilize another data storage or video hosting website like Box or the Video Index Server.
- Use Collaborate Ultra in your courses. Click here for instructions.
FAQ’s
How can I determine which version of Collaborate I am using?
Classic Dashboard
Ultra Dashboard
Ultra Dashboard Close-Up
Why is this happening?
Collaborate Original was built with a now-aging technology that will no longer receive support after 2020.
How will this impact my recordings?
Existing links inside courses and guest links to existing recordings will stop working once the service is discontinued (December 31, 2020).
How can I retrieve my recordings?
Click here to view instructions for downloading your videos.
Where can I store my recordings?
A data storage or video hosting website like Box or the Video Index Server.
How do I set up the Ultra version?
Click here to see instructions.
Is there training available for Ultra?
We offer regular Brownbags and group/one-on-one training sessions.
More details about this change will be coming soon. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the eLearning team through BlackboardHelp@uams.edu.
Best Regards,
The UAMS eLearning Team