U of A Faculty Invited to Readiness Labs in December and January to Refresh Blackboard Courses

Instructional designers and academic technologists will work with University of Arkansas faculty and instructors during “Course Readiness Labs” in December and January to update courses and review Blackboard Learn updates.

“Come, talk about your class with instructional designers, academic technologists and other faculty to share what is working for you and pick up strategies to improve your course,” said Shelly Walters, a Global Campus instructional designer. “We will have copies of the Quality Matters online standards, checklists, and calendars.”

These drop-in labs are set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, Dec. 17 through 19, and Jan. 5 through 9, in Room 402 of the Global Campus Building at 2 E. Center St., on the downtown Fayetteville square.

The winter readiness labs will focus on updating spring courses and reviewing details about the Blackboard Learn upgrade. Major features of the upgrade include:

• Student Preview
• SafeAssign
• Anonymous & Delegated Grading
• Calculated Formula Test Questions
• Portfolios

Faculty and instructors can find help with educational technology through instructional designers and the Faculty Technology Center.

Each readiness lab is a drop-in event that gives faculty the opportunity to set aside time to focus on updating their courses in Blackboard for the next semester. No reservations are necessary, but faculty are encouraged to bring their laptops. Those who need laptops provided for them should contact Shelly Walters, instructional designer, at saw034@uark.edu.

The course readiness tutorial video will walk faculty through verifying and updating their courses in Blackboard. This step-by-step tutorial showcases some tips and best practices that will enhance the quality of courses. Use a readiness checklist to determine if a course is ready for the start of a new semester.

If a course has not been created in Blackboard for the new semester, view the course request website page.

Faculty with questions can contact the instructional design and support services team at online@uark.edu or 479-575-6510.