n o t e s&NEWS Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology
Volume 4, Issue 5 • March 2004
Blackboard Updates and Information
On June 28th, the Blackboard system was upgraded from version 6.0 to version 6.1.5. This upgrade provides Blackboard Course Management System instructors with several new features including the following: 1. A text box WYSIWYG editor (available only on PCs with the Internet Explorer browser). For PC users who also use Internet Explorer as their browser, text boxes now contain a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor. Now, without knowing HTML, instructors may edit text and insert objects directly into a text box. 2. Quick Edit. The Quick Edit functions as a toggle between display and edit view. When an instructor accesses course content using the course buttons, the Quick Edit shortcut allows the instructor to edit course content without having to go through the course control panel 3. Messages. Messages is an internal course communication tool that functions like an email system. Messages can only be sent and received from within a course. 4. Glossary. The Glossary can be used to define terminology associated with a course. 5. Spellcheck. Instructors can identify and correct spelling errors in text boxes. The Spell Check feature is supported by a full English dictionary and instructors can also create and store custom word lists. 6. Course Templates. Departments can now design templates for their courses. Templates can be used if a consistent look is desired for multiple courses.
staf f MEMBER
A faculty member attending one of the many Blackboard workshops
Multiple workshops on the latest version of Blackboard are offered year-round at the Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology. A description of Blackboard workshops is listed on the second page of this newsletter as well as online at: http://ctlt.bgsu.edu/workshops/list.php. There are three ways to register for a workshop: 1. Register online by filling out the form at: http:// ctlt.bgsu.edu/workshops/registration.php. 2. Send an email to Kris Sautter at ksautte@bgnet.bgsu.edu. Include the workshop name and date in your email. 3. Call the CTLT at (419) 372-6898.
Garrick received a Bachelor degree from BGSU in Visual Communication Technology and is currently working on his Masters in Career & Technology Education. At CTLT Garrick assists with: • Consulting faculty • CTLT web site maintenance • Conducting workshops
Garrick Ducat 201 University Hall • (419) 372-6898 • http://ctlt.bgsu.edu
CTLT Blackboard Seminar Information
Advanced
For faculty who use Blackboard, participation in a seminar is highly recommend prior to developing course materials. Two hours Online Communication Using Blackboard Online communication can increase communication invested in a seminar may save hours of work and will greatly assist between the instructor and students. This seminar in the development and implementation of the course. focuses on how to manage online communication using the Blackboard communication tools of email, The CTLT offers numerous Blackboard seminars throughout collaboration (chat), and the discussion board. the academic year and summer. Seminars include information on how to use the Blackboard tool as well as on how to effectively integrate online content and tools into the learning environment. Advanced Blackboard - Text Documents What types of content files should be used in a Blackboard In addition, seminars are offered on online teaching techniques course? What are the advantages and disadvantages of and practices, such as in how to design an effective course and in each file type? What files can be used that are readable online communication. across multiple platforms and different computer configurations? This seminar addresses these questions The following is a discription of the Blackboard seminars offered and more. at the CTLT as well as an introduction to the two CTLT staff members who are the instructors for the seminars. Advanced Blackboard – Audio/Video Using multi-media in Blackboard can enhance the Blackboard Basics learning experience for students. However, audio and video files present many challenges for the instructor. Introduction to Blackboard This seminar covers what is needed to add audio and This seminar covers using the control panel to configure video to a Blackboard course. a course and adding content, announcements, links, and staff information. Effective Online Course Design Advanced Blackboard – Presentation Documents This seminar will focus on what makes an effective course Presentations bring together text-based content, images design. Topics will include layout, navigation, colors, and multi-media while maintaining a linear delivery and the use of graphics and multi-media as well as a path for the student to follow. This workshop covers discussion on current best practices. all presentation file types and content authoring Creating a Banner for a Blackboard Course directions that can be used in Blackboard as well as Banners can be used to customize the look of a what tools Blackboard provides for you to use. During Blackboard course. Participants will use Photoshop to the workshop advantages and disadvantages related to learn how to create a simple banner. different presentation approaches/tools are discussed while keeping the focus on creating multi-platform/multiGradebook/Asssessment browser presentations for online learning. Blackboard Assessment Tool This seminar covers the online assessment tool in Blackboard. Topics include how to create an assessment, question types, question pools, and assessment settings for implementation. Blackboard Gradebook The Blackboard Gradebook seminar is an in depth look at the use of the online gradebook. Topics include the configuration of gradebook settings, adding columns, selecting the display options, importing and exporting grades, and backing up content. Online Assessment Technique Administering exams online presents challenges for the instructor. How do you ensure that students taking the exam are not cheating? What do you do if a student’s connection breaks? This seminar addresses these and other issues as well as current practices.
Seminar Instructors
Connie Molnar, Assistant Director Michael Thompson, Instructional Technologist
check out our
workshop SCHEDULE
http://ctlt.bgsu.edu/workshops/list.php
Published by The Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology