This module covers six Blackboard tools that faculty members should master to design, develop, and manage their first distance course.
Using blackboard
Blackboard is the current Learning Management System (LMS) used by TWU. A LMS provides a variety of tools to support teaching and learning in the online environment. Content, assessments, discussions, handouts, grades, and more can be delivered and managed through a LMS. You will need to become familiar with Blackboard but this doesn't mean you need to become an expert to successfully deliver your first course.
For your first distance course at TWU, you must become familiar with the following six tools and features:
Blackboard features
- Announcements - the tool for general communication to the class.
- Communication tools - tools (Messages, email, and Discussion Board)for individual and group communication in the course.
- Assignment tool - the assignment tool combines the functionality of a dropbox and grading tool into a single location.
- Test Manager - this tool can administer quizzes, practice tests, and examinations.
- Gradebook - single location for all grades with some sorting capability.
- Content tools - ways (add item, add folder, and add test) to add content to the course.
