In this month's newsletter, we want to ensure you know how to get Gradebook and Blackboard support as we ease into the last few weeks of the semester. We're also reminding everyone about security measures and resources to pass along to their students regarding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which begins on May 6, 2024. If you haven't registered, mark your calendars for our upcoming Surviving to Thriving Blackboard Ultra Celebration on May 13, 2024. This event will feature dedicated pedagogical topic tables for group discussions and opportunities for hands-on immediate application to review the latest enhancements and best practices of course design. We're also including information about the latest feature enhancements in the April Ultra update, as well as valuable tips for preparing your Spring/Summer courses. In this email newsletter:
| |
|
Gradebook and End-of-Semester Assistance
Mark your calendars for the following times when we will be holding drop-in hours for Gradebook assistance and last-minute questions as we get closer to the end of the semester:
You can also contact your eLearning Liaison with questions or submit a consultation request through our service portal. We've also compiled a list of "how-to's" for some of the most commonly used Gradebook features:
| |
April's Feature Enhancements for Blackboard Ultra
Blackboard releases new features and functionality on the first Friday of each month, and we're excited to highlight some of the latest functionality available as of April 5, 2024.
Your Gradebook will look slightly different. When grading assignments instructors have only one grade pill—reducing confusion about which grade pill to use for entering assignment scores.
| |
Instructors can also allow students to post anonymously on Discussions within the settings.
| |
Many of you asked for the default point value when creating new assessments to default from 10 to 1 point, and that change is now available in the April release. Please note that this does not change the point value of existing questions.
| |
Student Enrollments for Spr/Sum Courses & Common Faculty Requests
Student enrollments will be added to Blackboard courses beginning April 15, 2024. Please contact your department coordinator if you don't see your Spring/Summer course. Before you start building your Spring/Summer course site, we would like to highlight a few frequent requests that will help you for the next semester.
| |
RSVP for our Surviving to Thriving Celebration!
In May 2024, we will celebrate the first anniversary of our completed Blackboard Ultra migration. In our ongoing efforts to provide faculty with best practices and new features in Ultra, eLearning Technologies, in collaboration with Disability Support Resources and University Libraries, are hosting an event featuring dedicated pedagogical topic tables for group discussions and opportunities for hands-on immediate application.
Date: May 13, 2024
Time: 10am – 2pm (faculty can come and go as needed)
Venue: Seidman 1008
Registration closes on April 19, 2024
We aim to provide a relaxed venue where participants can bring their laptops and switch tables, fostering collaborative discussions and learning opportunities. Morning beverages/cookies as well as lunch will be provided. For more information about the event, including details on the various table topics and official registration, please visit the event website.
| |
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Students begins May 6, 2024
To enhance individual privacy and digital security, IT is implementing mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA) for students starting May 6, 2024. University services and systems, including Blackboard, will require MFA. In addition to existing IT Services support, IT Security has prepared comprehensive guides to assist students with this transition:
Please remind students about these changes and direct them to available support resources. Your feedback on the implementation process and its impact on teaching and learning activities are invaluable. Email it@gvsu.edu with your observations and suggestions.
| |
Timeline and Assistance for Migrating Blackboard Organizations to Ultra
August 30, 2024, has been identified as the deadline for migrating existing Blackboard Organizations to Blackboard Ultra. This will insure that we have ample time to support and assist faculty and staff during the spring/summer semester. Our team at eLearning Technologies will offer resources and personalized support tailored to guide you smoothly through the transition process. An email from Blackboard Administration was sent to all Blackboard Organizational Leaders on April 2, 2024, with resources and assistance to help with this transition.
Should you need an extension, please email bbadmin@gvsu.edu with your organization's name and requested extension date. Please refer to the original resources shared in the April 2, 2024, email for resources once you are ready to migrate your organization to Ultra. Email bbadmin@gvsu.edu to let us know your questions and how we can best support you with the migration process.
| |
Staffing Changes in eLearning
Starting May 6, 2024, Justin Melick will resume his previous role as Senior Instructional Design Specialist for eLearning Technologies, supporting CECI, SCB, and Engineering alongside Stephanie Webber. Concurrently, Mai MohamedNour's contract with eLearning concludes on May 3, 2024, and she will transition to a new position in Records and Registration. Mai's eLearning Technologies contributions will be fondly remembered, and we extend our best wishes to her in her latest endeavor.
| |
Connect with eLearning!
Feel free to connect with our eLearning Technologies team throughout the semester to schedule a consultation. Our team comprises instructional designers, instructional technology project specialists, digital media developers, system analysts, and dedicated graduate assistants focused on digital learning. Locate your assigned eLearning Technologies team members on our eLearning Technologies Support by Colleges website. Reach out through email or phone, or conveniently submit a consultation request via our Service Portal.
Let us know how we can assist you!
| |
Sincerely,
Kim Kenward, Director of eLearning Technologies
kenwardk@gvsu.edu
GVSU Information Technology
| |
|
| podcast by Jamison Wieser from Noun Project / Question by Adrien Coquet from Noun Project / feedback by Vectorstall from Noun Project / moving by Adrien Coquet from Noun Project / door open by shashank singh from Noun Project / wellness by Adrien Coquet from Noun Project / reminder by conchan from Noun Project / explain by Iconographer from Noun Project / Six by Adrien Coquet from Noun Project / Tour by Colourcreatype from Noun Project / key by Aaron K. Kim from Noun Project / closed by Gregor Cresnar from Noun Project / cleaning by Nubaia Karim Barsha from Noun Project / new by jiskan427 from Noun Project / leaf by Deepz from Noun Project / foundation by M. Oki Orlando from Noun Project / working together by Khoirin from Noun Project / Accessibility by mikicon from Noun Project / Toolbox by Danil Polshin from Noun Project / startup by Gregor Cresnar from Noun Project / Training by Adrien Coquet by Noun Project / origami paper bird by farra nugraha from Noun Project / Suitcase by Asiah from Noun Project
| |
|
|
