Using collaboration tools online can be a daunting task for many, so much so that it is probably one of the most overlooked tools that educators, libraries, and business professionals don’t take advantage of. I tried Blackboard Collaborate for the first time today, and I have to say, it seems like a great tool and I’m actually kind of sad I’ve only just discovered it now that I’m about to graduate from Ivy Tech.
Since this was my first time using any kind of live webcasting software, I was a bit overwhelmed at first, but after going through a detailed tour of the tool, I’ve found that it is really easy to use and has a lot of potential. I really liked the feature that allows you to make comments right onto a presentation slide, but also the fact that it doesn’t ruin your actual presentation and keeps the original copy free of marks. The major thing that I didn’t like was the fact that if you decide to use a webcam, there is no delay once you click on the button to turn the webcam on, and for me, accidents can happen and I like a little extra warning in case I would click on that button.
This really is a great technology for libraries to take advantage of, not only for the potential to reach out to those who may not be able to visit the physical library, but also to serve numerous patrons at once by hosting online sessions for any number of technologies, from using in-house library services, to giving tours of library databases or OPACs, even exploring programs like Microsoft Word or Excel; the possibilities are great for live webcasting software like Blackboard Collaborate.
Beyond Books 