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 logo

Blackboard Learn

LMS, Assessment, Authoring, Communication

NIU's flexible learning management system for online course content, communication, and assessment.

Blackboard Collaborate logo

Collaborate

Communication, Collaboration

Simple virtual classroom in Blackboard Learn for conducting online class sessions and online office hours.

Microsoft Office 365 logo

Microsoft Office 365

Authoring, Communication

Suite of productivity applications for your devices and available via O365 web access.

Microsoft Teams logo

Microsoft Teams

Communication, Collaboration, Filesharing

Unified communications tool that allows for persistent 1:1 or group chat, video/audio calls and conferencing.

Access Teams

For NIU users

Teams details

Kaltura logo

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.

VoiceThread logo

VoiceThread

Media, Communication, Assessment

Create and share dynamic conversations around videos, images, documents, diagrams and more.

Flip logo

Flip

Communication

Video-based discussion, optimized for mobile participation.

Access Flip

For NIU users

Flip details

Qualtrics logo

Qualtrics

Assessments

Survey software that displays survey results graphically and statistically in real time, and exports raw data in a variety of formats.

TurningPoint logo

TurningPoint

Assessment

Student response system can be used in the classroom in conjunction with Blackboard for interactive audience participation.

Citrix logo

AnywhereApps

Productivity

Access course-specific software from desktops and mobile devices

Respondus logo

Respondus*

Assessment, Proctoring

Custom browser that locks down the testing environment and optional automated proctoring.

Examity logo

Examity*

Assessment, Proctoring

Proctoring platform offering both live proctoring and fully automated proctoring.

ProctorU logo

ProctorU*

Assessment, Proctoring

Alternative proctoring platform offering both live proctoring and fully automated proctoring.

Yellowdig logo

Yellowdig

Communication, Engagement

Conversation platform that connects learners and empowers educators, integrated into Blackboard.

Zoom logo

Zoom

Communication, Collaboration

Alternative video-conferencing tool for holding live class sessions.

Access Zoom

For NIU users

Zoom details

* For more information about online test proctoring, see Options for Delivering Exams via Virtual Instruction and Online Test Proctoring Tools at NIU.


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.

View Schedule and Register »

 


One-on-one Consultation

Individual assistance with strategies and technology, available online or over the phone.

Schedule a Consultation »


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.

815-753-0595
citl@niu.edu

 

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

815-753-1303
drc@niu.edu

 

Back to top