What users are saying about
109 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 7.3 out of 100
Based on 109 reviews and ratings
8 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 9.3 out of 100
Based on 8 reviews and ratings
Feature Set Ratings
Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software
7.5
Blackboard Collaborate
75%
GoGuardian Teacher
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
Blackboard Collaborate ranks higher in 4/4 features
Blackboard Collaborate ranks higher in 4/4 features
High quality audio
8.1
81%
30 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
High quality video
7.9
79%
30 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Low bandwidth requirements
5.7
57%
29 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Mobile support
8.3
83%
10 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Screen Sharing
8.2
Blackboard Collaborate
82%
GoGuardian Teacher
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
Blackboard Collaborate ranks higher in 2/2 features
Blackboard Collaborate ranks higher in 2/2 features
Desktop sharing
8.6
86%
30 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Whiteboards
7.9
79%
30 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Online Meetings / Events
7.4
Blackboard Collaborate
74%
GoGuardian Teacher
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
Blackboard Collaborate ranks higher in 5/5 features
Blackboard Collaborate ranks higher in 5/5 features
Calendar integration
5.9
59%
13 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Meeting initiation
7.4
74%
22 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Integrates with social media
6.0
60%
6 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Record meetings / events
8.9
89%
29 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Slideshows
8.7
87%
12 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Online Events Collaboration
8.5
Blackboard Collaborate
85%
GoGuardian Teacher
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
Blackboard Collaborate ranks higher in 3/3 features
Blackboard Collaborate ranks higher in 3/3 features
Live chat
8.9
89%
30 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Audience polling
8.3
83%
27 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Q&A
8.4
84%
11 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Online Events Security
8.6
Blackboard Collaborate
86%
GoGuardian Teacher
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
Blackboard Collaborate ranks higher in 3/3 features
Blackboard Collaborate ranks higher in 3/3 features
User authentication
8.4
84%
22 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Participant roles & permissions
9.1
91%
28 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Confidential attendee list
8.3
83%
17 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Student and Faculty Administration
Blackboard Collaborate
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
6.4
GoGuardian Teacher
64%
GoGuardian Teacher ranks higher in 6/6 features
GoGuardian Teacher ranks higher in 6/6 features
District Communications, such as messaging and alerting
N/A
0 Ratings
7.0
70%
1 Rating
Roster Management
N/A
0 Ratings
5.1
51%
2 Ratings
Platform Customization
N/A
0 Ratings
7.0
70%
1 Rating
Teacher Self-Service
N/A
0 Ratings
6.0
60%
1 Rating
Student Data Security
N/A
0 Ratings
8.0
80%
1 Rating
Community Support
N/A
0 Ratings
5.1
51%
2 Ratings
Attribute Ratings
- GoGuardian Teacher is rated higher in 3 areas: Likelihood to Recommend, Likelihood to Renew, Support Rating
Likelihood to Recommend
7.7
Blackboard Collaborate
77%
30 Ratings
9.0
GoGuardian Teacher
90%
6 Ratings
Likelihood to Renew
9.0
Blackboard Collaborate
90%
1 Rating
10.0
GoGuardian Teacher
100%
1 Rating
Usability
7.5
Blackboard Collaborate
75%
8 Ratings
GoGuardian Teacher
N/A
0 Ratings
Availability
8.0
Blackboard Collaborate
80%
2 Ratings
GoGuardian Teacher
N/A
0 Ratings
Performance
9.0
Blackboard Collaborate
90%
2 Ratings
GoGuardian Teacher
N/A
0 Ratings
Support Rating
8.8
Blackboard Collaborate
88%
7 Ratings
9.7
GoGuardian Teacher
97%
6 Ratings
Product Scalability
8.0
Blackboard Collaborate
80%
