Blackboard Faculty/Staff Programs
Basic Blackboard Workshop Topics:
- Blackboard 9.1 Preview
- Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard
- Blackboard II: Building Your Blackboard Course
- Blackboard Grade Center I: Basic Features
- Blackboard Next Generation Assignments Preview
- Blackboard Open Lab
- Blackboard Tune-up: New Features in the Next Generation of Blackboard
- Introducing Academic Resource Sharing Tools in Blackboard
- Introducing New Features in Blackboard 9.1 SP8
- Introduction to Blackboard Collaborate
- Introduction to Blackboard Communities
- Introduction to Teaching with Wimba Classroom
Intermediate Blackboard Workshop Topics:
- Assessing Student Learning with Blackboard Tests and Surveys
- Blackboard Assessment Tools
- Blackboard Communication Tools
- Blackboard's Portfolio Tool
- Blogs, Wikis and Journals: New Ways to Collaborate and Communicate with Students in Blackboard
- Collecting Assignments Electronically Using Blackboard
- Conducting Online Office Hours Using Wimba Classroom
- Configuring the Blackboard Gradebook
- Controlling Student Access to Materials in Blackboard
- Copying and Archiving Courses in Blackboard
- Creating and Sustaining Groups in Blackboard
- Developing Discussion Board Assignments with Large Classes in Blackboard
- Electronic Submission of Assignments in Blackboard
- End-Of-Semester Considerations for Your Blackboard Course
- Integrating Web 2.0 Tools into Blackboard
- Managing Student Grades With Blackboard Grade Center
- Mastering the Control Panel in Blackboard
- Multimedia Integration into Blackboard
- New Tools & Features in Blackboard
- Personalizing the "Look" of Your Blackboard Course
- Plagiarism Prevention Using Blackboard SafeAssign
- Podcasting with Blackboard
- Promoting Online Collaboration with Wimba Classroom in Blackboard
- Self and Peer Assessment Made Simple with Blackboard
- Social Bookmarking Using Blackboard Scholar
- Structuring Your Online Class in Blackboard
- Submitting Final Grades Automatically from Blackboard to MyNIU
- Tips for Assessing Student Learning Using Blackboard
- Tips for Communicating Effectively Using Blackboard
- Tips for Effective Group Collaborations in Blackboard
- Tips for Engaging Online Sessions with Wimba Classroom
- Tips for Implementing Successful Discussion Board Forums in Blackboard
- Tips for Managing Large Classes in Blackboard
- Tracking Student Performance in Blackboard
- Using the Blackboard Content Collection to Manage Your Course Content
Advanced Blackboard Workshop Topics:
Advanced Features of Wimba Classroom in Blackboard
Description:
This hands-on workshop is a follow-up to the Promoting Online Collaboration with Wimba Classroom in Blackboard workshop and covers many of the advanced features of the Wimba Classroom online collaboration tool in Blackboard, including: sharing your computer desktop during an online presentation, breaking students into breakout rooms for small group discussion, and enabling video archives of recorded sessions for students to download for viewing on an iPod or other mobile video player. In addition, the workshops explores advanced configuration settings in Blackboard for enabling Wimba Classrooms for individual class groups as well as viewing advanced polling and tracking results. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
2 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills and attendance at the Promoting Online Collaboration with Wimba Classroom in Blackboard workshop or previous experience using Wimba Classroom
Blackboard 9.1 Preview
Description:
On May 30, 2011, Blackboard Next Generation (NG) will make its campus-wide debut at NIU. With over 80 new features, this will be the most significant upgrade of Blackboard since it was first introduced at NIU almost ten years ago. In addition to delivering a redesigned, updated interface, Blackboard NG has a simpler process for creating and editing courses and new tools to facilitate classroom collaboration. In this hands-on workshop participants will get an introduction to the most significant changes and features of Blackboard NG. Following the session, participants will receive access to a sandbox course to further explore the changes coming to Blackboard. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Suggested that the user attend Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or have previous experience using Blackboard
Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard
Description:
Learn the basics of creating and developing a course in Blackboard, NIU's Web Course Management System. Participants will get an overview of course layout and navigation, have an opportunity to place materials in a sample course, and also get assistance with requesting their own Blackboard courses. Participants who wish to request their courses during the workshop must have an active NIU AccountID. [For information about NIU AccountIDs used in Blackboard, contact ITS Customer Support: helpdesk@niu.edu or 815-753-8100.] Advance registration is required.
