Learning Technology ServicesA Unit of Learning Information and Technology

University of Wisconsin-Stout © 2016 The Board of Regents, University of Wisconsin

Using the Chat Tool in Blackboard Collaborate Ultra

The Chat tool enables moderators and participants to use text chats as part of the session. The ability for participants to use the Chat tool is dependent on the moderator. The moderator can choose to give or remove the ability for participants to use the Chat tool at any time during the session and as many times as necessary to meet the goals of the session.

To access the Chat tool, you must open the Collaborate Panel. To open the Collaborate Panel go to the lower right-hand corner of your screen and mouse over the double arrowhead icon. When the words, “Open Collaborate panel” appear, click.

The first time you open the Collaborate Panel, it will open the Chat panel by default. The Collaborate Panel also gives access to the Participants list, Sharing area, and My Settings area. You can tell which tool you are using because its color will change to purple.

The Chat feature enables participants to communicate in the session using text. To get started, first choose if you wish to chat with moderators or everyone in the session room.

Next, type your message in the window where it says, “Say something.”

Then, if you wish to, you can add an emoticon by clicking on the triangle to the right of the smiley face and then clicking on the emoticon you wish to add to your message.

To give or take away the ability for participants to use the Chat tool, you must go to the My Settings tab in the Collaborate Panel. The My Settings tab looks like a cog wheel.

Once you are in the My Settings panel, open the Session Settings panel by clicking on the arrowhead inside the My Settings panel.

Learning Technology ServicesA Unit of Learning Information and Technology

University of Wisconsin-Stout © 2016 The Board of Regents, University of Wisconsin2

When you are in the Session Setting panel, locate the box titled, “Post chat messages.” If you check this box, participants will be able to send text messages via the Chat tool. If you uncheck the box, participants will not be able to use the Chat tool. You can check and uncheck this box as many times and as often as you need to meet your session goals.

Things to Keep in Mind:• The ability to post chat messages may be useful if you have a student whose microphone is not working.• If you wish to have a chat with other moderators be certain to choose “Moderators.” If you send a chat

message and the “Everyone” choice is selected, all session participants will see the message.• The Chat tool is a great way for participants to pose questions without interrupting the presenter.