Blackboard Strategies: Using Blackboard Pedagogically

Instructional Design with Technology Work backwards…What is the learning outcome? What do you want your students to know or be able to do? What activities will help them gain these skills? How will you know if they have mastered the learning outcome? What assessments will provide you this data? Finally, how can technology be used as a teaching tool to accomplish the items above? Refer to “A 3-Step Approach” Handout

The Classroom Flip Model Move lecture materials out of the classroom through online delivery. Move assignments into the classroom where faculty can serve as a guide. Use extra time for application and practice. Extend conversation out of class through threaded discussion.

Teaching and Learning Challenges Students aren’t prepared for class because they haven’t kept up with the reading. Students need extra resources to expand on what the text offers. Students need to assess their understanding of the content more frequently. Students need additional opportunities for discussion and learning from peers.

Linking Learning Challenges, Teaching Strategies, and Technology Features Learning Challenge Teaching Strategy Technology Feature Students aren’t prepared for class Use more frequent quizzes on the readings Use online assessment feature in Blackboard

What is Blackboard? A “container” for your course materials and activities Course Management System Many tools and features A system A database: users and courses Integrated with other KU Systems A teaching and learning tool User-friendly Interface A web presence Available Anytime, Anywhere

Common Uses of Blackboard Post documents, pictures, graphics, website links, videos, assignments, other info., etc. Communicate with Students Discussion Board Virtual Classroom Announcements Manage Course Data Online Surveys, Quizzes, and Exams Gradebook Course Statistics

Getting Started… (How to Prepare) Read articles on online teaching and learning. Gather your materials together. Outline the course and its components. Which materials will be distributed in class and which will be available online? Build the framework for your course by creating content areas (buttons) and if necessary folders (Chapters, Weeks) Upload files to the content areas or folders.

Benefits of Online Discussion Messages are archived and available for review 100% participation Gives “Voice” to silent students More thoughtful, articulate responses because of increased time for reflection Increased time for discussion, not limited to space and time Supports additional peer learning

Discussion Board Considerations Focus the discussion on the main topic in the readings Require participation Establish protocols Use open-ended questions Ask additional probing or follow-up questions as needed Have students serve as moderators, critiquers, or summarizers Refer to “Discussion Board Guidelines Ideas” Handout

Discussion Board Ideas Posting assignments/projects for peer review “Dumb Questions” forum Mid-semester course evaluation Brainstorming Guest Lecturer Test Review Case Studies Website Critiques

Advantages of Online Assessment Instructors can assess student understanding more frequently and customize lectures accordingly. Students can monitor their own progress and be held more accountable for their own learning. Displays immediate feedback and results and provides individual item and overall exam statistics. Allows inclusion of multimedia elements not possible in paper assessments. Can save class time. Can repeat (multiple attempts) for mastery.

Training and Support “Using Blackboard: Tools and Strategies” course site Online Users Manual “Behind the Blackboard” at Blackboard Users Group/Listserv (JayBbug) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Training and Support cont. Quick Reference Card IDS Website ( ) or Phone (Business Cards) Course Check-up Course Make-over ( )

Misc. Blackboard Policies and Procedures Course Requests/Renewals Copyright and Fair Use Intellectual Property Rights Privacy Issues Student Support Other Software

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