Tech Tip: Using Blackboard to Post Online Course Materials With Blackboard, it is easy to upload course content files for viewing online. Uploading these files is simple; however, deciding what file format to use is more complex. There are many file formats that can be uploaded into Blackboard. For text documents, there is some confusion over the best way to present information over the Web in general and through the frames in Blackboard. (A frame is a formatting device that allows a web page to be viewed in separate, independently scrollable windows.) Three of the most common file types for posting text documents in Blackboard are: Word, pdf, and HTML. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of them.
HTML
Disadvantages
Advantages
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Word
w No additional software other than a web browser is needed to view HTML files w HTML files are small (graphics associated with these files may be large however). w HTML is the language of the Web and works well for documents that are designed to be viewed online only (not printed).
w Files are small. w The software to view pdf files is free. w Files are printable..they look the same onscreen as they do printed. w Pdf files can be navigational and can contain a search utility. w Files are cross-platform compatible. They look the same no matter what operating system or browser is used.
w Files can be downloaded and modified. w Files can be downloaded and printed.
w It is not always easy to print HTML documents especially in Blackboard which displays the document in a frame .
w The Acobat Reader is needed to display pdf files. The Acrobat Reader is free but must be downloaded and installed for pdf files w Pdf is excellent for printed documents; sometimes, depending on how the file was created, it is difficult to read pdf files onscreen.
w MS Word is needed in order to read files created in MS Word. This is an expensive piece of software which must be purchased and installed to view Word files.
So which format is best... The best file format is the one that best meets the objectives for that particular area of the course, keeping in mind the audience for the course. For example, if you want to post a document that you want students to print, then a pdf file would be a good option. (Make sure that you provide information about where students can get the Adobe Acrobat Reader with instructions for downloading and installation.) A good option is to post the same document in different formats. This takes more space on the server, but it provides options for the students who can select the format that works best for them and their own computer configuration.
Upcoming Workshops
Video Developing Digital Video Content for Your Course F October 4 10:00-1:00 Editing and Exporting Your DV Project F October 18 10:00-1:00 Presentation Using Powerpoint for Effective Classroom Presentation II F September 27 9:00-11:00 Navigating the Information World Th October 17 W November 13
1:00-4:00 11:00-2:00
Tenure and Promotion Portfolios W October 9 Th October 24
11:30-1:00 10:30-12:00
Audio Introduction to Digital Sound and Recording T October 29 9:00-12:00 Introduction to Sound Digitizing and Editing T November 12 9:00-12:00 Audio for the Internet F Novermber 22 9:00-11:00 Online Tools Using Blackboard to Develop Online Courses W October 30 9:00-11:00 Creating and Moderating an Online Quiz T October 8 9:00-11:00 Effective Use of Online Communication Tools Th October 24 9:00-11:00 Creating Online Course Materials with Dreamweaver W September 25 9:00-11:00 Introduction to HTML W October 2 9:00-11:00
All workshops will be held on site at 201 University Hall. Register for workshops online at: http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/ ctlt/workshopreg.html or email a message to Kris Sautter at ksautte@bgnet.bgsu.edu Published by The Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology 201 University Hall Bowling Green State University
phone: 419-372-6898 fax: 419-372-0161 http://ctlt.bgsu.edu
Notes & News Grant Activities
This past year, CTLT has increased its grant activities for the purpose of expanding learning opportunities for faculty and graduate teaching instructors. The Jerome Libraries (Cathi Cardwell, Library User Education) and CTLT (Dan Madigan) has teamed with Kent State University to acquire a $343,000 OBOR grant to fund an information literacy initiative in collaboration with 5 other state universities. Faculty at BGSU will receive many benefits from the grant over the period of two years, including an opportunity to receive a small grant as part of a learning institute. Also, as a result of the grant, participants in future workshops in the library user education area and CTLT will have use of laptop computers in a wireless environment.
Featured Staff Member: Mike DuBose
Graduate Assistant
A doctorial candidate in American Cultural Studies, Mike comes to us with over three years experience as a Lecturer of General Studies and Popular Culture, and he has worked with the Impact Learning Community on campus. Mike coordinates and facilitates the Graduate Learning Community for CTLT.
In another collaborative grant effort, CTLT and ITS have received an OLN grant of $75,000 to sponsor a Learning Community Institute for 3 days in January of 2003. To complement this Learning Institute Grant, Connie Molnar (CTLT) has received a $3,000 implementation grant and $25,000 Learning Community Grant from OLN to form a learning community made up of interested faculty from across campus who have an interest in e-learning. This grant provides graduate students with an opportunity to gain a Proficiency in technology applications and skills that will allow them to become technology literate faculty of the future.
New Faculty Learning Community
At the left, Alice Calderonello, senior faculty of the English department, facilitates the New Faculty Learning Community at the CTLT. Support Information
The Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology provides support, through workshops, seminars and consultations to faculty and graduate student instructors on general Blackboard issues regarding the development and delivery of course content over the web. In addition, CTLT supports these groups of BGSU community members in all areas of instructional development and delivery of course content through electronic mediums, including the web, CD s and DVD s. For more information about support for Blackboard and other services provided by the CTLT, call (419) 372-6898 or visit the CTLT web site at ctlt.bgsu.edu. For student support of Blackboard and other technology, the BGSU Student Technology Center is available. Technical support for students is offered through individual tutoring, workshops, and online tutorials. For information on how to use the Student Technology Center, students may visit the following Web site: http:// www.bgsu.edu/offices/studenttech or call (419) 372-9277.
The Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology * 201 University Hall * 419-372-6898 * http://ctlt.bgsu.edu September, 2002 * Volume 3, Issue 2