Blackboard Collaborate Original retiring
September 4, 2020
Earlier this summer, Blackboard announced that it will be phasing out usage of Blackboard Collaborate Original. Once this occurs, users will no longer able to be create new sessions, nor start or join existing or scheduled sessions using Collaborate Original.
When is this happening?
For UA users, Collaborate Original is hosted via Blackboard's Virginia hosting center, VA2. VA2 is currently scheduled to reach its end-of-service phase-out on Dec. 31.
How will this impact me?
Users currently using or planning to use Collaborate Original for fall 2020 sessions will be unaffected by these changes. Starting spring 2021, however, users will no longer have access to Collaborate Original.
What are my alternatives?
There are currently two alternative platforms recommended for users who currently use Collaborate Original: Blackboard Collaborate Ultra and UA Zoom Meetings.
For users who adopt Collaborate Ultra, we recommend checking out the Collaborate Ultra What's New page for updated features as they are delivered. Features like breakout rooms — previously only available in Collaborate Original — have recently been implemented, with many other features on their improvement road map to draw closer to feature parity with Collaborate Original.
For users who adopt UA Zoom Meetings, we recommend checking out the UA Zoom resources page for training, FAQs and other resources to enhance your experience with UA Zoom Meetings.
What about my recordings?
Once Collaborate Original retires, recordings will be available to download in MP4 format prior to the recording retention end date of June 1, 2021. The UA Learn management group is currently making plans to download all UA recorded content in order the make these recordings available to their creators. Look for more updates on this in winter 2020.
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about the retirement of Collaborate Original, please feel free to reach out to Michael Bilan at UAF OIT.