How to use the Collaboration (chat) Tools
Where are the Collaboration Tools?
The Collaboration Tools can be found in the Communication section of your Course menu. Just click the link that says "Collaboration". You will then be presented with a list of sessions that you can join. Click the "Join" button for the session you would like to participate in.
Using Collaboration Tools with Internet Explorer
If you use Internet Explorer for your web browser, you may need to download a plug-in in order to use the Collaboration Tools in Blackboard 6. This plug-in is called the Java 2 Run Time Environment 1.3.1_04 or higher. It can be downloaded from the page that appears when you join a session, or you can download it ahead of time at http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.3/download.html.
It is recommended that you download the plug-in and test it before attempting a session.
Using Collaboration Tools with other browsers
Netscape, Mozilla, and Mac OS9 and X browsers all include the needed plug-in. You shouldn't need to download anything ahead of time to participate.
Where are the chat archives?
Chat archives are located in the same place as the sessions. Follow the steps above for joining a session, but instead of clicking "Join", click "Recordings". You will then be able to read a transcript of that particular Collaboration session.