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Class Collaborate Annotation Tools and Whiteboard

Collaborate annotation tools can be used with shared files and a blank whiteboard.

This function allows you to open a slide, image or whiteboard and use the annotation tools to demonstrate your message, you could also allow students to annotate.

How do I share Files or Whiteboard

From the Collaborate Menu, bottom right, select the Share Content Button. Blackboard Collaborate Share Content Button Logo

Select Share Files or Share Blank Whiteboard. 

annotation tools available on shared documents and whiteboard
For further details on sharing files see Share PowerPoint slides and other files.

When a document or blank whiteboard is shared there will now be an annotation menu in the top right-hand corner, the tools in the menu can be used to annotate the document.

annotation tools available on shared documents and whiteboard

Control student use of annotation tools

It is possible to control whether these tools are available to students.

In settings under Session Settings, Participant permissions, check or uncheck “Draw on whiteboard and files”.

annotation tools available on shared documents and whiteboard

Students will not see the Clear Annotations icon.
annotation tools available on shared documents and whiteboard

Each of the tools can be used in interactive sessions with the students.

Download Whiteboard Annotations

Annotations can now be saved and downloaded until cleared. All users can download a pdf version of the whiteboard or the shared files at any point, and so can have a record of all whiteboard annotations and slides used in the lesson.

Highlighting the download symbol
The download icon in the student annotation view.

It is always possible to take a screen shot if you would use multiple whiteboard or annotation points in the lesson.

MS Snipping Tool is free with your Office 365 account.

annotation tools available on shared documents and whiteboard

Annotation Tools

Text box with some basic formatting.

annotation tools available on shared documents and whiteboard

Pen, Brush and Eraser.

annotation tools available on shared documents and whiteboard

Lines and shapes.

annotation tools available on shared documents and whiteboard

For more details on the Annotation Tools see the Blackboard Help pages.


Guide last updated on June 10, 2022

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