Re: [BB] iPad Exploration training event/Bill Vilberg to host the training

Dear BB users,

 

The Instructional Advancement Center is offering training on the Apple iPad, Friday, March 2^nd from 2:30  - 4:00 pm.

Do you have an iPad? Would you like to learn how to use it in new and interesting ways? The first "iPad Exploration" session will take place on Friday, March 2nd, 2:30-4:00 pm, in University Center, Flamingo Ballroom D, Room 257D. Bill Vilberg, Director of the Instructional Advancement Center and an iPad user since the day the original iPad was released, will.
(1) Go over some basic use techniques, (2) Show how to use some of the standard apps, and (3) Look at other apps available for iPads. This will be very informal, so bring your questions, experiences, apps, and of course your iPad.

Lots of seats in the room, so come if you can and bring a friend. You can register by going to http://iacevents.org/ and clicking on the name of the session, "iPad Exploration". For more information or accommodations please contact Kelley Seaman 305-284-2008 or k.seaman@miami.edu

Thank you,

Kelley Seaman

 

University of Miami

Instructional Advancement Center

Richter Library, 325 (LC 0320)

305-284-2008 P

305-284-3865 F

                                                                                      

 

[BB] Blackboard is back up

Hello Bb Users,

 

Blackboard seems to be back up. We don't know what the problem was or whether it has been fully resolved. We will pass on information as we get it.

 

Thanks again for your patience,

 

Rick Ramos

Blackboard Help Desk Supervisor

305-284-3949

 

 

 

[BB] Blackboard not working - Update

Hello Bb Users

 

There is a problem with the data center that houses our Blackboard server. Until the problem is identified and corrected, our system will remain down. We will keep you posted.

 

Thank you for your patience.

 

Rick Ramos

Blackboard Help Desk Supervisor

305-284-3949

 

 

 

[BB] Blackboard not working

Hello Bb Users

 

Blackboard  is currently down. We do not have an resolution time at this moment but we are working with Blackboard to get it back as soon as possible.

 

We apologize for the inconvenience.

 

Rick Ramos

Blackboard Help Desk Supervisor

305-284-3949

 

 

 

[BB] Blackboard Tips

Hello Bb Users,

 

ACCOUNTS FOR NON-UM PEOPLE:  If you are a faculty, an employee or a student at the University of Miami, you automatically have access to blackboard because you already have a CaneID. But did you know that other people that might need access, like someone guest lecturing in your class, can have an account created? 

 

We have put together instructions at the following link:

 

·         Create new account instructions: http://goo.gl/puWck

 

"SPECIAL" LOGINS:  The "Login with a special Blackboard ID and password" option will be removed from the login page sometime before fall semester begins. If you are still logging into Blackboard using that option, and you have a CaneID, please use it. If you don't have a CaneID, please create one as explained in the link above.

 

TRAINING – LEARNING MODULES:  Our next training topic will be on learning modules and how to use them in your class site. If you would like to attend the training on Tuesday, Feb. 28 or again on Wednesday, March 21, go to http://iacevents.org and sign up. If you need more information about Learning Modules, here are written instructions and a video you can use.

 

·         Learning module guide:  http://goo.gl/Uz4W1

 

·         Learning module video:  http://goo.gl/ZSTXV

 

Please let us know if there is any topic you would like to see in these letters that can help you with your blackboard or if you have any other idea about training or activity we should be doing.

 

HELP DESK SATISFACTION SURVEY: We have put in place a survey to evaluate our services at the blackboard help desk. We know your time is very valuable but this should only take a minute to fill in your answers and it would be a tremendous help for us.

 

·         Help Desk Survey:  http://goo.gl/p8sfJ

 

Please feel free to contact us for any issues you might have. Our business hours are from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm; and our phone number is 305-284-3949; and you can email us at blackboardhelp@miami.edu.

 

Thank you,

 

Rick Ramos

 

Manager of your Blackboard Support team

 

 

 

[BB] Blackboard tips

Hello Bb Users,

 

Did you know Blackboard is one way to go green on campus? You can collect written assignments from your students electronically and never have to print anything.

Blackboard offers two types of tools to allow you to accomplish that:

 

1.       Assignments Tool

Assignments allow you to create a link where student submit their work. An assignment, can include a description, point value, and file attachments. You can create assignments in several courses areas, such as in a Content Area or in a Learning Module, Lesson Plan, or folder. Students click on the assignment link, type a submission and/or attach files, and submit it. You can open each assignment individually or download them all to your computer. Then you canrespond to each student separately with comments and attached files.

