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Content
- Working with Content Basics
This tipsheet introduces staff to the basics of adding content to a QUT Blackboard unit site. The aim is to enable staff to access the editing functions on a content area within a QUT Blackboard unit site, and to add basic resource types.
- Content Type Basics
There are many types of links and content items in QUT Blackboard. This tipsheet provides a summary list of the item types that can be added to content areas using the Select menu and the Content toolbar. The purpose is to give a brief overview of the types of item that can be added to a Content Area.
- Using the Visual Text Box Editor
This tipsheet is a detailed run-down on the functionality of the Visual Text Box Editor, the rich text editor which is a part of most resource Add forms (e.g. Add Item, Add Assignment) on QUT Blackboard. The aim is give a complete overview of the functionality in order to maximise the potential use of the tool.
- Media Files
This tipsheet is a guide to the use of the Media File resource, which is used to add audio and video files for user viewing and/or downloading. It also includes information on how to use the resource in conjunction with recordings provided by AV Support.
- Adaptive Release
Adaptive Release is a function that allows you to create Rules to govern when resources become, or stop being, visible. This tipsheet provides some examples of when Adaptive Release can be useful, and introduces basic Adaptive Release, which allows one Rule to be applied to each resource. The tipsheet explains how to add, modify and remove a Rule, and how to see which Users fulfill the Rule.
- Learning Units
Learning Units are a kind of structured folder that encourages Students to view content in a predetermined order. A Learning Unit is a container for other types of content. In Edit View, it appears just like a folder, while in Display View it appears as a 'slideshow', a sequential series of Pages. This tipsheet details how to create a Learning Unit and add content items to it.
- Podcast
The Podcast tool allows for the provision of series of audio or video files to which users may be able to subscribe using a program such as iTunes. This tipsheet explains how to configure Podcast, how to add Podcast Episodes, and how to subscribe to the Podcast.
Assessment
- Creating Assignments
The Assignment tool on QUT Blackboard can be used by students for assignment file submission and by academics to provide feedback on assignments and to submit marks to a central grading area. This tipsheet provides instructions on how to create the Assignment resource.
- Gradebook
The Gradebook allows you to record and manage student grades, apply weighting and calculate totals. This tipsheet explains the basics of Gradebook, including the different ways of viewing Grades, adding Items, entering Grades, and applying Weighting and Categories.
- Gradebook, Excel and Curwen Results
This tipsheet explains how to export Gradebook data to a file that can be edited in Microsoft Excel then uploaded back into the Gradebook. Instructions are also provided for formatting the data in such a way that it can be imported into the Curwen Results program.
- Tests, Surveys & Pools
Tests, Surveys and Pools are tools that can be used to provide questions to students for online assessment, casual quizzes or surveying. The aim of this tipsheet is to inform staff how to create, modify, deploy and manage these items. The options pertaining to Tests, Surveys and Pools are also covered.
- Certificates
The Certificates tool allows award certificates to be issued from Blackboard sites. This tool is currently being piloted by a small number of Blackboard sites. If you wish to be included in this pilot, please contact the IT Helpdesk.
Communication and Collaboration
- Adding Announcements
The Announcements page is the default home page for unit sites, and will therefore be the first page students see as they enter. The Announcements tool on QUT Blackboard can be used to post notices to make available to the students of that unit. This tipsheet explains the steps involved to create and make announcements available.
- Chat
Chat is a Collaboration Tool that allows participants to engage in text-based conversation in real time. This tipsheet covers the use of both standard Chat from an administrator's perspective.
- Virtual Classroom basics / in detail
Virtual Classroom is an expanded version of Blackboard's Chat application. In addition to standard text-based chat, it offers a number of additional features that allow for richer interaction between participants, such as a communal whiteboard and group browser. These tipsheets detail how to use and administer Virtual Classroom sessions.
- AV Chat
AV Chat is much like regular Chat but with the option of including video and sound via a webcam or microphone. This tipsheet explains the use of AV Chat from an administrator's perspective.
- Discussion Board
The Discussion Board resource is a Collaboration Tool which can be used to generate structured dialogue between participants. This tipsheet explains how to set up a discussion forum, start discussion threads, and respond to posts.
- Send Email
The Send Email function within QUT Blackboard allows for e-mailing based on enrolment in a unit/community site to students, academics, and groups within the site.
- Blogs
The Blog tool allows users to make entries (also called posts) in an online journal. This tipsheet explains how to create and use a Blog on QUT Blackboard.
- Wikis
The Wiki tool allows users to collaboratively author online content. This tipsheet explains how to create and use a Wiki on QUT Blackboard.
- Groups
The Groups feature lets you define smaller Groups within the overall class, and allows Group members to communicate and work collaboratively . This tipsheet introduces the Groups functionality of Blackboard, and explains how to manage Groups and Group membership, as well as outlining the functions available for use by Groups.
- Group Join
Group Join is a QUT Blackboard item that allows students to join Groups instead of having to be assigned to them by teaching staff. This tipsheet explains the use of Group Join and its various options.
Site Administration
- Adding a Unit Banner
Unit sites on QUT Blackboard have some facility for customisation of appearance. One of the available functions is the ability to add a banner graphic on top of the unit site's Announcements page. This tipsheet explains the steps involved in this process.
- Managing Site Teaching Teams / Administrators
This tipsheet outlines the differences between site administrative roles (Unit Coordinator, Lecturer, and Tutor) in terms of Blackboard functionality, and explains how these roles are assigned within sites.
- Site Access Settings
This tipsheet briefly outlines the instructions for setting access levels on a unit/community site. A site can be closed so that only the administrators of the site can enter it, and it can also be modified to allow only students who are enrolled in the unit and no-one else (i.e. guests).
- Unit Copy
The Unit Copy function can be used to copy material between units in which you are a staff member. This tipsheet explains the use of Unit Copy and the options that can be selected when copying.
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