1 Rating
GoGuardian Teacher
N/A
0 Ratings
Likelihood to Recommend
Blackboard Collaborate
Blackboard Collaborate is well suited for teaching and learning, especially online classes. When used with learning management, Collaborate allows for seamless sign-on between the users' course sites and the web conferencing platform. Collaborate is ideal for launching virtual discussions, lectures, office hours, and more. Users can easily upload files to display or share their desktop/specific applications, which is great for demonstrating course principles and meeting learning objectives. Collaborate is really good for breakout rooms, where users join or are assigned to small groups for discussions or team-based learning activities.
Acting Director, Instructional Director
University of Maryland, Baltimore CountyHigher Education, 1001-5000 employees
GoGuardian Teacher
GoGuardian Teacher is great for a teacher who needs a way to monitor student activities and work time on a laptop. It is easy to set up, simple to use and helps to keep students accountable when online in class. It integrates with Google Classroom which is a big help. It is more powerful for teachers experienced in using tech in the classroom. The archiving ability is great but the UX needs to improve.
Manager of Personalized Learning and Dean of Instruction
Brooklyn Laboratory Charter SchoolEducation Management, 51-200 employees
Pros
Blackboard Collaborate
- The Whiteboard feature is perfect for tutoring. We use it to write out formulas, draw diagrams, etc while in video chat to enhance explanations.
- The file attachment feature is also very handy. This means we don't have to do a follow-up with a student using their email to send files of handouts, etc.
- It's great that we only have to share a classroom access link for a student to enter a session. With other products, they had to set up a username and log-in with an account. Link access means 1 less hassle.
- We are currently beginning to use the "record session" feature video sessions to use as training for new employees.
Learning Specialist
University of Houston-Clear LakeHigher Education, 1001-5000 employees
GoGuardian Teacher
- Cloud-based. Teachers do not have to monitor from just one device - they can do it from any device.
- GoGuardian allows teachers to lock a student's screen when he/she needs the students attention.
- GoGuardian allows the teacher to view all students' devices simultaneously.
First Grade Teacher
Pleasant Hope School DistrictPrimary/Secondary Education, 51-200 employees
Cons
Blackboard Collaborate
- Some of the newest computer high resolution screens are not as compatible with the interface. The font and windows are much smaller and the user is not able to increase the size of the windows to make it easier to read/navigate.
- The audio can sometimes be inconsistent and tune in and out when someone is speaking. This is not every time though and many times the audio is clear.
- The login process takes a bit longer to get into the program. You have to go through a few step process and loading time to get into the application.
Teacher/Curricululm Consultant
Robert Morris UniversityEducation Management, 501-1000 employees
GoGuardian Teacher
- Students sometimes do not show up in the software despite being logged on to a Chromebook.
- A Chromebook coming in and out of a sleep state can cause the user to not show up correctly.
Coordinator of Network and Technical Services
Hudson Falls Central School DistrictEducation Management, 201-500 employees
Pricing Details
Blackboard Collaborate
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
$300 per year
Blackboard Collaborate Editions & Modules
Edition
Classroom | $300.001 |
---|---|
Department | $9000.001 |
- per year
Additional Pricing Details
—GoGuardian Teacher
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—GoGuardian Teacher Editions & Modules
—
Additional Pricing Details
—Likelihood to Renew
Blackboard Collaborate
Blackboard Collaborate 9.0
Based on 1 answer
It is a tool that faculty likes to use. It has so much flexibility to allow students to see a class even if they happen to not be available in the classroom.

