Learning Technologies
The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) helps faculty explore and evaluate innovative ways to use learning technologies for teaching at NIU. The following learning technologies include recommended and institutionally supported software and web tools to promote collaboration, enhance communication, share multimedia, teach online and more. In addition to supporting established learning technologies like Blackboard, CITL also works with faculty and administrators to pilot new tools.
Blackboard Learn
LMS, Assessment, Authoring, Communication
NIU's flexible learning management system for online course content, communication, and assessment.
For NIU users
Blackboard details
Collaborate
Communication, Collaboration
Simple virtual classroom in Blackboard Learn for conducting online class sessions and online office hours.
For NIU users
Collaborate details
Microsoft Office 365
Authoring, Communication
Suite of productivity applications for your devices and available via O365 web access.
For NIU users
Office 365 details
Microsoft Teams
Communication, Collaboration, Filesharing
Unified communications tool that allows for persistent 1:1 or group chat, video/audio calls and conferencing.
For NIU users
Teams details
Kaltura
Media Hosting, Video Streaming
Comprehensive media platform to upload, publish, share, and edit media, as well as create screen recordings and in-video quizzes.
For NIU users
Kaltura details
VoiceThread
Media, Communication, Assessment
Create and share dynamic conversations around videos, images, documents, diagrams and more.
For NIU users
VoiceThread details
Flip
Communication
Video-based discussion, optimized for mobile participation.
For NIU users
Flip details
Qualtrics
Assessments
Survey software that displays survey results graphically and statistically in real time, and exports raw data in a variety of formats.
For NIU users
Qualtrics details
TurningPoint
Assessment
Student response system can be used in the classroom in conjunction with Blackboard for interactive audience participation.
For NIU users
TurningPoint details
Piazza
Assessment, Communication
An online Q&A platform with that fosters discussion and collaboration, integrated in Blackboard.
For NIU users
Piazza details
AnywhereApps
Productivity
Access course-specific software from desktops and mobile devices
For NIU users
AnywhereApps details
Respondus*
Assessment, Proctoring
Custom browser that locks down the testing environment and optional automated proctoring.
For NIU users
Respondus details
Examity*
Assessment, Proctoring
Proctoring platform offering both live proctoring and fully automated proctoring.
For NIU users
Examity details
ProctorU*
Assessment, Proctoring
Alternative proctoring platform offering both live proctoring and fully automated proctoring.
For NIU users
ProctorU details
Yellowdig
Communication, Engagement
Conversation platform that connects learners and empowers educators, integrated into Blackboard.
For NIU users
Yellowdig details
* For more information about online test proctoring, see Options for Delivering Exams via Virtual Instruction and Online Test Proctoring Tools at NIU.
Zoom
Communication, Collaboration
Alternative video-conferencing tool for holding live class sessions.
For NIU users
Zoom details
Need Assistance?
Have a specific question? Reach out to us!
Faculty Support Hotline
Give us a call or text at 815-753-0595 or email at citl@niu.edu for assistance with teaching strategies and technology.
Attend a Workshop
Online workshops on strategies and tools for teaching effectiveness.
One-on-one Consultation
Individual assistance with strategies and technology, available online or over the phone.
Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning
The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning can help you find the right approach and technologies for your teaching. Our staff are available via email, phone, or web conferencing.
If you have a specific question about Teaching with Blackboard, you can submit it to us using the Ask a Question form.
University Libraries
The University Libraries can help you find content and media for your course. They also have a limited supply of laptops that can be borrowed if you need one to author your course materials. Contact the Subject Specialist librarian assigned to your field for assistance.
The University Libraries also have a guide for continuity of library services and resources that provides information for how you and your students can make use of the library's services. The guide also includes instructor resources to help you find additional materials to use in your courses.
Subject Specialist Directory
Ask a Librarian form
Division of Information Technology Service Desk
The DoIT Service Desk can help you resolve technical issues with your Blackboard course, your ID/password, and more. You and your students can reach the Service Desk via their Self-Service Portal or phone.
815-753-8100
Self-Service Portal
Disability Resource Center
The Disability Resource Center can help you ensure that students with disabilities are receiving the services they need to be successful, such as CART services for web conferencing sessions. In some circumstances and subject to capacity, they may also be able to assist with captioning audio or video content.