Duration:
3 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; basic Web navigation skills
Blackboard II: Building Your Blackboard Course
Description:
This hands-on workshop is a follow-up to the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop. We will cover the specifics of developing a course in Blackboard, including personalizing course navigation, setting up a materials-delivery structure and creating discussion areas. Participants will work in their own Blackboard courses and should bring to the session any course materials they want to upload or work with during the workshop. Files need to be on a flash drive (readable in a USB port) or on a CD. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills, Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Blackboard's Portfolio Tool
Description:
Electronic portfolios enable students and faculty to assemble, present, and share information online for documenting academic growth, career evaluation, and course preparation. The Blackboard Portfolio tool, bundled with the Blackboard Content System, allows users to collect and organize files and other digital content representative of their learning into custom Web pages. The portfolio can then be shared with individuals or groups of users. This hands-on session covers the features of Blackboard’s portfolio tool. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own portfolio and share it, both for viewing within a course and with users outside of their course and even outside NIU.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills, Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Assessing Student Learning with Blackboard Tests and Surveys
Description:
The test and survey tools in Blackboard offer faculty a variety of useful options for online assessment. In this hands-on workshop, participants will have the opportunity to explore the various testing tools, create quizzes using a range of questions types and experiment with creating test and survey pools. We will discuss strategies for reducing online testing errors as well as issues involving academic concerns with online testing. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills, Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Blackboard Assessment Tools
Description:
The survey and testing features in Blackboard offer faculty a variety of useful options for online assessment. In this hands-on workshop, participants will have the opportunity to explore the various testing tools, create quizzes using a range of questions types, and experiment with creating test and survey pools. We will discuss strategies for reducing online testing errors as well as issues involving academic concerns with online testing. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills, Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Blackboard Communication Tools
Description:
The discussion and file-sharing tools provided by Blackboard can enrich communication in the web-enhanced traditional classroom as well as in the online venue. These tools provide faculty with a wealth of opportunities for building course communities, encouraging academic discussion outside the classroom and collecting assignments electronically. This hands-on session covers the features of asynchronous and synchronous discussion, group discussion, and electronic file exchange. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Blackboard Grade Center I: Basic Features
Description:
With the recent upgrade of the Blackboard course management system to version 8.0, NIU faculty will see an entirely redesigned and newly named Grade Center. This hands-on workshop will review the significant changes in the layout and functionality of the Grade Center and will cover such topics as recording grades using inline editing, entering comments, sending email from the Grade Center, using interactive and non-interactive views, and customizing the default Grade Center look. Additionally, such topics as creating calculated grades, hiding, displaying and freezing columns, Grade Center searching and sorting functionalities will also be covered. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Blackboard Grade Center II: Advanced Features
Description:
With the recent upgrade of the Blackboard course management system to version 8.0, NIU faculty will see an entirely redesigned and newly named Grade Center with many new advanced features. This workshop will briefly review the significant changes in the layout and functionality of the new Grade Center in Blackboard 8.0 and will then cover advanced topics of Grade Center management, such as smart views, grading schemas, downloading /uploading grades, and setting up grading periods. Additionally, such topics as managing categories, managing grading history/reverting grades, and creating grading reports will also be covered. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard and attendance at the Grade Center I: Basic Features workshop
Blackboard Next Generation Assignments Preview
Description:
After the May 2011 upgrade to Blackboard Next Generation, the Blackboard Assignment tool will have several great new features, including the possibility for multiple attempts, the ability to designate group assignments, and an option for anonymous grading. Join us for this online session for a preview of the improved Assignment Tool. Note: Blackboard has removed the Digital Drop Box in Blackboard Next Generation, so it will not be available after the upgrade. If you currently use the Digital Drop Box to collect assignments, this is a great opportunity to learn about the Assignment tool so that you can make the transition! Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Blackboard Open Lab
Description:
