Blackboard Update, February 2013
In February 2013, the CNYRIC’s Blackboard learning management system was updated to version 9.1, service pack 11. This update will include changes to the look and feel of the Blackboard system, as well as offer enhanced functionality for instructors.
In February 2013, the CNYRIC’s Blackboard learning management system was updated to version 9.1, service pack 11. This update will include changes to the look and feel of the Blackboard system, as well as offer enhanced functionality for instructors.
| Class-to-Class Navigation: When in a course, you will no longer need to navigate to Blackboard’s main landing page to access your other courses. You will now be able to move from course to course from within a course by clicking the drop-down menu in the upper left corner of the page. |
| Change Class Themes: Within a course, instructors can apply a Course Theme to match their design preferences and teaching methods. Course Themes add a background image to the course display and change the color of the user interface, including the Course Menu, buttons, and controls. Applying a theme does not affect course content, and users can change the theme again at any time |
| Customization--QuickSetup Guide: When instructors enter a course initially, a Quick Setup Guide screen appears helping instructors set up a new course. Instructors are initially asked to update the name and description of their course and then to apply any changes. Instructors can go on to step two and design their course menu by applying a course structure from over 30 different pedagogically based selections. At this point, instructors can also decide whether to add sample content to the course. Finally, there are links to additional resources to help instructors learn more about building their courses. The Quick Setup Guide will appear every time an instructor enters their course unless it is turned off. When turned off, the Quick Setup Guide can be accessed from the Control Panel under Customization. |
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Customization: Teaching Style--Class Structures Blackboard offers Class Structures instructors can use as a launching pad to create a course, organize content, share knowledge, and build communities. Course Structures contain course areas, optional sample content, pedagogical information, and instructions to help instructors design their course. Course Structure content and Course Menu links are added to the course’s existing content if you elect to add a structure. |
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Content Editor: The content editor allows you to add and format text, insert equations and hyperlinks, tables, and attach different types of files to content. The editor appears throughout Blackboard in all locations that allow the addition of content. The content editor has two views: simple mode and advanced mode. To see more tool options click the icon in the upper-right corner. The content editor can also be expanded to full screen. Click here to open a PDF cheat sheet for all of the tools on the Content Editor. |
