Getting Started

Whether you're new to online instruction or new to Blackboard, you can start with the basics and add to it over time. Start with a week or two of materials and add more later. This process helps you get students involved while you develop and refine the next portion of materials. If you are unsure where to start, the Instructional Design Center (IDC) has instructional designers that are available to help.

Instructional Designers can help you organize your course into modules providing context and scaffolding for students to progress through your courses in an intuitive and engaging manner.

Visit Blackboard's Navigate Inside an Ultra Course to learn more.

Professional Development Opportunities

The Instructional Design Center’s professional development opportunities for instructors include workshops, webinars, panel and book club discussions, and faculty certificate courses. They are focused on evidence-based practices to improve student engagement and learning. Check out Faculty Development Opportunities KB page!

Instructional Design Consultation

The IDC instructional design (ID) team is available to answer questions and help solve issues regarding fully online, on-campus, or hyflex courses. Our approach is to start with your course and/or lesson objectives and discuss evidence-based strategies and tools that can be used to achieve your learning and teaching goals. To learn more about our instructional design service or to request a consultation, visit the IDC Instructional Design Consultations KB page. 

Faculty Certificate Courses

The IDC instructional design team has developed two faculty certificate courses: Designing and Developing a Quality Course and Universal Design for Learning and Digital Accessibility. These teaching and learning courses have been designed for asynchronous, self-paced learning. Also, if you are interested in taking the courses as a cohort with your colleagues, let us know. This option can provide a valuable learning experience by connecting and interacting with others. Courses will be facilitated by IDC instructional design staff, providing help with questions and feedback, as needed.

To learn more, visit the Faculty Certificate Courses KB page.

Browser Support

To see a list of supported web browsers, please visit Blackboard's Browser Support page.

IT Service Center

The IT Service Center is your first stop for support! They provide technical support to NDSU students, faculty, and staff.