Faculty, staff, and TAs are provided an excellent opportunity in Open Lab to ask specific questions about Blackboard and other teaching-related technologies. Staff from Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center will be on hand to address your questions individually. We cannot provide an overview of Blackboard at this session, but will be happy to answer specific questions about using Blackboard and other instructional technologies. No advance registration required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Blackboard Tune-up: New Features in the Next Generation of Blackboard
Description:
With the recent upgrade to Blackboard Next Generation (NG), over 80 new features are now available to build courses, promote collaboration, and assess students. This hands-on session will introduce the new Blackboard NG interface, including the redesigned Control Panel, and highlight key new features like course Home Pages, Blogs, Wikis, and new options for Assignments and Groups. This session is designed for experienced Blackboard users. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Blogs, Wikis and Journals: New Ways to Collaborate and Communicate with Students in Blackboard
Description:
Using Blackboard, faculty can take advantage of several social communication tools, such as blogs, wikis and journals, to create interactive and collaborative activities for students. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the features and uses of the communication tools and practice creating, participating in and grading blogs, wikis and journals. Additionally, we will identify the types of activities that these tools can be used for. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Collecting Assignments Electronically Using Blackboard
Description:
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Conducting Online Office Hours Using Wimba Classroom
Description:
Whether teaching in a traditional face-to-face, hybrid, or online course, offering optional office hours provides students with the opportunity to seek further clarification and assistance, enriching the learning experience. The Wimba Classroom online collaboration suite is one technology that integrates seamlessly with Blackboard and can be utilized to offer online office hours, allowing students to communicate in real time with faculty at a mutually convenient time and location. This online workshop will provide a brief introduction of Wimba Classroom and explore best practices of conducting online office hours using Wimba Classroom. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Configuring The Blackboard Gradebook
Description:
Maintaining a gradebook in Blackboard has many advantages: students really enjoy quickly checking their assignment and test grades online--and faculty benefit as they spend less time distributing this information. But efficiently setting up the Blackboard gradebook can present some challenges. This hands-on workshop provides assistance with creating gradebook settings and downloading and uploading data into the Blackboard gradebook. Participants will work in their own Blackboard courses. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Controlling Student Access to Materials in Blackboard
Description:
Course content does not always apply to all users in the course. Faculty at times may wish to create custom learning paths through course content and activities, displaying content to certain users for a limited period of time. This hands-on session will walk participants through the process of managing course content, discussions, assessments, assignments, or other activities within Blackboard using the Adaptive Release feature to create personalized learning paths for students. Principles for effective implementation within existing Blackboard courses will be shared. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills, Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Copying and Archiving Courses in Blackboard
Description:
Blackboard's version 6.0 offers a wealth of copy and archiving features that can assist faculty with copying among courses and creating back-ups of entire courses. This hands-on workshop will cover the various copy functions and when to use each. We will also review the processes of creating and copying shells and scheduled sections. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills, Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Creating and Sustaining Groups in Blackboard
Description:
The two major complaints we hear from students about group projects are (1) the problems of getting members together for meetings and (2) the inequity of effort among group members. Virtual groups, easily established using Blackboard, can address both of these legitimate concerns. Additionally, online groups can enrich class discussion and provide a virtual environment for sharing documents. This hands-on workshop will walk participants through the process of setting up Blackboard groups and will discuss some of the principles that make group projects successful. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hour
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills, Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Developing Discussion Board Assignments with Large Classes in Blackboard
Description:
The Blackboard Discussion Board continues to gain popularity as a tool supporting asynchronous collaboration in both blended and entirely online courses. Although used as a tool for facilitating communication between and among students and faculty, this practice may have certain limitations. In this workshop, strategies to use discussion boards with large classes will be discussed. Topics will include the process of conceptualizing discussion board assignments, logistics, scheduling, expediting grading, and use of exemplars and rubrics. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills, Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Electronic Submission of Assignments in Blackboard