 

Instructions on assignments:

 

http://goo.gl/a4ssH

 

Short video on downloading assignments:

 

http://goo.gl/VfQFq

 

2.       SafeAssign Tool

SafeAssign compares submitted assignments against a set of academic papers to identify areas of overlap between the submitted assignment and existing works. Safe Assign is used to identify original writing so you can prevent plagiarism. It can help students identify how to properly attribute sources rather than paraphrase.

 

Video on how to create/retrieve a SafeAssignment:

 

http://goo.gl/WvSsG

 

To reduce online cheating during a test in Blackboard, there is a tool available called Respondus LockDown Browser. To learn more about what this tool can do for you, don’t miss an upcoming webinar on Tuesday, February 21st at 4 pm ET offered by Respondus.

 

Registration link:

 

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/795275505

 

 

Our IAC Info wiki offers a wealth of information not only about Blackboard but many other services offered by the IAC and the University of Miami. You can access the site at this link: http://iacinfo.org

 

Please feel free to contact us for any issues you might have. Our business hours are from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm;  and our phone number is 305-284-3949; and you can email us at blackboardhelp@miami.edu.

 

Thank you,

 

Rick Ramos

Manager of your Blackboard Support team

 

 

 

Re: [BB] Instructional Advancement Center is offering a course Titled: Bad Practices in Technology Enhanced Learning

Hello Bb Users,

 

The Instructional Advancement Center is offering a course on the following:

 

Title: Bad Practices in TEL: Don't Focus on the Goal

Presenter: Bill Vilberg, Instructional Advancement Center

Dates: Friday, February 24, 2012 and/or Friday March 9,  2012

Time: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm (Same time frame for both dates)

Room: Richter Library, Faculty Exploratory, Room 305

 

With years of experience with technology enhanced learning (TEL), we can now identify some of the things NOT to do. This workshop will focus on one of the Bad Practices: not focussing on the goal. We will demonstrate examples of this bad practice, with an emphasis on the Blackboard class web site system. We will discuss ways to avoid this problem. You will get hands on training, in Blackboard, on techniques that that can overcome this Bad Practice. The goal is to make sure that you are using Good Practices.

 

The strategy is to make sure you recognize the Bad Practices and learn the techniques to avoid them. Technology can enhance learning when it is used appropriately, or interfere with learning when used inappropriately. This will be a collaborative workshop, on creating learning materials that help students focus on goals. Participation is limited. Sign up is REQUIRED. Sign up by going to iacevents.org and clicking on the session title. For questions or accommodations, contact Kelley Seaman at k.seaman@miami.edu or 305-284–2008.

 

Thank you,

 

Kelley Seaman

 

University of Miami

Instructional Advancement Center

Richter Library, 325 (LC 0320)

305-284-2008 P

305-284-3865 F

                                                                                      

 

[BB] SafeAssign Service has been Restored

Hello Bb Users,

 

SafeAssign Services have been restored at this time.  We had a connectivity issue with one of the Blackboard environment application servers. The matter has been resolved.

 

Please feel free to contact us for any issues you might have regarding SafeAssign. Our business hours are from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and our phone number is 305-284-3949 or you can email us at blackboardhelp@miami.edu.

 

 

Respectfully,

 

Alex Zaldivar

Instructional Advancement Center

Blackboard System Manager

Email: azaldivar@miami.edu

Phone: 305-284-3949

 

 

[BB] Safe Assignment issue

Hello Bb Users,

 

At this moment we are experiencing problems creating SafeAssignments. However, your students can still submit their assignment and you can review the results. We are working with Blackboard to solve the issue as soon as possible.

 

Please feel free to contact us for any issues you might have. Our business hours are from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and our phone number is 305-284-3949 or you can email us at blackboardhelp@miami.edu.

 

Thank you,

 

Rick Ramos

Blackboard Help Desk Supervisor

305-284-3949

 

 

 

[BB] Blackboard SafeAssign Upgrade has Completed

Hello Bb Users,

 

The SafeAssign upgrade scheduled for this morning  has been completed. Please contact the Blackboard help desk if you have any question about either the upgrade or SafeAssign in general. The Blackboard help desk is available at 305-284-3949 or blackboardhelp@miami.edu.

