Online Class Sessions and Recordings

There are a number of ways instructors might hold synchronous or asynchronous class sessions at Illinois Tech. They might hold the sessions in Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, through Zoom, or upload recordings of sessions to Panopto.  If you're unsure about where to find your class session or recording, check with your instructor.

How to find a Collaborate Ultra Session

  • Log into Blackboard
  • Navigate to the course
  • Click on Collaborate Ultra 
  • Select the session. NOTE: You may need to use the filter if you don't see the desired section.

Locating Collaborate Ultra Recordings

  • Log into Blackboard
  • Navigate to the course
  • Click on Collaborate Ultra - recordings post automatically but usually require several hours to process before they are available for viewing. If your instructor permits, you may be able to download recordings.
  • Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper-left corner (sometimes called a "hamburger menu")
  • Select "Recordings"
  • Locate your recording. NOTE: you may need to use the "Filter" to find a recording from a particular date

Note: There are many ways to provide links in Blackboard.  If you don't see the options outlined here, check with your instructor for more instructions.

a screen shot of Collaborate Ultra with an arrow pointing to the "hamburger" menu and a circle around the "Filter" area.

If your instructor has launched a class session in Zoom, you might find the link to the session in your course menu bar. 

Joining a Zoom Session

  • Log into Blackboard
  • Go to the course
  • Click on the Zoom link to view the upcoming sessions
  • Click Join to join a meeting

To view a Zoom Recording

  • Log into Blackboard
  • Go to the course
  • Click on Class Recordings|Panopto
An image with an arrow pointing to "Class Recordings | Panopto"

Note: There are many ways to provide links in Blackboard.  If you don't see the options outlined here, check with your instructor for more instructions.

Instructors may store videos in the course site in a tool called Panopto.  You may see a link to Panopto in the course menu called "Classroom Recordings" or "Class Recording | Panopto".

Locating Panopto Recordings

  • Log into Blackboard
  • Go to the course
  • Click on the Panopto link
  • View available videos or folders 

Note: There are many ways to provide links in Blackboard.  If you don't see the options outlined here, check with your instructor for more instructions.

 

  • Use a wired connection if possible
  • Close all windows and streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify prior to entering Collaborate Ultra
  • Download the most recent version of the browser—Chrome or Firefox is suggested
  • Use a headset and find a quiet space to cut down on background noise
  • Join the session early and test your connections before the session starts learn more
  • Mute yourself when not speaking
  • Add a professional profile photo—learn how to on the Blackboard website
  • Find even more tips on Blackboard's website