The built-in groups tools available in Blackboard make it possible for students to engage easily in online discussion, share files, chat, and email. However, simply placing students in groups in Blackboard and enabling these available tools is no guarantee that students will engage in meaningful group collaborations. What are the most efficient and effective uses of the Blackboard group tools? During this online discussion I led on 3/23/2012 we sought to answer this question and shared tips and best practices for creating and sustaining group activities using Blackboard.

For archives of other online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit our YouTube channel

The Interactive Rubric tool in Blackboard makes it possible for rubrics with click-and-score simplicity to be built into the grading workflow, increasing efficiency while also supporting consistent and high quality feedback. During this online session offered 2/29/2012 we explored the Interactive Rubrics tool in Blackboard and sample interactive rubrics applied to various types of Blackboard assessments. We highlighted the steps for creating an Interactive Rubric and applying it to an assignment for grading. We also covered how to reuse a rubric within a Blackboard course or share with other faculty.

For archives of other online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit our YouTube channel

The online assessment tools of Blackboard can be utilized to facilitate meaningful and memorable learning activities for students. These online assessment tools include: surveys, test, quizzes, and electronic submission of assignments. What are the most efficient and effective uses of the Blackboard assessment tools? What recommendations exist for reinforcing academic integrity and providing meaningful feedback? During this online discussion I led on 2/23/2012 we sought to answer these questions and share tips and best practices for assessing student learning using Blackboard.

For archives of other online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit our YouTube channel

The announcement, discussion, and email features in Blackboard are just a few of the many tools available for faculty to communicate with students and foster collaboration during the course. What are the most efficient and effective uses of the Blackboard communication tools? During this online discussion I led on 1/26/2012 we sought to answer this question and share tips and best practices for communicating with students using Blackboard.

For archives of other online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit our YouTube channel

This online workshop offered 7/28/2011 was a follow-up to the Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard workshop. I covered the specifics of developing a course in Blackboard, including personalizing course navigation, setting up a materials-delivery structure and creating discussion areas.

For details on upcoming online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit www.niu.edu/facdev/programs/online