Keyboard Ninjas

Using Blackboard Collaborate: The Basics

By Cheryl McIntosh

@moelucie

Many colleges/universities are utilizing Blackboard Collaborate as an on-line classroom. If you are beginning a new on-line learning experience there are a few hotkeys you should be aware of.

Let’s get to the Ninjaing!

If you want to begin typing in the chat box press control M (Mike) for PC users

Command M (Mike) for Mac users

Type out your message and press enter to send.

If you prefer to use your microphone instead press control F2 for PC users

Control F2 for Mac

Note: your professor must allow you microphone access before this will work and you must use the audio wizard set-up the first time you log-in.

If you want your classmates to stop hearing your amazing voice press control F2 again for both PC and Mac users.

If you want everyone to see your smiling face press control F3 to turn on your video and press it again to turn it off.

Getting more attention!

Wave your hand in the air like you just don’t care!

Raise your hand during the lecture press control + r (Romeo) for PC and command + r (Romeo) for Mac.

Don’t forget to press it again to put your hand down!

Do you need to bail for some reason? Press control + shift + A (Alpha) for PC Users to turn on your away signal. If you are on the Mac side press command + shift + a (alpha).

Maybe you don’t want to show your true expression during lecture, so use an emoticon instead!

Show a smiley face by pressing Alt + 1 on the PC side and option + 1 on the Mac side. Are you laughing?

Show LOL by pressing Alt + 2 for all you PC-ers and option 2 for the Mac’s.

Are you clapping? Well nobody can hear you but you can show clapping with Alt + 3 on the PC and option +3 on the Mac.

Did we lose you? Show your confusion by pressing Alt + 4 for the PC users and option + 4 for the Macineers.

Did your prof just extend your homework another week? Show your approval by pressing Alt + 5 and option + 5 on the Mac side.

Did your prof just add another assignment? Show disproval by pressing Alt + 6 for the PC users or option + 6 on the Mac.

Okay maybe showing disproval in that synario might be a bad idea!

Is he really riled up tonight and getting so excited he is lecturing in fast forward mode?

Pressing Alt + 7 will show him to slow down a bit and Mac users can press option 7 to do the same.

Did he fall asleep or is the audio in slow motion?

If this is the case press Alt + 8 to get him going a little faster. Mac users can press option 8 as well.

Well there is no guarantee that these last two will work but it is never a bad idea to give it a shot.

Stay tuned for more Blackboard Collaborate hotkey commands!

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