Virtual Collaboration: Exploring New Frontiers

Librarians looking for professional development opportunities, especially in states like North Dakota where many serve small populations in rural areas, will benefit from thinking creatively about organizing a conference. Two sections of the North Dakota Library Association (NDLA) used Blackboard Collaborate Ultra as a platform to produce a fully online conference. This virtual “unconference” was interactive and robust, with speakers from across the state, interactive whiteboards, poster rooms, meeting space for special interest groups, and more. In this workshop, we will share what we have learned about Collaborate Ultra, including its strengths and weaknesses. We hope to brainstorm and discuss other potential applications, including classrooms, professional development, online meetings, group work, and supporting distance students and colleagues. Please bring your device and join us in a working session where you will experience Collaborate Ultra first-hand and discover how this tool can facilitate learning and collaboration and impact the work you do