Welcome Back Faculty
Dear Faculty,
Welcome back!
On behalf of the LMS Steering Committee, we hope you all had a great summer break and would like to officially welcome you back as we approach the start of the 2017 Fall semester.
We have been busy over the summer, and the work towards the implementation of an improved Learning Management System continues. Here is what you missed:
1) Request For Proposals Posted in June
The College is on schedule with its plans to implement a new Learning Management System, next year. The RFP was posted at the end of June, and since then, responses from interested vendors continue to be received. As we move into September, vendor shortlist evaluations will begin and once the shortlist is determined, we again will need your valuable feedback.
You will be given an opportunity to “Play in the LMS Sandbox” and experiment with the various systems, and be able to participate in important usability tests to get hands-on experience with the LMS, and ensure your opinion is heard in the final selection process.
More on this to come in the following weeks.
2) Fall Courses Are Now Available
Do you need to move content from previous semester course to your Fall course?
Follow these steps:
http://help.algonquincollege.com/articles/How_To/How-can-I-copy-course-content-in-Blackboard-between-courses-I-m-teaching/?q=course+copy+in+Blackboard&l=en_US&fs=Search&pn=1 OR watch this video: https://youtu.be/sPT50NuOI80
3) Upgrade to New Version of Blackboard This Summer
A necessary upgrade to version Q4 2015 was completed this summer; it is part of required measures to keep Algonquin’s system in step with versions supported by Blackboard Inc. Furthermore, this version provides greater stability and integration with our Student Information System while fixing a few well-known bugs.
The changes largely influence the back-end of the system. However, faculty may notice some interface enhancements – most notably to Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing.
A summary of changes are available in this document: http://www.algonquincollege.com/blackboard/files/2017/07/Whats-new-in-Q4-2015-version.pdf
4) Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing: Major Interface Change
Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing now has a more streamlined, web-based interface that makes its use much easier. No more need to download installers or worry about Java incompatibilities.
What is Blackboard Collaborate Ultra?
Blackboard Collaborate is a real-time web conferencing tool that allows you to run virtual meetings and online classes with your students. “Ultra” is the greatly improved version of Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing. For more information on this, you can visit the links below.
Blackboard Collaborate with the Ultra Experience Use Interface Tour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQH-SkjMGOU&list=PLontYaReEU1thrYkZR4tynKpyvuTB_dkD
How to use it as a moderator (instructor)
https://help.blackboard.com/Collaborate/Ultra/Moderator
How to use it as a participant (student or instructor)
https://help.blackboard.com/Collaborate/Ultra/Participant
5) New Mobile Apps for Instructors and Students
Two separate mobile apps now exist for faculty and students:
Blackboard Instructor is Blackboard's brand new mobile application that gives instructors a quick and easy way to manage courses, interact with students, and view content.
Blackboard Instructor allows instructors to:
- Manage courses anytime, anywhere
- Preview content and assessments
- Create and reply to discussions
- Review, create and send out announcements
- Host and join Blackboard Collaborate sessions
You can see a tour of Blackboard Instructor App here: https://youtu.be/ZeGhoP8l0Ec
OR read more here: http://www.blackboard.com/mobile-learning/blackboard-instructor.aspx
Blackboard App: For Student offers enhanced features such as:
- Activity stream: a smart view of prioritized events and actions
- Assignments and Tests: allows viewing, completion, and submission of tests and assignments
- Grades
- Web Conferencing: participate in Blackboard Collaborate Web Conference sessions through this app – not a separate one
You can read more here: http://www.blackboard.com/mobile-learning/blackboard-app.aspx
6) New! Create Your Own Combined Courses
Are you teaching more than one section of the same course? Do you need a combined course (e.g. one course which has enrolled students from both sections)?
Now, an easy-to-use self-help tool exists to enable you to create your own combined courses.
Give it a try here: https://xweb2.algonquincollege.com/BlackBoardReport/Login.aspx
Note: Combined courses that are created through the new Combined Courses tool will be available/visible the next morning.
As the co-chairs of the Learning Management System Steering Committee, we know you need a LMS that is reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly for all its users, and it is our continued goal to work towards achieving this with you.
Have a great start to the school year and stay tuned for more updates!
Sincerely,
Margaret Cusson, Dean of Academic Development
Dr. Patrick Devey, Dean of the Centre for Continuing and Online Learning
Co-chairs of the Learning Management System Steering Committee