Every month, the Blackboard Ultra Champions group meets to discuss topics related to supporting those who are making the switch to Blackboard Ultra. This group is made up of Blackboard Ultra users who share ideas and questions with the goal of supporting all users across the college. From time to time, we will share sections of those recorded meetings. Today’s meeting focused on the area of setting up assignments in Blackboard Ultra. Here is a 20-minute section of that meeting demonstrating some of the nuances of grading and assignment set up. Click on the image below to access that recording.
If you are teaching a face-to-face class in Winter, Summer, or Fall 2024, and will be using Blackboard to enhance or supplement your course, please register for one of the following Easy-Transition-to-Ultra sessions according to your availability. This opportunity will minimize the time and effort you need to make the transition. By the time you finish this 1-hour session, you will have the information to convert your existing Blackboard Original content into an Ultra Sandbox, Course Master, or upcoming course.
I just completed my Blackboard Academy certificate on Fundamentals of Digital Teaching and Learning, and thought the course was well organized and an excellent and up-to-date review of the topics, which include: > What we know about learning > Introduction to digital teaching > Digital teaching approaches and the LMS > Designing e-learning courses > Developing e-learning content > Principles of learner assessment and feedback The instructor, Cynthia Crenshaw, was super engaged and encouraged me to get the most out of the course.
I was asked to take the course to learn more about the Ultra Base Navigation which the College is in process of transitioning to; additionally, I was pleasantly surprised at how the course served as a review of ideas and practices that I am quite familiar with in my daily work. The timing was interesting too—to take a course during an avalanche of work associated with helping an institution transition from in-person to remote learning is a bit crazy! So I started looking at the course as a resource to help in the planning of workshops, in the curating of content to support new-to-online instructors, and in many other ways in my daily work. The discussion posts from other participants contained valuable insights, ideas, and links to resources. Taking the time to post my thoughts in the Discussion forums served as a welcome reflection time too. I used the assignments to review a course I am designing, and found the prompts useful in that process.
ATS is currently running a new series of workshops in time for the summer term called “Express Yourself!” These workshops will provide you with an overview to the specific teaching method by faculty experts, plenty of Q&A, and some hands-on play time. Our goal is that you start seeding the possibilities for your own teaching, contemplating how these ideas will engage and motivate your students.
Here’s what’s on offer:
Presenting with purpose: This workshop will focus on heightening physical and vocal engagement in order to clarify your sound, meaning, and message. We will work from material provided by the group. Bring your own speeches, classroom presentations, or video scripts. We will also provide practice text. Bring your curiosity and come prepared to explore your expressive presence. Facilitator: Thrasso Petras, Theatre dept. April 30, 9:30am-12:30pm, N3260
Going visual: You will be guided through a series of fun drawing exercises designed to amplify your visual literacy. No previous drawing experience is required, only a willingness to make to make your marks! Facilitator: Jason Toal, SFU Teaching & Learning Centre. May 2, 9:30-11:00am, S0620
Thinking through the grid: Lightboard edition: You will discuss the comics grid as pedagogical heuristic using the technology of the lightboard. Topics will include the grid as database, timing system, and standing reserve. You will be asked to draw, but no particular drawing skill is required. Facilitators: Peter Wilkins, English dept. & Dwayne Thornhill, ATS. May 14, 9:00am-12:00pm, N3142 and N3272V
Tablets for teaching: Learn how to use a tablet to facilitate teaching. Brandy will demonstrate how she uses it inside the classroom to improve student interaction and make PowerPoints more engaging. She will also discuss making tutorial videos using a tablet, giving you her software recommendations. Facilitator: Brandy Dudas, Accounting dept. May 23, 2:00-3:00pm, S2801
Podcast! Encourage your students’ voices: Join us for an interactive workshop on designing podcast-based assignments. You will receive a mini-case, outlining process, design guidance for creating your podcast assignments, and technical information about podcasting. Facilitator: Lisa Smith, Sociology dept. June 4, 9:00am-12:00pm, S0620
Today the Academic Technology Services (ATS) team is receiving the President’s Team Excellence Award for Douglas College.
Our work covers everything from designing technology for new learning spaces to training for Blackboard, from filming graduation ceremonies to rolling out BlueJeans for web conferencing, from supporting faculty with technical course issues to filming their use of our new Lightboard technology, from developing a new EdMedia program to researching new technology to support specific programs/departments. Such a wide diversity of tasks necessitates a special team who will assess your requirements, then coordinate a plan to systematically meet your core goals.
It is my sincere privilege to work with this gifted, dynamic, and creative group of people. Congratulations, ATS!