Verified User
Project Manager in Information Technology
Higher Education Company, 201-500 employeesGoGuardian Teacher
GoGuardian Teacher 10.0
Based on 1 answer
For a technology-heavy school, it is a necessary and good tool for managing classroom use of laptops. It is easy to set up and use. Helps track time on task and internet usage. Another source of data when speaking to parents about student work and activity. Can help plan and manage work time when you have limited devices.
Manager of Personalized Learning and Dean of Instruction
Brooklyn Laboratory Charter SchoolEducation Management, 51-200 employees
Usability
Blackboard Collaborate
Blackboard Collaborate 7.5
Based on 8 answers
I feel that Blackboard Collaborate does a lot of things right. It’s great for educational purposes and may be better for some age levels than others. I feel that they may benefit from making features that distinguish the types of learning environments there are. Primary schools won’t be operating the same as high schools or universities and may need completely different options and features. As well as private schools and public schools. As they continue to improve and add more features the platform will be even better and more tailored to each of the end users.

Verified User
Analyst in Other
E-Learning Company, 10,001+ employeesGoGuardian Teacher
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Reliability and Availability
Blackboard Collaborate
Blackboard Collaborate 8.0
Based on 2 answers
The availability of the software is quite impressive. You can access it at any time that you want and from anywhere that you want, but that depends on how the software is set up by the University. There might be sudden outages due to not having enough space on your database, which we had that very issue happen recently here at our University. During that time, you could not access their blackboard at all until it was brought up online again.

Verified User
Former Employee in Information Technology
Computer Software Company, 11-50 employeesGoGuardian Teacher
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Performance
Blackboard Collaborate
Blackboard Collaborate 9.0
Based on 2 answers
The performance of the software is remarkable. The loading speed of the pages is more than satisfying, it all depends on the users internet package. So far, there wasn't any issue of Blackboard slowing down other software or systems when integrated with them

Verified User
Former Employee in Information Technology
Computer Software Company, 11-50 employeesGoGuardian Teacher
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Blackboard Collaborate
Blackboard Collaborate 8.8
Based on 7 answers
The support has been very good. We integrate Blackboard into our learning management system so everything is seamless for users. Most issues arise from the user's browser configuration, cookies, and other privacy settings, not from the tool itself. Collaborate is pretty reliable with strong audio and video quality. Support has been helpful when we've had the occasional quirk, again more likely due to a user-side challenge than the platform itself.
Acting Director, Instructional Director
University of Maryland, Baltimore CountyHigher Education, 1001-5000 employees
GoGuardian Teacher
GoGuardian Teacher 9.7
Based on 6 answers
They have been great to work with while piloting and implementing the program. They are quick to answer our faculty's questions and provide solutions to the problems. They are also open to feedback and suggestions concerning the program to help improve the platform. Our teachers have felt at ease with the implementation and are happy with the progress.

Verified User
Employee in Other
Education Management Company, 51-200 employeesAlternatives Considered
Blackboard Collaborate
Nearpod does not allow for the same type of synchronous environment that Blackboard collaborate does. Further, Nearpod, as the name suggests is best suited for a face-to-face classroom that is, preferably, one-to-one. While it has some of the same functions as Nearpod, Blackboard collaborate is best suited for remote transmission rather than face-to-face
Adjunct English Professor
Polk State CollegeHigher Education, 201-500 employees
GoGuardian Teacher
At the time we purchased GoGuardian there were no other alternatives that came even close to the functionality of this product. Over time I'm sure that some new products have been released. We, however, have not explored any other software suites for classroom management. We may in the future but for now, we are locked into GoGuardian Teacher.
Coordinator of Network and Technical Services
Hudson Falls Central School DistrictEducation Management, 201-500 employees
Scalability
Blackboard Collaborate
Blackboard Collaborate 8.0
Based on 1 answer
The reason for this rating is that the software is a pretty good tool that can be utilized for use in all of the Universities around the world. It has the capability to fulfill the needs of various different education systems. Although, there are slight improvements that are needed, therefore the rating is at 8.

Verified User
Former Employee in Information Technology
Computer Software Company, 11-50 employeesGoGuardian Teacher
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
Blackboard Collaborate
- Because faculty can schedule sessions on-the-fly without IT involvement, they are able to accomplish goals that they plan for weeks in advance as well as impromptu goals that come up at a moments notice.
- Integration with the campus Learning Management Systems provides quick and easy scheduling of sessions that can be joined easily by students in those courses.
- Scheduling of meetings can also be done through the web interface directly which enables administrative departments not associated with courses in the learning management system to also schedule meetings not affiliated with courses.
- On-campus users can schedule meetings without outside participants by sending an open "guest link" URL that allows users to participate despite not having an account within the system iteself.

Verified User
Administrator in Information Technology
Higher Education Company, 1001-5000 employeesGoGuardian Teacher
- District invested a large sum into the program - but it has increased student engagement in the district.
- Teachers are more aware of how on-task students are in the classroom.
- Teachers are able to track sessions with the ease of scheduling before-hand.
First Grade Teacher
Pleasant Hope School DistrictPrimary/Secondary Education, 51-200 employees