A soft launch of Kaltura Virtual Classroom, which replaces Blackboard Collaborate, will be available for faculty beginning January 3, 2023.
What is Kaltura Virtual Classroom?
Kaltura Virtual Classroom (KVC) is a video conferencing platform like Collaborate Ultra and Microsoft Teams. Instructors and students can meet in a Kaltura Virtual Classroom. KVC has interactive tools such as a digital whiteboard, screen sharing, breakout rooms, shared notes, quizzes and more. You can teach a class, have office hours, or use breakout group using KVC.
Why are we switching to KVC?
Our Blackboard Collaborate contract ends in April 2023. MacEwan chose Kaltura Virtual Classroom as the replacement because of its close integration with the Kaltura media streaming service and its feature set.
When are we switching to KVC?
The official switch to Kaltura is scheduled for May 1, 2023.
How is KVC different than Collaborate Ultra?
- KVC uses seamless cloud recording that is automatically shared in the courses’ media galleries. Instructors no longer need to download recordings and upload them into Kaltura Media Space.
- Kaltura has some new features such as a quiz tool, shared notetaking and Q & A functions, in addition to a breakout room, polling, sharing application and screen and whiteboard.
How can we prepare our classes in advance?
Instructors can use the persistent link to their virtual classroom to prepare their sessions ahead of time by organizing content and learning activities into a playlist.
How can I learn more about KVC?
Check out these resources if you want to start using KVC during the soft launch:
- Attend a virtual sneak peek presentation.
- Access self-help resources on how to access and set up.
The Centre for Teaching and Learning will be offering hands-on workshops and self-help resources customized for the MacEwan paskwâwi-mostos mêskanâs environment in late 2022 and throughout 2023.
From the Centre for Teaching and Learning
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