For synchronous online sessions, GSE has both Blackboard Collaborate and Skype for Business available for faculty/student use:
To Use Blackboard Collaborate
Step 1: Schedule your Collaborate session through GSE:
- View the GSE Lab/Classroom Calendars using MS Outlook for Windows, MS Outlook for Mac, or UB Outlook Web Access.
- Click on Collaborate Virtual Classroom #1, #2 or #3 to check availability of date/time.
- Send an email and include your name, the course number and title (if applicable), and the dates and times of all the sessions you need.
- GSE IT will verify your registration through e-mail and will provide you with a Moderator and Participant link.
Step 2: Download the Getting Started for Moderators Quick Reference Guide. This document provides tips on preparing for and conducting a Collaborate session.
Step 3: Visit the following website for step-by-step directions on how to utilize all of the features of Blackboard Collaborate: Essentials for Moderators.
Step 4: Share the participant link with your students (GSE IT will provide you with this link when you schedule the session) as well as the Participant Quick-Start Guide and/or the Collaborate Resources Document (see documents below).
To Use Skype for Business
UB faculty, staff, and students can initiate and conduct virtual conferences, instant message, make phone conference and video calls, and hold online meetings using Skype for Business. There are a number of resources available provided by UBIT to help you get started using Skype for Business.
