Service will be fully available now through Nov. 29th until 1:00 am EST with a return to service on or before 7:00 am. EST.

We will be monitoring the restoration of service on Nov. 29th.

Our 24-hour Help Line will also be available during this time frame at 866-886-4861.

Thank you for your patience throughout this process.

As always, please contact your school’s Academic Technology department for help, training information, technical issues or further questions.

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This upgrade will not only fix some “bugs” in the system but will also provide a new look and some new features. We have been testing the upgraded version of Blackboard with a group of faculty members, all of whom have commented that the new version is not only easier to use, has some great new features, and offers a more contemporary look.

We understand this downtime will be an inconvenience for some. As with other universities using Blackboard, there is usually just one opportunity a year to take down the system for upgrades and maintenance. We have chosen this date as one when the least number of users will be logged onto the system. When you login to the new system after the 25th, all your spring courses will be there with a somewhat different look. You will also find that the Course Menu has been streamlined and contains direct links to tutorials and live 24- hour help

We will be sending out reminders about this downtime and will also post notices on both My Cruiser and Blackboard. We apologize for any inconvenience. Based on faculty members’ feedback, we believe you will find this upgraded version of Blackboard, similar, if not easier to use, and with an inviting new look. We will be sending out further emails about the new features in Blackboard and training opportunities.

As always, please contact your school’s Academic Technology department for help, training information, technical issues or further questions.

Stay updated! Subscribe to the Blackboard 9 Blog by Email or by RSS!

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This feature will be available to all courses on December 26, 2013.

This feature will be available to all courses on December 26, 2013.

This feature will be available to all courses on December 26, 2013.

This feature will be available to all courses on December 26, 2013.

Academic Technology offers many services as well as support and training for faculty interested in using technology to enhance teaching and learning and to improve research. Highlights include Blackboard, blogging, podcasting, online & hybrid pedagogy, designing a flipped classroom, and pedagogical uses of social media and web 2.0 technologies. Please contact your school’s Academic Technology group for more information regarding these services.

If you plan on using Blackboard this semester, please see the following training dates, sign-up information, and resources:

Blackboard Training Dates

To sign up for a group training for this semester, please see the training schedule link below:
Fall 2013 Blackboard 9 Training Schedule
Choose Beginners if you are brand new to Blackboard, and choose Advanced if you would like to learn something new. Seating is limited to 8 per session. You will receive a confirmation email once you have been registered.

Please also remember that training is available all year by appointment if you are not able to attend one of the group sessions, or if you have particular needs that would be better suited in a one-to-one session.

Blackboard Course Availability

Just a reminder that all courses are unavailable to students until faculty make them available. To make your course available, follow these instructions:

How do I make my course available to students?

Blackboard Help

Also, we have a wealth of Blackboard Resources to assist you with your learning. Please see the:

Blackboard Instructor Knowledge Base for detailed, easy to follow step-by-step tutorials, or the one for Students.

Finally, please call the Academic Technology help line for Blackboard related technical questions or issues, or for more information.

Other Exciting Instructional Technologies

We also consult on related pedagogy and train on other technologies including

• Blogging
• Lecture Capture
• Podcasting
• Wikis
• The Flipped Classroom
• Social Media
• Web 2.0
• Mobile & Tablets
• Clickers
• Online & Hybrid Pedagogy

and much more!