EPD Online Courses - How to Access Blackboard Ultra Web Conferencing
Getting started with Blackboard Ultra
Blackboard Ultra is based on HTML5 and WebRTC, so you don't need to install Java or a launcher. It works in all web browsers; for the best experience, use Chrome or Firefox (versions 52+). See Browser Support and System requirements for more info.Access the Ultra live web conference via the course site/learning management system (LMS).
From the Ultra Session dashboard, click on the Main Web Conference
Once Main Web Conference is clicked, a new page will appear, then select Join Session.
A new browser tab will open, and you will be connected to the Ultra session
Note: You will also see an option for Anonymous dial-in. We recommend you only use this option if you are unable to access the web conference via your web browser.
When you've successfully joined the session, you will see the main screen:
Set up your audio following these instructions:
1–Open the Collaborate Panel (purple button, lower right).2–Select the gear icon to open the settings panel.3–Select Set up your camera and microphone.4–Follow the tutorial to set up your microphone and speakers.Note: You will not need to use your camera for the course; the video test is only part of the setup wizard.
Option B– In-session dial-in via telephone
To call in to the session rather than using VoIP, follow these instructions:1–Open the Collaborate Panel (purple button, lower right).2–Select the gear icon to open the settings panel.
3–Select Use your phone for audio. This displays a special phone number and pin that you may use to call into the session. Using this pin allows the system to recognize your student information from the LMS, and identifies you in the conference room.
Note: If you are having trouble accessing the web conference via your web browser, you also have the option to use Anonymous Dial In. Anonymous dial-in allows attendees to join the session by phone only, without connecting from a web browser. Anybody can use the same Anonymous dial-in. When Anonymous dial-in is used, the phone is not paired with the user account or profile, and the user’s name does not appear in the Attendees list; it appears as Caller-[last four digits of the phone number]. For example: Caller-2485. Finally, anonymous dial-in does not allow you to join any of the breakout rooms.
Each course session will be recorded and available after the session ends.To view a recorded session, see EPD - Blackboard Ultra: How to Find Web Conference Archived Recordings
- Review Blackboard Ultra Troubleshooting Help
- Check for system-wide problems on Blackboard Server Status Page ("Collaborate - Web Conferencing (US)")
- For urgent issues during a live session:
- Contact Blackboard Support directly by phone or chat
- Email EPD Online Support onlinesupport@epd.wisc.edu.
- For non-urgent issues:
- Report a non-critical issue directly to Blackboard within the conferencing tool
- Report issues and feedback to UW HelpDesk
- For general questions or comments:
- Email EPD Online Support onlinesupport@epd.wisc.edu