Topics Map > Services > Accessibility and Universal Design
Topics Map > Services > Teaching, Learning and Classrooms > Learning Managment System
Getting Ready for the Start of the Semester
The following are some useful tips to help get your Blackboard courses ready. To use the Checklist offline, please download the PDF for your convenience - Getting Ready for the Start of the Semester .
Adding Multimedia Links in your Course: YuJa is a versatile video platform integrated into Blackboard, enabling instructors to store, record, edit, and share multimedia content seamlessly. It also provides accessibility features that enhance the learning experience for all students while ensuring compliance with ADA requirements. Learn more about Accessibility resources at NDSU.
Adding Users to Blackboard: Student and Instructor enrollments into Blackboard are completed, automatically, based on information from Campus Connection. All other users, such as TAs, Graders, Learning Assistants, and Course Builders, must be added by completing the instructions on our Adding Users to Blackboard KB page.
Copy Content from another Course: Quickly copy content and settings from a previous semester into a new course. As a best practice, once your course has been copied, check to make sure all your links are working properly. Learn more about Course Copy Tool in Original and Ultra.
Course Availability: To ensure a smooth start to the semester, Blackboard course sites should be made available to students one week before classes begin. Having your course syllabus and contact information available before the first day of class is crucial for student preparedness. Learn how to set Course Availability in Blackboard for both Original and Ultra.
Course Cleanup and Review: To optimize course navigation in Blackboard, delete unused or empty items and reorder the remaining items to guide students effectively through the course. Additionally, review assignments, quizzes, and discussions to verify that their dates, descriptions, and links align with the weekly objectives and overall course goals. This will ensure a clear and organized learning experience for students.
Create a Welcome Announcement: Announcements are a vital tool for communicating with students in your Blackboard course. Use an announcement to provide details about course expectations, structure, and important information for the first week of class. Check the Email Announcement setting to have a copy sent as an email to students at the same time. Learn how to create Original Announcements or Ultra Announcements.
Digital Textbook and Activities: Update and confirm the links to your digital textbook and activities. More information is provided by the NDSU Bookstore Adding a Course Materials Link to your Blackboard Original Course or Ultra Course.
Hiding Course Content from Students: Instructors can hide specific areas of their Blackboard course (e.g., menu items, folders, links) to prevent students from viewing content that is not yet ready for release. Learn how to hide course content in Original and Changing Item Visibility and Setting Release Conditions In Blackboard Ultra.
Instructional Design Center (IDC): Our team of instructional designers is available to support faculty with course development, redesigns, reviews, and integrating new technologies. To collaborate with an instructional designer, submit a consultation request. Additionally, the IDC provides professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and book discussions on various teaching tools and strategies. For more details, visit our Professional Development Opportunities KB page.
Merging Course Sections: Teaching several sections of the same course? If so, you may want to merge the sections and use one Blackboard site for everyone. Blackboard (Bb) Manager is the tool to use for merging Blackboard sections. Make sure to do this before making any changes to your courses. Learn how to use Bb Manager - Merging Multiple Sections..
Updating the Course Syllabus for the Current Semester: The course syllabus is a key resource that outlines expectations, requirements, and important details for students. For more information view the Faculty Senate policy Policy 331.1 Course Syllabus and Office of Teaching & Learning Syllabus Design.
Use the IDC Course Checklist: Use the course checklist to make sure your course is ready for your students. IDC Course Checklist
Using Blackboard Ally to Enhance Accessibility: Blackboard Ally is a tool integrated into your course to help ensure accessibility and improve the learning experience for all students. Prioritize ensuring your syllabus and required readings are accessible and videos are captioned. Ally also automatically provides Alternative Formats to students for many files (Word, PowerPoint, PDF, etc) that are posted. Check your course Accessibility scores with Blackboard/Anthology Ally.