Blackboard Learning System Course Tools

 

To create, organize, or deliver content in a Blackboard Learning System course, various course tools are used. A tool is a function in this software that allows the student to perform specific activities. For example, students will use the Assessments tool to complete and submit quizzes. The below section is a list of Course Tools that will primarily be used during the semester. I have provided an explanation on each tool so that students can become familiar with their features and use.

 

Announcements Tool:

The Announcement tool is used to send text announcements to students enrolled in the course. Announcements appeare in students' my WebCourses or on the Announcement screen. Announcements can also appear as pop-up messages, which appear when students long in to the course. Example: the Announcements tool can be used to inform Students that the due date for a quiz or assignment has changed.

Assessments Tool:

Under the Assessments Tool students can view assigned quizzes, surveys, or self-tests. A quiz is an online test that Students complete and submit for marks. The marks are recorded in Grade Book. Students performance in the course.
A survey is an online questionnaire that Students complete and submit anonymously. A survey is not worth marks but will be recorded as Complete in Grade Book after it is submitted. I use surveys to allow Students to give feedback or opinions. A self test is an online test that Students complete and submit for marks so they can assess their understanding of course material. The marks are not recorded in Grade Book.

Assignments Tool:

Assignment Tool is used by the Instructor to create assignments such as a short answer response of a full essay. Students to submit their assignment by entering text in the Assignments tool, attaching files, or doing both. Students can enter text directly on the assignment screen. However, if Students are expected to submit a large amount of text, for example an essay, or they need to supplement the text with other material, they have the option to attach files.

Calender Tool:

Within each unit or chapter the calender will be populated with information as to the dates that an assignment is due or an activity is being planned. The calender tool should be used by students to keep them on track and organized as to what work needs to completed and the date by which it needs to be submitted.

Chat Tool:

The Chat tool allows students and instructor to communicate in real time with other users in the course. Students can use Chat to engage in real-time conversations with all users or selected users. Students and Instructor can also use the Chat tool's Whiteboard to draw objects, enter text, import images, and create slide shows that can be viewed in real time by other users.

Discussion Tool:

There are three types of discussion topics:

  1. Threaded: Create a threaded topic for a more traditional online discussion. Participants post and reply to messages. Replies that are associated with the same post are grouped together, creating message threads that can be expanded and collapsed.
  2. Class blog: Create a collaborative blog (weblog) space by allowing participants to post a chronological series of entries on a particular topic. Participants can then add comments to any blog entry.
  3. Journal: The creation of a journal topic for Students to place their own writing. The journals can be kept private between the Student and the Section Instructor or shared with the class