Wildlife Care Academy Online Classes

Online classes at the Wildlife Care Academy are taught via Blackboard Collaborate, which bring the classroom experience right to the attendee, without having to travel! The goal of the online classes is to provide live instruction programs that allow interaction between teacher and student like a traditional classroom but via the easily accessible format of a virtual classroom.

Classes will be offered on various days of the week, including weekends, and various times of day, including lunch learning and evenings.

For course descriptions, see the Wildlife Care Academy Course Catalog.  Registration for online classes will close 48 hours prior to the start of class.

Fall 2019 Online Class Calendar

DATE  TIME (EST)  CLASS  HOURS COST INSTRUCTOR REGISTRATION
Tuesday, September 17 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

REHAB 105: 

Capture, Restraint, Handling, and Transport of Wildlife

 2 $25.00 Schooley CLOSED
Wednesday, September 25 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

NHx 304: 

Natural History Considerations for Small Mammal Rehabilitation

 2 $35.00 Pleasants CLOSED
Sunday, October 13 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  REHAB 101: Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation 2 $25.00 McCartney CLOSED
Thursday, October 24 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  REHAB 304: Small Mammal Rehabilitation 2 $35.00 Pleasants OPEN
Closes 10/22 at 6:00 pm
Tuesday, November 5 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  REHAB 203: Wildlife Rehabilitation Fundamentals 2 $25.00 Mazurowski OPEN

And, join us at the annual Call of the Wild conference for three new classes, NHx: Natural History Considerations for Raptor Rehabilitation, ARI 321: Raptor Assessment, Rescue, and Intake, and REHAB 321: Raptor Rehabilitation. 

Technical Help for Blackboard Collaborate Ultra

The Wildlife Care Academy’s online classes are taught through Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. This easy to use interface allows you to focus on learning, not how to use the software!  You do not have to install Java or a launcher. Join the browser-based sessions easily and quickly. There is no need to test your system before class.

What technology do I need for Wildlife Care Academy classes?

Minimum system requirements include:

  • A windows based PC with an operating system of Windows 7+ (or higher)
  • High-speed internet access (Broadband is highly recommended)
  • Recommended browser is Google ChromeTM or Firefox® (versions 52+)
  • Sound card and speakers with the volume turned up (Note – you will NOT need a microphone nor a webcam)
  • Mouse and keyboard will allow participation in polls and the ability to submit questions to the instructor via chat (optional)

How do I sign-in to class?

  • On the day of class, you will receive the class sign-in web link via email.  This will be a URL in the format of https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/XXXX (this link is only an example).
  • You will be able to click on the link as early as 30 minutes before class begins, which will open up a virtual classroom in your browser.
  • Blackboard Collaborate will be written at the top of the screen. It mentions what session you are joining and there is a place for you to type your name.
  • Please use your REAL NAME that you registered with (first name, last name), rather than a nickname or made up chat name.  This ensures we can verify attendance and give you a certificate after class.  If you do not use your real name, you likely will not receive a certificate.

What browser should I use?

For the best experience, we recommend opening the class sign-in URL on a Windows-based PC using one of these browsers:

  • Google ChromeTM or
  • Firefox® (versions 52+)

While Collaborate supports all browsers, Google ChromeTM or Firefox® (versions 52+) will give you the best experience.

Although not recommended, if you are on a Mac®, use Safari® and VoiceOver.

For more information on browser support, click here. 

Can I watch a video tutorial?

This video was designed to give you a quick tour of all the important features and controls in the user interface of Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Note that for Wildlife Care Academy classes, your role is a “participant” and therefore slightly different options may be present in the interface.

Where can I get additional assistance?

If you have additional questions about using Blackboard Collaborate Ultra as a participant, visit the Collaborate Ultra Help for Participants webpage for help with common issues and links to popular pages.