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Grand Valley State University
Welcome!
We're thrilled to reconnect and bring you the latest issue of our eLearning Technologies newsletter. This edition will equip you for a successful semester kick-off, featuring start-up suggestions for Blackboard Learn Ultra, opportunities to join our Online/Hybrid Faculty Learning Community, essential reminders about upcoming webinars, and a re-introduction to the dedicated members of your eLearning team. Let's dive into what's in store in this issue:

Looking Back and Looking Forward
It has been a dynamic year as we have prepared to transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra. In this short video, discover the highlights of the past twelve months, gain insights into how our team will persistently assist the GV community in the upcoming semester, and what we're excited to focus on during Fall 2023.

3 Tips for Starting the Semester Strong

Tip 1: Review the New Semester Checklist and attend Virtual Office Hours for Last Minute Questions
Has your Blackboard course been made available to students? The checklist is a great place to review some of Blackboard's basic and essential functions. This article also provides another excellent list of resources for getting started with Blackboard Ultra. In addition, we are hosting virtual office hours to provide general assistance. No registration is required!
Have you learned the Blackboard Ultra Essentials? This webinar is recommended for faculty/staff who want to learn the most commonly used features of Blackboard Ultra. Registration is required.
  • August 31, 2023 • 10:00am - 11:00am
  • August 31, 2023 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Sept 7, 2023 • 4pm - 5pm
Tip 2: Use the Default Blackboard Layout
We know several of you would prefer to take your time building out your Blackboard course for the semester. We suggest structuring your site into distinct sections using learning modules arranged by week or by topic. A consistent format will significantly enhance your student's ability to navigate your course. Please note that each of your Blackboard courses already includes a course template with suggested design considerations. Here's an example module shown from the student's view:
See this Knowledge Base article for additional best practices and tips for course design in Blackboard Ultra.
Tip 3: Review your students' pictures in the photo roster
Using your students' ID photos is an excellent way to help you learn student names. You can easily access these photos through the "Class List" tool in GVSU Faculty/Staff Additional Banner Applications (VPN connection required for off-campus access).
Note: Faculty will only see photos in courses in which they are the instructor of record in Banner. Assistance with using this tool can be found in this Knowledge Base article found in our Service Portal.

Save the Date! Join our Online/Hybrid Learning Community

Whether you've been teaching online or hybrid courses for several years or are just getting ready to start your first semester teaching hybrid or online, all levels of expertise are welcome to join our Online & Hybrid Faculty Learning Community.
Join us each month to:
  • Support new and experienced online/hybrid faculty through dialogue and samples
  • Explore best practices associated with online/hybrid teaching and learning
  • Identify emerging technological needs to support online teaching and learning
  • Share collective expertise across disciplines
    • Date: Thursday September 21, 2023 • 1pm – 2pm
    Topic: Semester kick-off and topic selection
    Use this link to join the Zoom meeting

    Reminders about Upcoming Webinars

    Every semester the eLearning team offers a variety of webinars covering a wide array of teaching and technology topics. Most sessions are facilitated in a LIVE webinar format using Zoom to make it especially convenient. Review our Webinar page to see a complete list of offerings and register for all sessions in GVSU Sprout. Although Blackboard Ultra is still new to most of you, we're thrilled to bring back more topics with a pedagogical focus this fall. Our professional development categories include:
    Blackboard Ultra
    Pedagogy
    Digital Media
    We are also excited to announce our Microsoft Office Roadtrip Series to strengthen your Microsoft 365 knowledge! This semester will focus on all sorts of tips/tricks for Microsoft Outlook and how to use Microsoft Bookings to schedule and coordinate meetings.

    How to Connect with Your eLearning Technologies Liaisons

    Our eLearning team includes sixteen full-time staff, two graduate assistants, and nine Digital Studio student assistants dedicated to digital learning. The mission of eLearning Technologies is to support faculty, contribute to teaching excellence, and enhance student success. If you want your eLearning Liaisons to attend a departmental meeting, design a custom workshop, or provide a consultation, don't hesitate to submit a request. Our three Digital Studios have expanded student coverage this fall semester, and we're eager to help support you with your digital media projects.
    Please get in touch with us for help!
    Sincerely,
    Kim Kenward, Director of eLearning Technologies
    GVSU Information Technology
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