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| INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
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Blackboard Overview
Blackboard is a course management system, a program which facilitates the creation and usage of online course materials and functions. Using Blackboard, faculty can easily and quickly post syllabi, readings, web links, images, videos, etc.
The benefit of Blackboard for students is that it provides anytime, anywhere access to learning materials.
Blackboard allows instructors and students to connect in both a fully online course environment, and in the traditional classroom, where Blackboard takes on the role of a digital library.
Blackboard can also be used as a collaborative tool. Colleges, departments and working groups may choose to use Blackboard to share files, discuss issues, disseminate information and news, work on projects, etc. |
Blackboard Features and Services
Blackboard Features
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Content publishing (syllabus, readings, meeting minutes, pictures, videos, etc.)
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Virtual library - links to web resources
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Online testing
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Online gradebooks
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Bulletin board - online discussions
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Virtual classrooms/virtual office hours - chatrooms
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Online surveys
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Group collaboration
Blackboard Services
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Creating course shells
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Embedding course cartridges
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Populating Blackboard courses
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"Help Desk" support of any Blackboard issue
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Training
Currently, only a few courses are offered fully online. Faculty at UST primarily use Blackboard to complement in-class instruction.
Creating Course Shells
UST instructors needing a Blackboard course shell must contact the Blackboard system administrator through the IT Help Desk (713/525-6900, bbhelp@stthom.edu). Course shells are not automatically created, they must be requested. During the 4 weeks preceding the start of a new semester, an online form is posted to facilitate handling the increased volume of requests. During this time, we will post the link to that form, and we ask instructors to use it, so we can serve you faster. Faculty will be notified by email when the course request link is available.
Embedding Course Cartridges
Many of the textbook publishers have created some very nice content for Blackboard, most often available just for adopting their textbooks! These course cartridges perform as their name suggests: they can be plugged directly into your Blackboard course, where they load content into Blackboard and provided seamless links to content housed on their servers. The Blackboard system administrator will help you find and install cartridges for your course. Request assistance through the IT Help Desk (713/525-6900, bbhelp@stthom.edu).
Blackboard course cartridge catalog <link: http://cartridges.blackboard.com/catalog/>
Populating Blackboard Courses
Students cannot enroll themselves into a Blackboard course; instructors, however, can enroll students into their individual Blackboard course. The Blackboard system administrator enrolls students into the course based upon the Peoplesoft course roster. This happens usually about two-three days before the start of the term.
Students have access only to those courses having a Blackboard component. Faculty, however, may request that anyone be enrolled in their course, including people from outside the UST community. The Blackboard system administrator will enroll these people in your course. Request assistance through the IT Help Desk (713/525-6900, bbhelp@stthom.edu).
Note that neither the Blackboard Administrator nor the Help Desk will enroll students at the students’ request. Requests must come from instructors. Students who believe they should be in a Blackboard course should contact their instructor.
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