Student Tipsheets

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Content

• 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 sometimes used when entering text in QUT Blackboard, such as when answering questions in a test or posting to Discussion Board. The aim of this tipsheet is to give a complete overview of the functionality in order to maximise the potential use of the tool.
• Podcast
  A Podcast is a series of audio or video files that can be viewed in chronological sequence. If your coordinator has enabled the function, you may also be able to subscribe to the podcast using iTunes or another RSS reader. This tipsheet explains how to access podcasts in QUT Blackboard.

Assessment

• Tests & Surveys
  Tests and Surveys are online assessment and evaluation tools that coordinators may choose to use in Blackboard. This tipsheet explains the use of Tests & Surveys from a student perspective.
• Assignments
  Assignments in QUT Blackboard are a type of online assessment, usually requiring you to upload a file(s), which your teaching staff will then mark. This tipsheet explains how to submit an Assignment through Blackboard, and how to view your grade once the Assignment has been marked.

Communication and Collaboration

• Discussion Board
  The Discussion Board resource is a communication tool in which participants can post, view and reply to messages among a community of users. This tipsheet explains how to view Discussion Boards and Forums and post to Discussion Threads.
• Chat (including AV 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 and AV Chat, which, in addition to text-based chatting, allows users to broadcast audio and/or video via a webcam or microphone.
• Blogs
  The Blog tool allows participants to make entries (also called posts) in an online journal. This tipsheet explains how use a Blog as a student.
• Wikis
  The Wiki tool allows users to collaboratively author online content. This tipsheet explains how to make use of Wikis as a Student.
• 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. This tipsheet focuses on how students can use these functions, provided that they have been made available by staff.
• Sending Email within Groups
  If you are part of a Group, your coordinator may have enabled the function for Group members to send e-mails to each other. This tipsheet explains how to use this function.