Author Archives: Donna Simiele

Smart Views Smart Views in the Blackboard Grade Center allow you to customize your view based on categories, grades, specific items, by student, and many other options. Smart Views is also a tool that can be setup to view assignments/assessments … Continue reading →

As the costs continue to rise in higher education it is important to explore new Open Education Resources to use in today’s classrooms. We have added 2 new OERs to our blog.  To view a more visit the NCCC eLearning … Continue reading →

If you are thinking about implementing a new tool in your online, hybrid, or web enhanced courses take a look at Tools of Engagement Project (TOEP). “TOEP provides a focused venue to expand tech-infused pedagogy and provides an online community … Continue reading →

We have had great success with adding a START HERE content area to our courses in Blackboard.  The Start Here content area should list the steps needed to begin an online or hybrid course (Example Below).  This document helps students … Continue reading →

Item Analysis Using Rubrics in Blackboard Many faculty have found that using rubrics for grading: Provide students with a clear understanding of expectations. Communicate specific and immediate feedback. Provide faculty with impartial grading. I would like to provide you with … Continue reading →

Zoom Cloud Meeting – “Free” Web Conferencing Tool Do you need a way to collaborate with students in a synchronous online atmosphere? Do you ask your online student to present via screen share or webcam for public speaking? Do your … Continue reading →

Portland Community College is offering a free 5 week MOOC on the best practices of developing accessible course content. The MOOC is from Oct 20-Nov 22, 2014. To read more information on this wonderful opportunity or to register go to … Continue reading →

When we were using ANGEL it was required that students submit files in a RTF format in order for faculty to download and grade written assignments.   In Blackboard it is recommended that you have your students submit their work using … Continue reading →

Here are some common problems with discussions in Blackboard and how they can be avoided. In both of the issues below I would recommend just setting availability dates in the “Discussion board” not in the content areas. How to restrict … Continue reading →

Blackboard has not created an attendance feature at this time.   You have the choice to use the traditional gold roster to keep attendance or you can use an Excel spreadsheet or Google spreadsheet to keep attendance. I have created a … Continue reading →