Since 2009, the Wimba Classroom collaboration tool has been integrated into Blackboard and has been used by NIU faculty and staff for online web conferencing activities ranging from online lectures, office hours, to group activities. NIU is currently testing Blackboard Collaborate, the next generation version of Wimba Classroom that includes an easier-to-use interface that simplifies many of the tasks presenters typically perform. Join us for this online preview of Blackboard Collaborate I offered 4/27/2012 to see the new interface and features first-hand and learn more about NIU’s options for moving forward with upgrading to Blackboard Collaborate. | view online archive | view podcast in iTunes | view mp4

For details on upcoming FREE online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit www.niu.edu/facdev/programs/online

I was honored to have been nominated for, and having received, the 2012 NIU Supportive Professional Staff Presidential Award for Excellence in recognition of “excellent performance and significant contributions to Northern Illinois University.” Only four such awards are given each year to NIU staff and the award can only be received once…so it was quite a humbling experience to have been honored in this way.

The best part of receiving the award was that my family was able to be a part of the awards ceremony, even though I think my two little girls had the most fun climbing up and down the stage before the ceremony

I look forward to many more years of serving the faculty and staff of NIU…forward, together forward!

The Blackboard Grade Center not only provides an easy-to-use interface for posting grades and feedback for students but also numerous advanced features including smart views, grading periods, and calculated columns for more easily accessing, entering, sorting, and managing grades in Blackboard. During this online workshop offered 3/30/2012 I shared proven tips and best practices for configuring the Blackboard Grade Center that will save you time and make it easier than ever before to post grades and provide feedback to students. Handout accompanying this session is available at niu.edu/blackboard/assess/gradecenter/tips.shtml | view podcast in iTunes | view mp4

For details on upcoming FREE online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit www.niu.edu/facdev/programs/online

For more details or to register, visit http://sloanconsortium.org/institute/workshops/text-messaging-teaching-tips-and-techniques-trenches

The built-in groups tools available in Blackboard make it possible for students to engage easily in online discussion, share files, chat, and email. However, simply placing students in groups in Blackboard and enabling these available tools is no guarantee that students will engage in meaningful group collaborations. What are the most efficient and effective uses of the Blackboard group tools? During this online discussion I led on 3/23/2012 we sought to answer this question and shared tips and best practices for creating and sustaining group activities using Blackboard. | view podcast in iTunes | view mp4

For details on upcoming FREE online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit www.niu.edu/facdev/programs/online

The Interactive Rubric tool in Blackboard makes it possible for rubrics with click-and-score simplicity to be built into the grading workflow, increasing efficiency while also supporting consistent and high quality feedback. During this online session offered 2/29/2012 we explored the Interactive Rubrics tool in Blackboard and sample interactive rubrics applied to various types of Blackboard assessments. We highlighted the steps for creating an Interactive Rubric and applying it to an assignment for grading. We also covered how to reuse a rubric within a Blackboard course or share with other faculty. | view podcast in iTunes | view mp4

For details on upcoming FREE online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit www.niu.edu/facdev/programs/online

The online assessment tools of Blackboard can be utilized to facilitate meaningful and memorable learning activities for students. These online assessment tools include: surveys, test, quizzes, and electronic submission of assignments. What are the most efficient and effective uses of the Blackboard assessment tools? What recommendations exist for reinforcing academic integrity and providing meaningful feedback? During this online discussion I led on 2/23/2012 we sought to answer these questions and share tips and best practices for assessing student learning using Blackboard. | view podcast in iTunes | view mp4

For details on upcoming FREE online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, visit www.niu.edu/facdev/programs/online

The announcement, discussion, and email features in Blackboard are just a few of the many tools available for faculty to communicate with students and foster collaboration during the course. What are the most efficient and effective uses of the Blackboard communication tools? During this online discussion I led on 1/26/2012 we sought to answer this question and share tips and best practices for communicating with students using Blackboard. | view podcast in iTunes | view mp4

For details on upcoming online workshops offered by NIU Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center and available for FREE, visit www.niu.edu/facdev/programs/online

The link to the complete webinar archive is here and more details regarding the webinar, including slides shared, are here. A mobile mp4 version of the archive is here.

Thanks to David Wicks for originally sharing.