Description:
Blackboard offers a variety of methods for collecting assignments electronically, saving students and faculty time and resources. This hands-on workshop provides a review of the various electronic submission methods and offers an opportunity for faculty to practice using the assignment-collection features. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
End-Of-Semester Considerations for Your Blackboard Course
Description:
Once the semester is over and all course materials are organized and posted in Blackboard, faculty can take steps to preserve the course for future use. While courses are not deleted for about 15 months, certain parts of each course, such as the Grade Center, should be downloaded and saved. This session will cover the save and copy features available through the Blackboard interface and offer suggestions for what types of activities faculty should routinely follow at the end of an academic term. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Integrating Web 2.0 Tools into Blackboard
Description:
Many new, free web tools are emerging that allow for new approaches to fostering interpersonal interaction in the online learning environment. While many of these new Web 2.0 tools are designed for integration within blogs or other social networking applications, they may also be embedded within Blackboard to extend its existing collaborative capabilities. This workshop will explore various free Web 2.0 tools and discuss how these tools can be integrated within or utilized in conjunction with Blackboard. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Introducing Academic Resource Sharing Tools in Blackboard
Description:
Do you struggle to keep track of all your favorite Web sites and other online resources? Would you like to share the links to your favorite online resources with your colleagues or students? A new social bookmarking feature in Blackboard allows for the storing, classifying, sharing and searching of links through the practice of folksonomic tagging. This online session will introduce the social bookmarking capabilities in Blackboard and will explore several practical applications for implementing social bookmarking activities in the classroom. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
None
Introducing New Features in Blackboard 9.1 SP8
Description:
Blackboard Learn 9.1 Service Pack 8 delivers exciting new features and improvements to existing functionality, including a refreshed interface, a course set-up wizard, student activity reports, automated test regrading, and standards alignment. Join us to see the new interface and features first-hand. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Suggested that the user attend Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or have previous experience using Blackboard
Introduction to Blackboard Collaborate
Description:
NIU is currently testing Blackboard Collaborate, the next generation version of Wimba Classroom that includes an easier-to-use interface that simplifies many of the tasks presenters typically perform. Join us for this hands-on introduction of Blackboard Collaborate to see the new interface and features first-hand and experience how to create and manage Blackboard Collaborate sessions within Blackboard. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Introduction to Blackboard Communities
Description:
Blackboard communities have most of the same features and functionality as Blackboard courses but are meant to be used for NIU activities other than courses scheduled through Registration and Records. NIU departments, organizations, committees, and communities can request a Blackboard community from ITS for a fee for the purpose of communication, collaboration, and/or training. This hands-on session, open to faculty, staff and graduate teaching assistants, will provide an overview of Blackboard community tools and features. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
2 hours
Prerequisites:
Knowledge of Web browsing and basic computing skills
Introduction to Teaching with Wimba Classroom
Description:
Many faculty consider live, personal interaction to be the most valuable element of quality teaching and learning experiences. Wimba Classroom is an online collaboration tool that integrates seamlessly with Blackboard allowing educators and students to engage in meaningful and memorable interactions by combining interactive technologies with instructional best practices. This online workshop will provide an overview of the available features of this collaboration tool and will demonstrate the process of creating and managing Wimba classrooms in Blackboard. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Managing Student Grades With Blackboard Grade Center
Description:
Learn how to record, track and submit student grades using Blackboard Grade Center. In this hands-on workshop we will review the layout and functionality of the Grade Center and will cover such topics as recording grades using inline editing, entering comments, sending email from the Grade Center, adding calculated columns and categories, and customizing the default Grade Center look. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Mastering the Control Panel in Blackboard
Description:
The Control Panel in Blackboard is the key to adding course content, managing discussion, setting-up groups and many other essential online course management functions in Blackboard. This hands-on session provides an overview of the various Control Panel features and offers participants an opportunity to work within their own courses to learn course management skills. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Multimedia Integration into Blackboard
Description:
This workshop will cover basic multimedia integration using Blackboard. Participants will learn how to import images, video and audio clips into different sections of the Blackboard online package. Participants will be using a browser (Internet Explorer). Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
New Tools & Features in Blackboard
Description:
With the recent upgrade of the Blackboard course management system to version 7.3, NIU faculty can expect to see a number of new and enhanced features when they log in to Blackboard. The new version introduces significant changes in the layout and functionality of the discussion board, some enhanced features in the gradebook and assessment component as well as a new early warning system that monitors student progress in a course and alerts faculty to possible performance problems. This online session will highlight these new and enhanced features and tools. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Personalizing the "Look" of Your Blackboard Course
Description:
Learn the basics of how to customize the interface of your Blackboard course. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn basic interface design principles and have the opportunity to create a customized course banner and buttons for use in their own Blackboard course. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Plagiarism Prevention Using Blackboard SafeAssign
Description:
Despite our efforts to educate students regarding the principles of solid academic writing, students may not always understand how to properly reference source content. The new SafeAssign plagiarism prevention service that is now integrated in Blackboard allows students to protect the originality of their work as well as to have it checked for inadvertent citation errors prior to submitting (to the faculty member) for credit. This hands-on session will introduce the features of the SafeAssign plagiarism prevention service and its integration with Blackboard and will illustrate how to incorporate opportunities for students to self-check their work for citation errors. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills and attendance at the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop or previous experience using Blackboard.
Podcasting with Blackboard
Description:
Podcasting is a powerful technology involving the selective subscription of audio or video content delivered over the Internet. NIU has installed a building block to Blackboard that allows faculty to easily create a course podcast in Blackboard. This hands-on workshop provides participants a brief overview of podcasting technology and the opportunity to create a course podcast in Blackboard. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills and attendance at the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop or previous experience using Blackboard
Promoting Online Collaboration with Wimba Classroom in Blackboard
Description:
Many faculty consider live, personal interaction to be the most valuable element of quality teaching and learning experiences. Wimba Classroom is an online collaboration tool that integrates seamlessly with Blackboard allowing faculty and students to engage in meaningful and memorable interactions by combining interactive technologies with instructional best practices. During this hands-on workshop participants receive an overview of the features of this collaboration tool and step-by-step assistance with creating and managing Wimba classrooms. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills; Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Self and Peer Assessment Made Simple with Blackboard
Description:
Self- and peer-assessment are valuable tools that leverage the power of reflection and critique. Students may learn more deeply when required to assess themselves and/or their peers. In this workshop, we will discuss ways to incorporate self- and peer-assessment into a course and will work hands-on with the Blackboard Self and Peer Assessment tool. This tool allows students to submit work through Blackboard which is then evaluated by a random group of fellow students. Students may even reflect upon and evaluate their own work. Participants will experience the Self and Peer Assessment process and will create a Self and Peer Assessment in Blackboard. Prerequisites: basic computer skills and attendance at the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop or previous experience using Blackboard. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills and attendance at the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop or previous experience using Blackboard
Social Bookmarking Using Blackboard Scholar
Description:
Do you struggle to keep track of all your favorite websites and other online resources? Would you like to share the links to your favorite online resources with your colleagues or students? A new social bookmarking feature in Blackboard allows for the storing, classifying, sharing and searching of links through the practice of folksonomic tagging. This hands-on session will introduce the social bookmarking capabilities in Blackboard and will explore several practical applications for implementing social bookmarking activities in the classroom. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills and attendance at the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop or previous experience using Blackboard.
