Using Blackboard to Increase Both Learning and Retention John Broida Psychology Department, USM Redesign Scholar, theNCAT

Quizzing is an effective teaching tool Students study when they expect a quiz.Students study when they expect a quiz. Students spend more time preparing for class in classes where quizzing is used.Students spend more time preparing for class in classes where quizzing is used. Web-based quizzing has advantages over in class quizzingWeb-based quizzing has advantages over in class quizzing –No time spent quizzing/discussing in class –Automatic grading and recording of scores –Multiple attempts are possible Works best if you use the highest grade optionWorks best if you use the highest grade option

Constant contact increases student interest in the class If you them, they are more likely to attend class.If you them, they are more likely to attend class. If you monitor them, they are more likely to attend class.If you monitor them, they are more likely to attend class. If you let them know that they are doing well/badly, they will be motivated to keep trying.If you let them know that they are doing well/badly, they will be motivated to keep trying. Let a Learning Assistant assist in the notificationsLet a Learning Assistant assist in the notifications

Blackboard has a set of tools DiscussionDiscussion GradebookGradebook Links to web pagesLinks to web pages Links to contentLinks to content Quizzing/exams/surveysQuizzing/exams/surveys Student use of the systemStudent use of the system

What the Home Page Looks Like

Clicking on Control Panel Produces this Screen

Pool Manager lists the item pools that you have created

Clicking on Modify Produces this Screen

Clicking on Creation Setting produces this Screen

Clicking on Modify for a Question Produces this Screen. Note How to Randomize Answer Order

Creating pools is a pain I suggest that you use a specialized program (Respondus) to enter new quiz/test items and to create pools of items.I suggest that you use a specialized program (Respondus) to enter new quiz/test items and to create pools of items. Respondus is available here at no charge. Ann Brushwein or I can help you master it (in other words, it is easy to use)Respondus is available here at no charge. Ann Brushwein or I can help you master it (in other words, it is easy to use)

Test Manager Lists the Quizzes/tests that you have created

Clicking On Modify Shows the Pools Used The Number of Points Per Question, Number of Questions from that Pool

Getting Blackboard to report Highest Grade, Click on Gradebook

Click on Manage Items

Click on Modify for the quiz/test you want to adjust

Use Drop Down Menu to change to highest grade

When did Students Last Work in the Course? From Control Panel Click on Performance Dashboard

Column indicates how long it has been since each student logged in

Clicking on Triangle Sorts, but not well

An Alternative is Course Statistics

Select Dates and Students

This indicates the number of things done in five days

those who are working, and those who are not Note, this can be done by someone elseNote, this can be done by someone else