201 University Hall • (419) 372-6898 • http://ctlt.bgsu.edu

Blackboard Updates and InformationOn 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 defi ne 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.

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 fi lling 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.

A faculty member attending one of the many Blackboard workshops

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

staf fMEMBER

G a r r i c k D u c a t

Volume 4, Issue 5 • March 2004

Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology

&&&&&Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology &Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology

Volume 4, Issue 5 • March 2004&&&&& NEWSn o t e s

CTLT Blackboard Seminar InformationFor faculty who use Blackboard, participation in a seminar is highly recommend prior to developing course materials. Two hours invested in a seminar may save hours of work and will greatly assist in the development and implementation of the course.

The CTLT offers numerous Blackboard seminars throughout 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. In addition, seminars are offered on online teaching techniques and practices, such as in how to design an effective course and in online communication.

The following is a discription of the Blackboard seminars offered at the CTLT as well as an introduction to the two CTLT staff members who are the instructors for the seminars.

Blackboard Basics

Introduction to BlackboardThis seminar covers using the control panel to confi gure a course and adding content, announcements, links, and staff information.

Effective Online Course DesignThis seminar will focus on what makes an effective course design. Topics will include layout, navigation, colors, and the use of graphics and multi-media as well as a discussion on current best practices.

Creating a Banner for a Blackboard CourseBanners can be used to customize the look of a Blackboard course. Participants will use Photoshop to learn how to create a simple banner.

Gradebook/Asssessment

Blackboard Assessment ToolThis 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 GradebookThe Blackboard Gradebook seminar is an in depth look at the use of the online gradebook. Topics include the confi guration of gradebook settings, adding columns, selecting the display options, importing and exporting grades, and backing up content.

Online Assessment TechniqueAdministering 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.

Advanced

Online Communication Using BlackboardOnline communication can increase communication between the instructor and students. This seminar focuses on how to manage online communication using the Blackboard communication tools of email, collaboration (chat), and the discussion board.

Advanced Blackboard - Text Documents What types of content fi les should be used in a Blackboard course? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each fi le type? What fi les can be used that are readable across multiple platforms and different computer confi gurations? This seminar addresses these questions and more.

Advanced Blackboard – Audio/Video Using multi-media in Blackboard can enhance the learning experience for students. However, audio and video fi les present many challenges for the instructor. This seminar covers what is needed to add audio and video to a Blackboard course.

Advanced Blackboard – Presentation DocumentsPresentations bring together text-based content, images and multi-media while maintaining a linear delivery path for the student to follow. This workshop covers all presentation fi le types and content authoring directions that can be used in Blackboard as well as what tools Blackboard provides for you to use. During the workshop advantages and disadvantages related to different presentation approaches/tools are discussed while keeping the focus on creating multi-platform/multi-browser presentations for online learning.

http://ctlt.bgsu.edu/workshops/list.php

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Published by The Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology

Seminar InstructorsConnie Molnar, Assistant DirectorMichael Thompson, Instructional Technologist

Seminar Instructors

Michael Thompson, Instructional Technologist

Seminar InstructorsConnie Molnar, Assistant DirectorMichael Thompson, Instructional Technologist