Blackboard Beginner

1
Blackboard Beginner

• Session One

2
Getting Started

• Make a decision about tools and features
• Let students know how you will use Blackboard
• Communicate your expectations for student
  participation
• Do not deviate too much from your initial
  expectations

3
Enhance a Blended Course With Blackboards Tools

• Storing and disseminating course information
• Course management
• Enhancing course communication
• Building interactive learning modules

4
Storing and disseminating course information

• Students should know where to get
• a copy of the syllabus
• a reading assignment or lecture notes
• a complete description of assignments due dates
• most recent grades
• contact information for instructor and classmates
• a link to APA or MLA style guidelines
• pertinent course information

5
Course Management

• Downloading your class list
• Uploading grades
• Tracking student use of online materials

6
Enhancing Course Communication

• Class discussions can be initiated in virtual
  space before a classroom meeting
• Students will assemble their thoughts in writing
• Instructors will know what to emphasize or
  explain
• Private discussion areas for peer groups
• Create mini-discussion groups in class
• Encourage peer reviews or learning communities
• Class discussion can be continued or expanded in
  virtual space
• Opportunities for detours and fruitful dialogue
  outside the classroom

7
Building Interactive Learning Modules

• Take advantage of computers multi-media delivery
  capabilities
• Involve students in project based learning
• Enfold assessment and feedback with instructional
  materials

8
Recommendations

• Try to schedule a session in the computer lab
  early in the semester
• Practice simple activities related to your course
  
• Give an in class assignment to post to the
  discussion board
• Ask students to post web links in their
  discussion postings or to attach files
• Develop some course policies for your Blackboard
  site and make these available