Using Blackboard

Blackboard Learn is Boston University’s primary learning management system (LMS). Through Blackboard instructors can post course content, make announcements, send messages, create online assessments, and facilitate online discussions. By managing all course materials online, instructors make learning accessible to students at all times and in all locations.

• Easy document sharing
• Multimedia content, including video lectures and audio assignments
• Built-in anti-plagiarism service
• Advanced quiz and survey tools
• Communication outside the classroom, e-mail, discussion boards, and blogging tools
• Use student knowledge retention and performance analysis tools
• Excel-compatible gradebook

Collaboration tools

Blackboard provides communication tools, primarily blogs, journals, and wikis, so that instructors can engage with their students anytime, anywhere. Use collaboration tools to have students share their thoughts with the class, to communicate with students one-on-one, and even to have students edit and respond to each other’s work. See this blog post (or this one) for a brief explanation, or contact us for more information. Use MyMedia and Youtube videos in conjunction with Blackboard discussion forums to engage students outside of class. See this blog post for more information on integrating video content with Blackboard.

Assessment tools

Include rubrics in online assignments to make grading simpler for you and more transparent for students. See this blog post for a brief explanation, or contact us for more information. Integrate Blackboard Learn with Digication e-Portfolios (link) or Turning Point response clickers (link) to diversify your assessment methods and engage students on another level. Self and peer assessment tools are also available on Blackboard.

Why use Blackboard Learn?

It works for all styles of teaching. Blackboard Learn has published a survey of how instructors across 70,000 courses used its various tools. Check it out and see which user archetype you fall under. We can support you. Read tips on engaging students online with Blackboard Learn Online help material is available at Techweb.

Get support now

Interested in getting more out of Blackboard Learn? Do you have questions or comments? Check out upcoming trainings at EdTech and at IS&T Contact EdTech through email, phone, or stop by 141 Bay State Road during our open hours. We can offer advice, schedule a consultation, or provide information on upcoming trainings, events, and community of practice meetings.  Click here to download our brochure on Blackboard’s new features.  Northern Illinois University developed a quick guide to using Blackboard Retention Center.