Like Never Before: Exploring Blackboard Collaborate as a communication platform

In Spring semester 2013 the Blackboard Collaborate™ platform was adopted at DEREE as the synchronous tool through which courses would be taught in collaboration with other colleges. On the company website, Collaborate is presented as a tool which helps in the creation of “virtual classrooms, offices and meeting spaces that open more possibilities to more students, wherever they are.” As a platform it promises “exciting new approaches to learning” as it “involves each student on an individual level.” Promoting itself as “a more collaborative, interactive, and mobile learning experience that constantly evolves,” Collaborate offers the potential to “keep everyone engaged like never before.” In addition to its primary function and the use promoted by the company, does Collaborate offer other opportunities to an institution of higher learning? How can this platform, once adopted, also be used for purposes such as training instructors and staff? How can Collaborate enable staff meetings and team projects to take place in a virtual environment? How is communication enhanced in an online setting through new media?