Collaborate allows lecturers to schedule synchronous virtual classroom and webinar sessions.
There are a number of tools for lecturers to use such as a virtual white board, screen sharing, web tours and polling. Participants can communicate through text chat, as well as using a microphone or web cam when permitted. It can be very useful in distance learning as well as when using a blended approach.
Aston has integrated Collaborate with Blackboard to allow for easy scheduling of sessions as well as convenient user management.