Structuring Your Online Class in Blackboard
Description:
Preparing to teach online presents many challenges as we rethink our course materials and plan how we can delivery the content in an effective format. This hands-on session provides an opportunity to build a pedagogically-sound structure for an online class. We will discuss how-and why-courses can be organized and what features of Blackboard can used to enhance the students' online learning experience.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills, Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Submitting Final Grades Automatically from Blackboard to MyNIU
NIU faculty can use the Blackboard Grade Submission Tool to publish grades from the Blackboard Grade Center directly to MyNIU, saving time and reducing the opportunity for data entry errors. After submitting grades using this tool, faculty simply login to MyNIU to view the final grades and post them officially. This hands-on workshop will demonstrate the new Blackboard Grade Submission Tool and provide faculty who have been using the Blackboard Grade Center with step-by-step assistance in submitting their final grades from Blackboard to MyNIU. Staff from the Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center will be on hand to individually address questions and provide assistance. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills, Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Tips for Assessing Student Learning Using Blackboard
Description:
The online assessment tools of Blackboard can be utilized to facilitate meaningful and memorable learning activities for students. These online assessment tools include: surveys, test, quizzes, and electronic submission of assignments. What are the most efficient and effective uses of the Blackboard assessment tools? What recommendations exist for reinforcing academic integrity and providing meaningful feedback? Join us for this online discussion to answer these questions and share tips and best practices for assessing student learning using Blackboard. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
None
Tips for Communicating Effectively Using Blackboard
Description:
The announcement, discussion, and email features in Blackboard are just a few of the many tools available for faculty to communicate with students and foster collaboration during the course. What are the most efficient and effective uses of the Blackboard communication tools? Join us for this online discussion to answer this question and share tips and best practices for communicating with students using Blackboard. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
None
Tips for Effective Group Collaborations in Blackboard
Description:
The built-in groups tools available in Blackboard make it possible for students to engage easily in online discussion, share files, chat, and email. However, simply placing students in groups in Blackboard and enabling these available tools is no guarantee that students will engage in meaningful group collaborations. What are the most efficient and effective uses of the Blackboard group tools? Join us for this online discussion to answer this question and share tips and best practices for creating and sustaining group activities using Blackboard. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
None
Tips for Engaging Online Sessions with Wimba Classroom
Description:
Do you want to know the secret to designing and leading effective Wimba Classroom sessions? In this one hour introductory online session, we will share tips for designing and leading engaging, interactive online sessions. You will learn the recommended techniques to prepare participants before they attend your live session. You will also learn how to communicate with and manage the interactions of your participants, best practices for designing online presentation content, and the importance of archives. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
None
Tips for Implementing Successful Discussion Board Forums in Blackboard
Description:
The Blackboard Discussion Board continues to gain popularity as a tool supporting asynchronous collaboration in both blended and entirely online courses. In this workshop, tips and strategies for implementing successful Discussion Board Forums will be discussed. Topics will include the process of establishing guidelines and expectations for student participation, exploring different types of forums and their appropriate application in your course, using the Discussion Board as an assessment strategy by making forum postings gradable assignments, and the use of exemplars and rubrics. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills, Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard or previous experience using Blackboard
Tips for Managing Large Classes in Blackboard
Description:
Teaching large classes is challenging, but Blackboard can help simplify the "behind the scenes" administrative tasks. How can large classes be divided into small groups to work online? What is the Early Warning System, and how can its notifications assist with managing large classes? What tools are available to organize assignment submissions? How can the Blackboard Grade Center be structured to simplify tracking grades? Join us for this online discussion to answer these questions and share tips and best practices for working with large classes in Blackboard. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
None
Tracking Student Performance in Blackboard
Description:
Blackboard provides a variety of tools that help faculty track student performance in the course. The Early Warning System is a feature integrated into Blackboard that allows faculty to monitor student performance proactively based on attendance, student assessment, and assessment due dates. In this hands-on workshop, we will focus on setting up and running the Early Warning System rules to generate performance notifications, using the Performance Dashboard to identify students who may experience performance problems, and viewing and interpreting performance-based statistics. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1 hour
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills and attendance at the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop or previous experience using Blackboard.
Using the Blackboard Content Collection to Manage Your Course Content
Description:
The Blackboard Content Collection feature provides NIU faculty with an easy and efficient way to store, share, and manage their course content. The Content Collection feature fully integrates with the Blackboard System and provides an easy way for faculty to manage files, grant file permissions, and link the same files to multiple courses and sections without the need for duplication. This session will walk participants through the process of managing course content using the Blackboard Content Collection. Advance registration is required.
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills and attendance at the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop or previous experience using Blackboard.
Last Updated: 04/25/2012