» Online version of the Getting Started workshop handout

» Instructions for Migrating Quizzes from WebCT Using Respondus

Blackboard training season is now open! There are several sessions of Getting Started with Blackboard scheduled. This one-hour workshop introduces the Blackboard interface. It provides an overview of features, including the instructor's tools for building courses and structuring course content. There will be an opportunity to add content to your own practice course space. This workshop is meant to be a beginner experience. No prior knowledge of Blackboard or WebCT is necessary.

Note: Students will not have access to Blackboard campus-wide until Fall 2008, the space you receive in this workshop is for testing only.

To register, please go to the CTL web site

Blackboard is similar to WebCT in that it's an integrated online toolset for class communication and the delivery of course content, assignments, and grades. However, we're very excited that Bb offers a few new and robust tools specifically for collaborative, student-directed learning.

What's similar or different?

Similar features:

• A secure Web environment for posting course materials
• Tests and quizzes with detailed feedback opportunities
• An assignment tool that integrates with the grade book
• Grade management
• Online discussions and internal course messaging

New Features:

• Blackboard is fully integrated with Banner! You will no longer have to fill out the "request a course" form or add students to your course from Banner. Course creation and population will be automated.
• Blogs and wikis for discussion and student collaboration
• Podcasting for delivery of audio files
• There are a variety of other differences between the two tools. Blackboard is not difficult to learn, but for those of us who are familiar with WebCT, it does take some getting used to.

Stay Tuned...

A schedule of training events will be posted in January. Check back frequently for more detailed Blackboard information and "How-To" documents.

If you don't see something you need, let us know! Our goal is to help you easily transition into teaching with Blackboard over the coming year.

It's official! By the semester of Fall'08, Blackboard Learning System will be the University's supported online course tool, replacing WebCT. We're excited about the expanded array of teaching tools that Blackboard offers, such as secure blogs and wikis for collaborative group writing.

To make this a smooth transition, the CTL, Academic Computing Services, and College of Medicine COMET team will be working closely together to offer ample training opportunities, demos, online resource materials, and one-on-one assistance.

Before the start of Spring semester 2008, we will notify faculty about scheduled training and support opportunities to re-build their courses in BlackBoard.

A broad timeline is shown below and more specific information will be posted on this website throughout the next year, so please check back frequently.