Blackboard
How do I use the Blackboard discussion board?
Once you create a discussion board forum, which is something only a faculty member can do, you just select Add Thread and type in your information - it is as easy as that!
Where can I learn more?
Feel free to contact CITG . You can also check out the Discussion Board Best Practices Guide. This guide contains:
- Planning Ahead
- Types of Forums
- Creating Groups
- Types of Wraps
- Technical Requirements/Skill Set
- Learning the Jargon
- Netiquette
- Directions for Students
- Forum Planning Guide
Do I have to be a technology super-user to conduct threaded discussions?
Certainly not! Among the blended delivery options that Babson features, Blackboard's discussion board is the most user-friendly, low-risk, and easy to master. At a basic level, faculty and students need:
- Basic technology experience/comfort level
- Basic understanding of Blackboard
- Internet access (high-speed preferred)
- PC (not Mac)
- Flexible mindset and open attitude. After all, "technology happens"
Elluminate
The online classroom tool that is used at Babson is called Elluminate. 'What is Elluminate?' you ask. Elluminate is an online application enabling real-time communication, collaboration, and learning between faculty and students. In an Elluminate session, faculty are able to:
What are some of the benefits of using Elluminate?
- Simulates face-to-face experience with added benefits (recording function, white board, application sharing, and so on)
- Can conduct audio- or text-based chat
- Recordable, which means students can review the conversation later/repeatedly
- Because it is in "real time," questions can be asked and answered as they come up, much like a face-to-face class
- Can make online session "secure" (i.e. password-protected) or publicly available
- Flexible, which means faculty can start an application share, Web tour, or multimedia playback to support an on-the-spot teaching moment
- Interface is user-friendly and intuitive (i.e. students can indicate yes/no, "raise their hand"," "laugh," "clap," and so on)
What are some things to consider when using Elluminate?
- Because it is in "real time," students and faculty must all be online at the same time
- A highly interactive discussion can become difficult to follow/participate in when a large number of people are enrolled in the session, but great for large classes when session is conducted in a lecture style
- Requires some up-front planning and good management
- Students/faculty must download Elluminate software
- Teaching and "driving" can be a lot to do at once - Solution is to have a second "driver".and CITG can offer this! Contact CITG to discuss options
Thinking through how to teach with Elluminate?
Here are some helpful resources - best practice information, online resources and links to available books:
How do I use Elluminate?
Review the Elluminate Moderator Quick Reference Guide for a great overview of what Elluminate looks like and how to use the functions. Want more in-depth information – review the Elluminate created Tips for Conducting an Elluminate Session Guide , which is packed full of great pre- and in-session tips. You can print both of these documents for your reference. You can also take a look at Elluminate Documentation Web site for quick tutorials and pdfs on specific Elluminate functions.
Want to provide your students with helpful how-to information on Elluminate?
Send them to the CITG Elluminate Knowledge Center - Elluminate for Students page.
Ready to use Elluminate?
Follow these easy steps to get up and running:
You are ready to Elluminate!
Are there any technical requirements for Elluminate?
Yes, and they are:
- Working computer
- Microphone and speaker headset
- Soundcard
- 56k modem or faster (DSL or faster recommended)
- The ability to download and install software via the internet (Administrative Rights)
Problems with your Elluminate installation? Have technical questions?
Follow these steps to obtain support:
Need help troubleshooting specific problems? Find your problem listed below…
Problem: Unable to install required java web start software
Problem: Lost Internet connectivity or Elluminate closes or removes you from the session
- Close Internet Explorer
- Restart Internet Explorer and go to your Blackboard site to access your Elluminate session link
- Follow steps listed above to log into Elluminate
Problem: Unable to hear the professor or class audio
- Check that your speakers are on or not muted
- Adjust the speaker level in Elluminate
- In Elluminate, select the Tools menu – Audio - Set Up Audio
- Follow steps to test your audio settings
- Adjust the speaker volume on your computer
- Start - Settings - Control Panel - double-click on Sounds and Multimedia
- Click the audio tab
- Click the Volume button in the Sound Playback section
- Drag the sliders on the Volume Control to the desired level
Breeze Live:
Coming Soon. please check back soon.
