Blackboard Collaborate™ enterprise instant messaging—also referred to as Blackboard IM—is an instant collaboration solution designed specifically for the academic environment. Use Blackboard IM to promote learning through group work and academic and administrative help. One of the main differences between Blackboard IM and other collaboration solutions is that Blackboard IM synchronizes with your institution's enrollment records. This means that students and teachers are automatically connected with other Blackboard IM users enrolled in the same courses.