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Getting Started
 Transition from WebCT CE 4 to Blackboard CE 8Starting in Fall 2009, WebCT CE 4 will be decommissioned and will be replaced by Blackboard CE 8 (formerly WebCT CE 6). Before the transition to Blackboard CE 8 can be completed, faculty will need to migrate their course content from their existing WebCT CE 4 courses into Blackboard. In order to prepare for this transition, there are a few things that you can do to get started. Academic CoursesAll NMSU academic courses have corresponding Blackboard courses automatically created at the beginning of each semester. Each course is populated with the instructor of record and the registered students. Instructors determine whether or not they want to use their Blackboard courses by copying content and releasing the courses to students. The blank courses are created prior to the beginning of each new semester (Fall, Spring, Summer). What I can do nowImporting Content
Sources of Imported ContentBefore you begin the process of building your course, you should start by collecting the content that you would like to deliver to students. Importing content from an external source can be the fastest way to get content to use in your Blackboard course. Imported content can come from a variety of sources, including:
Detailed below are sources of imported content that you can use to get started. Migrating Content from WebCT CE 4 to Blackboard CE 8If you have used WebCT CE 4 in the past, you probably have content that you would like to reuse in your Blackboard course. Content such as syllabi, quizzes and course readings can be transferred into your Blackboard course using a few different processes. If you need additional instruction or hands-on practice, register for our Blackboard open labs. Reusing Blackboard CE 8 coursesAt the beginning of a new semester, you have the option to reuse an existing Blackboard CE 8 course. The first time you enter your course you will be prompted to select one of three options: Set up a blank course, copy content from another course, and import content from file. If you are currently a section designer in a course that is already in your course list, you can use the copy content from another course option to copy the content of the previous course into your new course. To copy content from a previous course:
NMSU Library contentThe NMSU Library offers a variety of resources and tools for online teaching. Resources include information about using electronic reserves, linking to articles and information about Plagiarism and Copyright, as well as other resources useful to faculty. For detailed information, please visit: http://nmsu.libguides.com/blackboard. Online contentThere are a variety of sources of content on the Web. Content may include multimedia presentations, learning games, podcasts, or text-based readings and activities. Here are a few recommendations for sources of educational content: Textbook publisher course contentMany textbook publishers provide content that can be used in Blackboard CE 8 courses. Content may include: course readings, PowerPoint presentations, test question databanks, or companion Web sites. The best way to find out what is available from your publisher is to contact your publisher's sales representative. When contacting your sales representative, let them know that you are using Blackboard CE 8. Please note that there is a total course size limit (quota) of 500 MB, therefore textbook publisher content cannot exceed 500 MB in size. At NMSU, faculty are responsible for ensuring that textbook publisher content is uploaded into their courses correctly. Copyright GuidelinesAlthough there is a variety of content accessible from the Web, it is important to understand copyright laws that protect these materials. Detailed below are some resources related to course content copyright.
Creating Content
Types of contentIn order to create content for your course, such as a syllabus, schedule or learning materials, you can use a variety of applications and formats. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with each format and this should be considered before posting your content online. When creating content for online use, there are two important concepts to consider:
HTML documentsHTML, or Web page format, documents are the most compatible and typically most accessible format for course content. The only program required by the student to view Web pages is a Web browser. Although one can create a Web page from scratch using a program such as Adobe Dreamweaver, the easiest method is to convert an existing office document into a Web page. Advantages
Disadvantages
Resources
PDF documentsPDF documents are essentially an un-editable and printable electronic form of office documents. PDF files can be created using a variety of programs, some of which are free. Advantages
Disadvantages
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Office documents (Word and PowerPoint)Office documents, such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, are commonly used to create content for online courses. Although office documents can be used in Blackboard CE 8, they are not generally recommended because they require the student to have the same program on their computer. In other words, office documents tend to be less compatible than other formats. It is highly recommended that you convert your existing office documents to HTML or PDF format before you post them online. Advantages
Disadvantages
Multimedia FilesAudio and video content, such as a Podcast, can be created using a variety of applications. Although multimedia files can be uploaded to Blackboard, it is recommended that you store the media files on NMSU on iTunes or your personal Web space because of server space restrictions on the Blackboard server. Advantages
Disadvantages
Resources
AccessibilityNo matter which format you choose to use, accessibility of content for students with disabilities should be an important consideration. Resources for accessibility:General Reference and Resources Web Page/HTML content
Adobe PDF content Microsoft Office content Adobe Flash contentDesigning your Course
Course Design ProcessAfter you have collected and created your content, you can begin the course design process. The course design process has seven basic steps, detailed below.
