From Surviving to Thriving – Taking Bb Ultra and Microsoft 365 to the Next Level

Didn't get a chance to ask that burning question or want to delve deeper into a specific topic discussed during the May 13, 2024, event? Fear not! We're available to assist you further.

We're committed to supporting your continued journey and enhancing your pedagogical practices. Let's keep the conversation going and make the most out of our learning experience together! Topics and presenters are included below so you can reach out for follow-up support.   

Reach out to us for:

  • Additional resources on the topics covered
  • One-on-one consultations for tailored support
  • Follow-up workshops or training sessions
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Table 1
Meeting student needs for accessibility and accommodations

  • Recognize the value of accessible content in your course.  
  • Learn how to generate and interpret Bb Ally's accessibility feedback report, which is available in every Bb course. 
  • Develop proficiency in configuring accommodations for students within Bb Ultra.  
     

Presenters:  Tim Mohnkern, Assistant Director DSR and Barbara Stevens, eLearning Technologies

See our accessibility resources found in our service portal. 

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Table 2
Using learning analytics to inform course design and improve student outcomes

  • Identifying students falling behind is easier in the Blackboard Learn Ultra experience. Explore and review assignment analytics, student progress analytics, and course data to effectively evaluate and enhance student performance. 
  • EAC Visual Data will also be explored as an additional tool to assist with collecting and reviewing assessment data.  
     

Presenters:  David Nivala and Vince St. Germain, eLearning Technologies

See our analytics resources found in our service portal. 

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Table 3
Using a course mapping tool for aligning course objectives to content to enhance  course organization

  • Take your course to the next level! Let’s help you format and align your course content and design. We can help you design your course in 5 Steps in Bb Ultra.  
  • We can assist you in identifying the main components of designing a course, create foundational Items for a course, explore sample "begin Here/Welcome components" and explore how a course mapping tool can assist you with aligning course objectives to content.
     

Presenters:  Kelley Senkowski and Stephanie Webber, eLearning Technologies

See their course mapping tool and contact Kelley and Stephanie to learn more about their 5 Steps for Course Design Series that can be earned as a badge.

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Table 4
Updating content using the Library Search Tool/opportunities to work with GV librarian liaisons

  • Learn how to integrate library content seamlessly using the library search tool found in Bb Ultra. 
  • Collaborate with library liaisons to revitalize existing resources, curate new materials for upcoming semesters, and review and successfully design research assignments.
     

Presenters:  Anna White, Maya Hobscheid and Sarah Joseph, University Libraries

See the library search tool found in our service portal and contact your library liaison for assistance. 
 

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Table 5
Designing and integrating digital media content

  • Explore options for developing engaging and instructional materials, including interactive modules, podcasts, videos with embedded quizzes, lightboard presentations, and designing video-based assignments to enhance student learning experiences.
     

Presenters:  Noah Campbell and Kyle Macciomei, eLearning Technologies

See our consultation request form for scheduling a meeting with our digital media developers.

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Table 6
Quality does matter – Unpacking the 7th edition QM rubric and immediate takeaways

  • GVSU subscribes to Quality Matters (QM), the internationally recognized standards and guidelines for developing effective and engaging online learning.
  • The rubric is updated every three years to account for current research, and they just launched the 7th edition.
  • Learn more about Quality Matters, the latest edition, and its associated eight standards, and discuss how it can inform your course development. 
     

Presenters:  Matt Roberts and Glenna Decker, eLearning Technologies

Contact Matt or Glenna for more information about the QM rubric and their upcoming Quality Matters Teaching Learning Communities sponsored by FTLC during the fall and winter semesters. 

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Table 7
Digital Literacy – What it means and resources/services to support students and faculty

  • GVSU has defined digital literacy as the ability to use, create, evaluate, and engage critically with digital technologies to complete tasks safely and ethically in professional and civic contexts.
  • Let's discuss how your course can be designed to support digital literacy and what services and resources are available on campus to help support your students.  

Presenters:  Justin Melick and Avery Olearczyk 

Contact Justin or Avery to request a consultation and to learn more about how your courses can be constructed to support digital literacy and what resources are available to support your students. 

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Table 8
What’s coming with Ultra

  • Bb has a continual release cycle, allowing us to get new features and functionality on the first Friday of each month.
  • Review some of the most relevant recent feature releases of the last six months and see what's coming up that can be used for fall course development.   
     

Blackboard uses a continuous release cycle for monthly updates.  See their release notes for the latest feature enhancements. You are also encouraged to contact your eLearning Liaison to learn more and ask questions.

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Table 9
Time-saving tips for organization and management in Microsoft Outlook

  • On average, most individuals spend almost 3 hours a day in their email.
  • Learn how to organize your email better, best practices for scheduling meetings, and intelligent email automation.   

Presenter:  Stephanie Balaskas

See the Outlook resources found in our service portal.  You are also encouraged to attend a virtual Outlook training or schedule a consultation with our IT Training Specialist, Stephanie Balaskas. 



Page last modified May 17, 2024