 

Thank you,

 

Alex Zaldivar

Instructional Advancement Center

Blackboard System Manager

Email: azaldivar@miami.edu

Phone: 305-284-5328

 

 

 

[BB] Blackboard SafeAssign Upgrade has Completed

Hello Bb Users,

 

The SafeAssign upgrade scheduled for this morning  has been completed. Please contact the Blackboard help desk if you have any question about either the upgrade or SafeAssign in general. The Blackboard help desk is available at 305-284-3949 or blackboardhelp@miami.edu

 

 

Thank you,

 

Alex Zaldivar

Instructional Advancement Center

Blackboard System Manager

Email: azaldivar@miami.edu

Phone: 305-284-5328

 

 

[BB] Blackboard Tips

Hello Bb Users,

How many different people log onto Blackboard the first week of school? This semester we had 13,333 vs. 11,998 a year ago. That is an 11% increase. This is because of what YOU are doing. Thank you.

 

here is some information that we hope you find useful.

 

1.       LOGIN: Some students may have questions on how to log into blackboard. We have a handout available to help them with these questions. You might include this information in your syllabus.

 

Blackboard Login Handout:  http://goo.gl/9oAuB

 

2.       FILE (PDF) ISSUE:  If you do what looks like the right thing when you want to post a file in Blackboard, your students may run into problems opening them, particularly, PDF files. Instead of using "Create a File", you need to “Create an Item” and attach the file to it. Here is a  link to step by step instructions to add items and attach files:

 

Creating Content in a Course Area: http://goo.gl/D7aGi

 

3.       BROWSERS:  Many  issues that students and faculty encounter with Blackboard are related to Browser compatibility. You can quickly solve many problems by switching to a different browser.  Our recommendation is to use the latest versions of Firefox or Chrome as the most compatible browsers for Blackboard with the latest version of Java also installed.

 

In some cases, Internet Explorer (IE) requires complicated settings to make it work, so if you really want to use IE and would like some assistance, please contact our blackboard help desk using our contact information at the bottom of this page. Blackboard offers a list of compatible browsers compatible, but we don't find it completely accurate. If you would like to see it, click on the link below:

 

Blackboard's Browser Chart: http://goo.gl/XhqW8

 

4.       HIDDEN MENUS:  On occasions, you will access a course and there the course menu will not be present. You may have no idea how it happened or how to fix it.  This is a "feature" in Blackboard to allow your course content to fill the window. Please look at the hand out at the link below to see how to use and recover from the "hidden menu" syndrome:

 

Hiding and Restoring Course Menus:  http://goo.gl/IF8Sb

 

5.       TRAINING:  We offer instructor led trainings and workshops in the Faculty Exploratory at the Richter Library. A new series of workshops on ways to improve your Blackboard class site by avoiding weak practices in technology enhanced learning (TEL) begins with a session on Friday, February 24, 2:30-4:00 pm. You can register for this or any of our events by going to our Registration site and clicking on the title of the session:

 

Registration Site: http://goo.gl/0Wjee

 

Please feel free to contact us for any issues you might have. Our business hours are from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and our phone number is 305-284-3949 or you can email us at blackboardhelp@miami.edu.

Thank you,

Rick Ramos

Manager of your Blackboard Support team

 

 

 

[BB] SafeAssign upgrade on Monday February 13th 2012

Hello Bb Users,

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

 

SafeAssign will be unavailable Monday, February 13^th 2012, starting at 8:00 am. It will probably be back in a few minutes. It could take until 9:30 am to get it upgraded.

 

DETAILS:

 

During Fall 2011, the SafeAssign tool was almost unusable due to the massive delays in processing time. We were all disappointed and frustrated by the service provided. SafeAssign is an “original writing” analyzer, which helps you determine what parts of a student’s assignment is not original. In  response to the problem, Blackboard has worked to try to make sure this problem does not reoccur.

 

As part of the upgrade, we need to install some new SafeAssign code (Building Block version 2.5) on our server. We will do this on Monday February 13th 2012 starting at 8:00 AM EST. We expect it to only take a few minutes. We are unable to practice it, so we might run into problems. We estimate the longest it would take is until 9:30 AM EST. During the time we are doing the upgrade, SafeAssign will not be available and no submissions will be processed.

 

Highlighted Fixes:

 

·         SafeAssign took a long time to displays submissions for courses with large rosters. That will be fixed.

·         SafeAssign had a problem downloading assignments that contained the forward slash (/) character in the titled. That will be fixed.

·         Sometimes SafeAssign did not attach the correct Feedback file on the SafeAssignment grade. This resulted in one student seeing another student’s feedback. This will be fixed.

 

User Documentation:

 

The latest SafeAssign documentation is available on line.

