What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is a web-based "learning management system" that can be used to create course web sites. Blackboard course sites, which are automatically created for all courses listed in the online schedule of courses, can be used to complement face-to-face classes or to support classes that are taught entirely online. Instructors can use Blackboard to post course content and announcements, communicate with students, give online quizzes and surveys, collect assignments, encourage student collaboration, and post grades. Students can use Blackboard to communicate with you and with other students, check grades, and access course material.
How can Blackboard enhance teaching and learning?
Students have access to course materials placed on Blackboard at any time and from any location. Blackboard can be used to extend discussions of course material beyond the meeting time of the class. Blackboard can be used to help students track their progress and assess their own learning. Blackboard provides a place for students to work together on group assignments.
What tools are available within Blackboard?
Tools within Blackboard include:
- Assignments
Have students submit assignments through Blackboard; then grade and give feedback to students via Blackboard.
- Tests, quizzes, and surveys
Create online tests, quizzes, and surveys that include media and a variety of question types.
- Grade Center
Enter and manage student grades. Share selected grade information with students.
- Discussion board
Share thoughts about course readings and answer student questions using the discussion board.
- Groups
Divide the class into groups, each with its own discussion board and area for file sharing.
- Blogs
Keep a journal of class news and announcements or have students keep their own journals reflecting on course materials.
- Wikis
Assign colloaborative projects where students work together to create web sites and annotated bibliographies.
- Voice Tools
Communicate with students using built-in audio announcements, audio discussion boards, and podcasts.
How has Blackboard been used for teaching and learning at Hunter?
- Blackboard communities have been used to share resources with colleagues in large, multi-section courses.
- Blackboard quizzes, tests, and surveys have been used to provide incentives for doing assigned readings, collect student feedback on departmental matters, anonymously assess student progress, and conduct online exams in hybrid/online courses.
- Voice Tools have been used to help students develop their speaking and listening skills in language courses and to allow students to create podcasts describing their approach to research.
|
