1. Blackboard Next Generation (Version 9.1)
Introduction to New Features Coming Summer 2011

2. Blackboard at NIU

3. More details: www.niu.edu/blackboard
Learning management system acquired by NIU in 2000, available campus-wide for teaching since 2002
Used for range of activities from posting course materials to teaching online
In fall 2010, 97% of NIU students and 75% of faculty use Blackboard for 50% of course sections
More details:

4. Use of Blackboard by (individual) Students
23,040
Usage % for fall ‘10 with 23,795 enrolled is 96.8% of total number of students

5. Use of Blackboard by (individual) Faculty/Staff/TAs to Teach
1,320
Usage % for fall ‘10 with 1,761* faculty/instructors/TA/teaching staff is 74.96% *1,761 includes only those providing direct instruction

6. Number of Credit Course Sections in Blackboard
2,514
Usage % for fall ‘10 with 5,106* sections is 49.23% *No. of course sections including thesis, dissertation, and independent studies is 5,106

7. Number of Course Enrollments in Blackboard
87,687
Students enrolled in several courses that use Blackboard in a semester
3.6 course sections on Blackboard/student

8. Current Blackboard Version (Release 8.0)

9. Blackboard 8.0

10. Control Panel

11. Edit View

12. Blackboard Next Generation (Release 9.1)

13. Blackboard Next Generation
Most significant upgrade of Blackboard to date

14. Redesigned Faculty Interface
Contextual editing requiring fewer clicks!
Faculty features have been reorganized and as a result faculty workflow will be streamlined
Contextual editing requiring fewer clicks! Faculty features have been reorganized and as a result faculty workflow will be different

15. New Features and Changes in Blackboard Next Generation (Release 9.1)

16. Major New Features Coming in Blackboard NG
Redesigned faculty interface
Blogs
Wikis
Journals
ePortfolios
Learning Modules
Lesson Plans
Mashups
Notifications
New Group Features
Workflows
iTunesU
Blackboard Mobile Learn
Listing of all 80+ new features available at

17. Blackboard Mobile Learn
Apps for accessing course content & activities on iPod, iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, Android

18. Mobile Learn on iPad
Customized version of Mobile Learn App specifically for tablet size and features

19. Brief Demonstration

20. Features Removed
Digital Drop Box: replaced by more robust Assignment Tool
Student Homepages: replaced by new blogs tool
Electric Blackboard: replaced by new Journals tool

21. Upgrade to Blackboard NG
Blackboard NG released in fall 2009
Blackboard will not continue to support current version (8.0) after 2011
NIU’s upgrade to Blackboard NG planned for May 2011 (Memorial Day weekend)
FacDev and ITS staff began testing NG in summer 2010 to ensure all the features and interfaces work properly, and identify quirks
FacDev staff are working on developing new workshops and documentation for NG
Upgrade will not impact course materials, it will impact only user interface
Students won’t see a drastic difference

22. Workshops Scheduled
40 workshops currently scheduled for Spring & Summer 2011:
10 preview sessions prior to upgrade
8 hands-on workshops for new users
10 “tune-up” workshops for experienced users
2 “boot camp” days of in-depth advanced sessions
open lab sessions every day of the first week of summer and fall semesters for individual assistance

23. Preparing for The Upgrade
Become aware of the new features that are coming
Watch for announcements of workshops from Faculty Development
Preview sessions beginning after Spring Break
Hands-on sessions April-July
Attend a workshop in Spring or Summer – don’t wait until August!

24. niu.edu/blackboard/ng
More Information
niu.edu/blackboard/ng