Blackboard V9.1 -  Welcome Changes on the Horizon     

The latest version of Blackboard V.9.1 goes live for the DCCCD, on May 25, 2011.  Blackboard is the eCampus portal students use to access their courses online.

When students and instructors log-in to eCampus, there will be some noticeable changes.  Using web 2.0 resources and social networking tools will be a breeze with Mashup tools like Flickr Photo, SlideShare Presentations and YouTube videos. Instructors will find it easy to integrate rich media learning content and deliver more engaging course content in just a few clicks-- promoting active learning opportunities for students.  Instructors will also appreciate the new file upload option-- once a file is updated, you won't be required to select the redundant "attach file" button again. 

Here are a few more things instructors will notice:

• Blogs, Journals and Wikis are now gradable
• Assign Textbooks (searchable Textbook database that will provide all needed textbook information; e.g., ISBN, Author, Publisher, Publication Date, etc.)
• Users: All users visible by default (no search required)
• Content Collection: Instructors can now drag and drop multiple files or folders into a course. These files and folders can be accessed from all of the courses belonging to that instructor.
• Grade Center
• Default submenus: Assignment and Test - With just one-click Instructors can view just the Assignment columns or the Test columns (much less scrolling required)
• Favorites submenus: Instructor selected/ created submenus - One-click to view Favorite Submenu column(s) and Discussion Board  (much less scrolling required)
• Grading Color Codes: Grading in Blackboard is more flexible and consistent. Instructors will be able to color code the student grades by grade ranges for easy management
• Filter: Instructors will be able to filter the Grade Center by Current View, Category and Status to easily locate a desired item (a great time saver)
• Enhanced Grade Center Column options: Instructors will be able to Grade by Questions, by Attempts, and Grade Anonymously.

For more information on eCampus... 

Help, I Need Help!

• The best hours to call the Help Desk is 8:00 am - 12:00 midnight
• Help Desk calls are answered by real people (DCCCD personnel and Presidium Call Center)
• Help Desk Personnel do not give out grades

• The best hours to call the Faculty Help Desk, 8:00 am - 12:00 midnight
• The Help Desk can assist with eCampus, eConnect, Microsoft Office, Datatel and Novell GroupWise 
• Help Desk provides assistance with eCampus applications-- Wimba, Tegrity, Respondus LockDown Browser, and SafeAssign and others.

Tools You Can Use in eCampus 

Wimba PRONTO 

Looking for a way to communicate with your students using all the latest techno-gadgetry--  then Wimba Classroom Suite is just the tool for you. Instructors usually use Wimba Classroom to communicate synchronously (together at the same time) with the class via video, chat, and file sharing. Other advanced features such as polling, whiteboards, analytic tools, and MP3 or MP4 downloads enable an even more dynamic interaction between students and educators. 

Wimba Pronto allows you to communicate with individual students or small groups of students like an instant messaging system.  Use it for weekly reviews,  Q & A sessions, or as a virtual office-- and it's easily accessible in eCampus.  Wimba Pronto includes features such as instant messaging, application sharing, audio and video conferencing and office hours.  

All you need to get started are speakers, a microphone and a solid Internet connection to communicate as if you were face to face.   

FREE WebConferences  

There's a Teacher in Your Pocket: A Look at M-Learning  

(Mobile Learning)

May 17, 2011 - 1:00 pm-2:00 pm Central Time

How do you keep your students attention and use the technology they use best? Instead of working against the technology, embrace the mobile device and use it to your advantage.  Topics will include the history, references, resources and theory behind using the mobile device as a component of the online classroom and creating a new digital hybrid.

"Reporting Tells Your Tale"

 Streaming May 23 - June 20, 2011

* (approx. 45-60 minutes) 24/7 www.starlinktraining.org  

 This program will provide information to assist in reporting student information to The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and how the reported information is used.

Using Technology to Facilitate Group Projects in the Virtual Classroom

June 7, 2011 - 1:00 pm-2:00 pm Central Time

Web 2.0 Applications: Free Tools for You and Your Students

June 14, 2011 - 1:00 pm-2:00 pm Central Time

Fore more information...