IT News and Updates:
Posted 11/21/24
Lessons Learned: Student Perspectives on Effective Teaching
Join us for an engaging and insightful workshop led by students who will share their experiences and perspectives on what makes teaching effective. This session aims to bridge the gap between students and instructors by highlighting real-world examples and practical insights that can enhance teaching practices.
Prepare for Final Exams
As we approach the end of the semester, we understand the challenges that come with preparing for final assessments. Whether you’re delivering projects, papers, or exams, our team is here to help. From training sessions to technical support, we’re committed to supporting both students and faculty through this critical time. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance or resources to ensure a smooth assessment period. Let’s finish strong together!
Final Assessment Classroom Support
New this Fall, the IT department is providing a service to specifically support final assessments in the classroom. If you have group presentations or are conducting a final exam and would like technical support to be available at the beginning of your class to ensure the space is fully functional, please submit a service request! Please note, this service is first-come, first-serve and based on staffing resources.
Facilitate Exams in Blackboard Ultra
Blackboard Ultra is the recommended platform for proctoring final exams efficiently. With its robust features, you can create and secure online tests, set up automated grading, and provide real-time feedback to students. Join us for an interactive workshop designed to provide you with the essential tools and techniques to create a secure testing environment.
Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor
Blackboard Ultra has a deep integration with Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor. Respondus LockDown Browser locks down the testing environment preventing students from accessing other websites, applications or take screenshots during an exam. Respondus Monitor takes it one step further and remotely proctors by recording video and audio as the student completes the exam. AI is used to detect suspicious behavior such as looking away from a screen or using prohibited materials.
While these tools can help deter cheating, it is important to review any recording flags for accuracy.
For a detailed demonstration of both applications, please register for an upcoming workshop:
Blackboard Updates for November 2024
On November 7, 2024, Blackboard released the newest updates to the Learning Management System.
Print Tests with Questions from Question Pools
Instructors can now print tests that include questions from question pools. The answer key and corresponding test have been combined, ensuring the instructor always has an answer key that matches the test. The answer key is labeled to ensure awareness. Instructors can use the print option to save the answer key and test as a PDF.
The system generates a different version of the answer key and test each time a test is printed when the test:
- Randomizes questions or answer options
- Includes question pools
Role Play Feature for AI Conversation
The AI Conversation feature now includes a role play option. Role play can enhance learning by providing active learning opportunities and encourage critical thinking. This feature also provides an opportunity for students to apply knowledge in a simulated environment. Instructors customize the AI persona by giving it a name and image. Instructors also define the AI persona's personality traits and select the complexity of the responses.
Instructors should always preview an AI conversation before releasing the activity to students. AI tools can hallucinate and introduce bias. It is important to ensure that instructions are clear and that the AI persona responds in an expected and appropriate way.
Download Option for Student Activity Log
Instructors can review the Student Activity Log to troubleshoot or resolve academic disputes. The option to download the Student Activity Log as a CSV has been added. All filters applied to the log also apply to the CSV. Only the first 1000 events are downloaded.
Award Course Badges with Achievements
Achievements is a new capability for Ultra courses to help keep students motivated and congratulate them for their participation in a course. Achievements support self-directed learning, engages and motivates learners and adds transparency to learning.
For more information about the newest release, please review the blackboard updates for November 2024.