Thu, 7/14/16, 9:35AM-10:25AM
Titian 2205
Presenters: Jason Rhode (@jasonrhode) & Stephanie Richter (@slrichter)

The new Blackboard Portfolio tool released with Blackboard learn in April 2014 is much-improved and provides an easy-to-use platform for students to demonstrate and reflect upon what they have learned throughout their university career. Northern Illinois University (NIU) implemented the portfolios campus-wide during 2015, and it was used by thousands of students in a relatively short time. This presentation at BbWorld16 will provide an overview of the portfolio tool, strategies for developing portfolios that serve different purposes, and best practices for institutional adoption. Sample portfolios and exemplars from faculty who are using Blackboard portfolios in their classes will be shared, along with NIU’s campus-wide implementation process. Opportunities and challenges will be discussed to provide insights for others planning to roll-out portfolios at their institutions. Accompanying slides are available here and links included in slides shared below.

Resource Links

• Updated Portfolios features as part of recent NIU upgrade
• Support materials and samples for students and faculty
• Blackboard portfolio users community group

Tue, 7/12/16, 1:00PM-1:50PM,
Titian 2205
Presenters: Jason Rhode (@jasonrhode), Stephanie Richter (@slrichter), Jeff Geronimo (@jeffminor)

In this session at BbWorld16, we share NIU’s recent Blackboard Collaborate roll-out strategy, practices, and lessons learned. Learn how NIU’s carefully planned adoption approach has been helping to make anytime synchronous collaboration simpler, more reliable, and more enjoyable. Bring your own questions and experiences and join in the discussion! Accompanying slides are available here.