 

·         Safe Assign Student Guide

·         Safe Assign Instructor Guide

 

Please contact the Blackboard help desk if you have any question about either the upgrade or SafeAssign in general. The Blackboard help desk is available at 305-284-3949 or blackboardhelp@miami.edu

 

Thanks,

 

Rick Ramos

Blackboard Help Desk Supervisor

305-284-3949

 

 

Rick Ramos

Blackboard Help Desk Supervisor

305-284-3949

 

 

 

[BB] SafeAssign upgrade on Monday February

Hello Bb Users,

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

 

SafeAssign will be unavailable Monday, February 13^th 2012, starting at 8:00 am. It will probably be back in a few minutes. It could take until 9:30 am to get it upgraded.

 

DETAILS:

 

During Fall 2011, the SafeAssign tool was almost unusable due to the massive delays in processing time. We were all disappointed and frustrated by the service provided. SafeAssign is an “original writing” analyzer, which helps you determine what parts of a student’s assignment is not original. In  response to the problem, Blackboard has worked to try to make sure this problem does not reoccur.

As part of the upgrade, we need to install some new SafeAssign code (Building Block version 2.5) on our server. We will do this on Monday February 13th 2012 starting at 8:00 AM EST. We expect it to only take a few minutes. We are unable to practice it, so we might run into problems. We estimate the longest it would take is until 9:30 AM EST. During the time we are doing the upgrade, SafeAssign will not be available and no submissions will be processed.

Highlighted Fixes:

 

·         SafeAssign took a long time to displays submissions for courses with large rosters. That will be fixed.

·         SafeAssign had a problem downloading assignments that contained the forward slash (/) character in the titled. That will be fixed.

·         Sometimes SafeAssign did not attach the correct Feedback file on the SafeAssignment grade. This resulted in one student seeing another student’s feedback. This will be fixed.

User Documentation:

 

The latest SafeAssign documentation is available on line.

 

·         Safe Assign Student Guide

·         Safe Assign Instructor Guide

Please contact the Blackboard help desk if you have any question about either the upgrade or SafeAssign in general. The Blackboard help desk is available at 305-284-3949 or blackboardhelp@miami.edu

Thanks,

Rick Ramos

Blackboard Help Desk Supervisor

305-284-3949

 

 

 

[BB] Blackboard Tips

Hello BB Users,

 

We hope everyone is having a good semester. We will be regularly sharing tips and ways to help with your Blackboard sites. In this email, we want to share with you some of the Blackboard services we can offer to you.

You can request the services below by clicking on the "Resources" tab at the top of any Blackboard page (once you have logged in) and then click the "Common service request forms" link. You can also place any request by clicking on the "Help" link at the top of your Blackboard page, and then creating a help desk ticket.

 

Please provide the course ID of any courses we will be working with. You can find the course ID right above the announcement menu in your course, for example it will say something like: "122 - MDR70312 - FAMILY MEDICINE (SPRING 2012)".

 

1.      Course Merge

 

If you teach multiple sections of a course, it may be easier to combine them into one Blackboard course site, rather than have a separate site for each section. With the merged site, you can post your course material once rather than posting it in every section’s site separately. To have us create a merged site, request a "course merge".

 

Note: Access to the original courses site will be lost so make sure to let us know if there is any material you would like to copy over to the newly created merged site. User records, such as discussion board posts, grades, and assessment attempts will not be copied.

 

2.      Course Augment

 

There is also the option to do a "course augment" which will maintain all of your original course sites and add one additional master site with all of the students from your various sections. With the "course augment" option you can use the master site to post course material in one location, and reserve the individual course sites for assignments or tests specific to each course section.

 

Note: We cannot do an augment of a course site that was already merged.

 

3.      Course Copy

 

If you have material from a prior semester that you would like to copy to the new semester, you can call us to do a course copy for you or you can follow the steps at the link below to do it yourself:

 

http://goo.gl/uq1qU

 

Note: You need to be enrolled as an instructor in both courses sites in order to perform a Course Copy. User records, such as discussion board posts, grades, and assessment attempts will not be copied.

 

4.      Teaching Assistant enrollment

 

Teaching assistants are not added automatically to your class. They have to be entered manually. You can have us do it for you or you can do it yourself using the instructions at the following link:

 

http://goo.gl/ON85r

 

Please feel free to contact us for any issues you might have. Our business hours are from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and our phone number is 305-284-3949 or you can email us at blackboardhelp@miami.edu

 

Thank you,

 

Rick Ramos

Manager of your Blackboard Support team