IMPORTANT
This service will no longer be available after Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as part of the transition from Blackboard to Canvas. For more information visit lms.gmu.edu.
Service Summary
Class Collaborate (formerly Blackboard Collaborate Ultra) is an interactive web conferencing and virtual classroom environment designed for teaching and learning and real-time collaboration. It is available in all myMason Organizations and Blackboard Courses. Instructors can use Collaborate to set up virtual conferencing for their classes while students can participate in chat and discussion sessions from anywhere. Instructors can also share PowerPoint presentations and other content using a virtual whiteboard. Additional features include multi-person audio and video, screen sharing, chat, and breakout rooms.
Uses include:
- Holding virtual office hours
- Recording lectures
- Student group meetings
- Inviting guest speakers
- Connecting with internship or abroad students
- Emergency proofing courses
Getting This Service
Class Collaborate is a Course Tool available within Blackboard Courses and myMason Organizations.
Training
Class Collaborate workshops are held periodically—sign up for these workshops at workshops.gmu.edu
Availability
Class Collaborate is available 24/7. Any outages will be announced on the Alerts & Bulletins page.
Policy
All users of the George Mason University network must adhere to University Policy Number 1301: Responsible Use of Computing.
Additional Information
For questions and comments regarding the Class Collaborate system email [email protected].
Join the Blackboard & Instructional Technologies Collective
The Blackboard & Instructional Technologies Collective is a team for Mason's faculty and staff instructional technology users to communicate with their peers and discuss new features, best practices, and other topics of interest pertaining to the following ITS-supported tools: Blackboard, Kaltura, Poll Everywhere. This is not intended to replace submitting an issue via ITS Support. The collective is moderated by members of the Mason community and ITS.
Submit an ITS support request if:
- It is something that requires an urgent/timely ITS response
- You are requesting information or troubleshooting assistance
Post in one of the channels if:
- You would like to share a use case or feature you’ve found helpful
- You would like to test out a new feature with your peers
- You would like to know how your peers are using the tools
To become a member of the Blackboard & Instructional Technologies Collective, go to https://go.gmu.edu/bbteams.