When building your course content you will be using the tools in features of the Build tab in Blackboard CE 8. The process for building your course through the Build tab is detailed below. 1. Request your courseTo request your Blackboard CE 8 development course, complete the online request form. Please note that your request may take up to 72 hours to process. You will receive an email message once your course has been created. 2. Log on to BlackboardAfter your course is created, log on to Blackboard at http://learn.nmsu.edu/ and enter your NMSU username and password. After you log on, click on your course name in the Course list area. 3. Assign course contentThe first time you access your course, you will see the Assign course content screen. You must choose one of the the three available options:
4. Select course toolsIf you choose to set-up a blank course, you will see the Quick Start screen. This screen is used to select the tools that you will likely use when teaching your course. Until you are familiar with the tools you need, it is recommended that you select all tools and remove those that aren't needed after you are done building your course. If you select tools that you don't need, you can always remove the tools from your course later. Likewise, if you do not select a tool that you need, you can also add tools later. Resources5. Upload filesUploading files is the process that you will use to take files that are on your computer and make them available for use in your course. It is recommended that you upload all the files that you will be using in the course, such as the syllabus, schedule and learning materials, before you begin adding the content to your course homepage or tool inventories. Resources6. Build tool inventoriesAfter your course materials have been uploaded to your course, you can begin building your tool inventories. SyllabusThe syllabus tool is used to make your syllabus available for students to view. The syllabus tool has two options:
We recommend importing the syllabus file, because this option is more versatile and typically less time-consuming. ResourcesWeb LinksWeb links can be used to add links to external Web resources from your Blackboard CE 8 course. For example, you can add a link to the Library of Congress Web page or your personal Web site. ResourcesAssessments ToolThe assessments tool is used to create and edit quizzes, surveys and self-tests that are delivered to your students through your Blackboard course. Resources
Assignments ToolThe assignments tool is used collect assignment submissions from your students using a drop box feature. ResourcesLearning ModulesA learning module is an hierarchically organized collection of content used to present instructional materials to students. Resources7. Design your homepageAfter uploading your files and building your tool inventories, you can begin to design your Blackboard CE 8 home page. Detailed below are resources that can help you get started. Resources
Customizing your course designBlackboard CE 8 courses can be customized to create a unique look and feel for your course. Several different methods can be used to create your course's visual identity, such as customized icons, customized course colors, customized page layout and custom headers and footers. ResourcesTeaching your Course
Blackboard Features for Teaching your CourseAfter the course has been built using the features of the Build tab, you can use several tools to manage class assessments, assignments and communications in the Teach tab. Communication ToolsThe communication tools in Blackboard CE 8 allow you to communicate with your students using several methods, including both synchronous (real-time) as well as asynchronous communication. Mail ToolThe mail tool is an asynchronous communication tool that allows you to send messages to students, teaching assistants, and other instructors that are currently enrolled in your Blackboard course. The mail tool functions much like a conventional email program, however it operates completely within your Blackboard course. Resources Discussion ToolThe discussion tool is an asynchronous communication tool that allows you and your students to post discussion messages in your Blackboard course. Resources
Chat ToolThe chat tool is a synchronous communication tool that allows you and your students to chat online in real-time. Resources Grade BookThe grade book tool can be used to organize and record student grades. In addition to using the grade book to manage your grades, you can also import grades from a spreadsheet. Resources Assessment ManagerThe assessment manager is used to grade and view quiz submissions and survey results in Blackboard CE 8. Resources Assignment ManagerThe assignment manager is used to review and grade student assignment submissions. Resources Group ManagerThe group manager is used to create and manage groups of students in your course. Resources Track student progressThe Track students feature is used to generate reports that can be used to evaluate student progress as well as how students are using your course. Resources
FERPA GuidelinesFERPA is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student records. Resources Maintaining your Course
Backing up your course contentEntire course BackupCreate a backup copy of your entire course, including course content and student data, that can be used as a restore point if there is a problem with your course. In Blackboard CE 8, course backups are NOT made automatically by the system. This means that faculty are responsible for their own course backups. Please note: In order to restore the course backup you made, contact Educational Technologies at training@nmsu.edu or 575.646.5125. Grade book downloadDownload your grade book to your computer, which can be opened and edited in spreadsheet applications, such as Microsoft Excel. To download your grade book:
Evaluating your courseDepartment EvaluationsStudent evaluations of your course can be created using the Survey in the Assessments tool. Department procedures typically dictate that student evaluations occur outside of your course, in a separate evaluations course. However, you can also create evaluations within your course using a survey. To request a department evaluation course, please complete the department evaluation course request form. Quality Matters RubricThe Quality Matters rubric is a set of standards that can be used to evaluate your online course. Quality Matters Rubric (PDF) Blackboard Greenhouse Exemplary Course ProgramThe Blackboard Greenhouse Exemplary Course Program provides a "model for best practices" addressing several aspects of teaching online. |
