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Online/Blackboard Videoconferencing
Video-Based
Hardware & Software Resources
Workshops Available
Research in DE
Accessibility in DE
| Online/Blackboard Courses |
Blackboard is an e-learning software platform that provides a user-friendly environment for online teaching and learning. This system, adopted in Fall 2000, is used to teach the majority of online courses taught at JSU. It has also grown in popularity as a supplement for on campus, videoconferencing, and video-based courses.
JSU is currently using Blackboard Version 7, Enterprise.
- **Make sure to view the Blackboard training page
for an extensive list of in-depth information, tutorials, and downloads on teaching through Blackboard
- Review the
Is online teaching for me?
assessment for an evaluation of essential skills and background in teaching
online
- What are the
benefits
of online learning?
-
Copyright Checklist for Online Learning
-
Delivering Instruction on the World Wide Web
- What can I do with Blackboard? Some examples may include:
Present lectures ~ Present audio/video ~ Post lecture notes ~ Post graphics,
charts, & tables ~ Offer 7 types of exam questions ~ Give practice quizzes ~
Create a debate ~ Assign article reviews ~ Allow students to critique one
another ~ Take virtual field trips ~ Send students on webquests ~ Discuss
current issues and course materials ~ Survey students ~ Post grades ~ Send &
receive assignments ~ Chat in real-time ~ Create groups of students and allow
them to work independently ~
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| Videoconferencing Courses |
Review the following guidelines on elements of teaching in the Videoconferencing format. Videoconferencing is used as a presentation format for a selected number of courses. This technology allows for the interaction of the instructor with his/her class using an advanced teleconferencing system. Videoconferencing classes are conducted at several different locations, determined by the instructor or department. Sites not included on the official list may considered. If you have questions about a new site, please contact Mark Camp
- Videoconferencing is currently primarily used for class lectures from point-to-point or multi-point, projected from JSU. The videoconferencing system is flexible and capable of integration with other systems throughout the world, however, and can be used for a variety of other activities. Some suggested activities include presentations, corporate meetings, interviews, dual enrollment with K-12/colleges & universities, and class expansions to moderate overloaded enrollments, room restrictions, or faculty shortages. Many other possibilities exist, as well.
- Browse our list of available Videoconferencing sites, including an interactive map for 2-way directions
- VC Quick Reference with
Start-Up, Shut-down, & Contact Information
- Cooperating students are assigned to each distant (and usually on campus) site that an instructor connects to through VC.
See the cooperating student submission form
- Review VTEL's PowerPoint Guidelines for using during VC teaching
- All about the tools--download links to MS Word documents on the Smartboard, Tablet, and other tools.
- Modifications to teaching procedure necessary in VC format
- Document transfer/testing (fax, testing via Bb online, collect tests at distant sites by proctor, rather than requiring students to come to campus)
- Supplementing your VC course with Blackboard: by supplementing your VC course with Blackboard you
may eliminate many of the problems previously experienced regarding mail-outs of notes, syllabi, and other important course documents. May also test online, post grades online, give feedback on papers and assignments online, etc. Computer labs available at the VC sites may serve as testing centers if arranged ahead of time by the instructor. Review our Steps for Supplementing Any Course with Blackboard for more information
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| Video-Based Courses |
Students taking courses via videocassette taped lectures. Some of these lectures are produced by PBS. Recently, many instructors have expressed an interest in recording their own lectures to be presented as lectures.
- Video-Based Courses have been utilized in 2 major formats. Instructors at JSU often select VHS tapes from publishers such as PBS to serve as the primary mode of learning. Alternatively, some instructors have recently begun recording their own lectures for distribution through the VBC method. Preparing one's own lectures presents some logistical considerations, but also allows for more control over content.
- Tips for teaching through VBC:
- The use of visuals is a must in this presentation method. If an instructor chooses to create his own VBC tapes, it is beneficial to the students' learning experiences to include items during the lectures such as maps, charts, diagrams and pictures.
- University of Idaho further suggests instructors take advantage of video's ability to show movement by:
- Demonstrating the operation of tools and equipment.
- Demonstrating skills that learners are expected to emulate.
- Conducting experiments in which the processes must be observed.
- Analyzing change over time using animation, slow motion, or time lapse photography.
- Revealing the spatial, three-dimensional qualities of an object or structure.
- Transporting learners to places or situations not otherwise in their experience.
- Presenting primary source materials for analysis, such as film of historical events or naturally occurring situations.
- List of PBS published VBC courses
- Non-PBS published VBC courses
- Procedure for recording your own videotaped lectures for VBC format
- Supplementing your VBC course with Blackboard: by supplementing your VBC course with Blackboard you
may eliminate many of the problems previously experienced regarding mail-outs of notes, syllabi, and other important course documents. May also test online, post grades online, give feedback on papers and assignments online, etc. Computer labs on campus or arranged by a proctor may serve for examinations if deemed appropriate by the instructor. Review our Steps for Supplementing Any Course with Blackboard for more information.
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| Distance Education Hardware/Software Resources for Faculty |
Distance Education is developing an Instructional Technology & Design Lab that will facilitate the development of training materials by all instructors. All materials are open to use by faculty and staff by reservation. Please contact the Distance Education Department for scheduling
at either (256) 782-8172 or
DLInfo@jsu.edu to use any of the resources available through the Instructional Technology & Design Lab.
Currently the lab houses one primary "developmental" computer loaded
with course development software. In addition, 14 flat screens computers have now been installed in the ITDL for faculty use in course construction. These computers include CD ROM,
DVD-ROM, and USB drives. Twleve are loaded with MS Office XP with FrontPage
and 2 are Vista OS with Office 2007. Resources available will continue to be expanded per faculty request and budgeting allowances.
Resources currently available in ITDL include:
- SOFTWARE:
- Respondus 3.5--for uploading test banks to the Blackboard system quickly and efficiently
- Respondus StudyMate 2--for creation of Flash-based activities and games
using an "offline" Windows interface
- MS Office 2003
- MS Office 2007
- MS Producer--for synchronizing streaming audio and/or video with PowerPoints
- Adobe Suite--includes Acrobat PDF Maker, Illustrator, & PageMaker 7.0
- Microsoft Publisher--for creating brochures, newsletters, and more
- FrontPage 2003--for creating webpages
- Omniform--for creating Forms (FIB, MC, Drop-down Menus, etc) in PDF files that can be filled in by users
- AutoPlay Media Studio Version 4--for generating autostart programs and menu-driven content on CD ROMS
- PhotoImpact Version 8--for editing your photos and graphics
-
Inspiration 7.5--for planning projects, gathering research, organizing
information, developing ideas, and improving writing; transforms diagrams
into outlines
- HARDWARE:
- CD Duplication System: can copy up to 4 CD's at a time; includes the capability to print labels directly on CD. CD's have begun to be popular for creating coursepacks for online, videoconferencing, and video-based courses. They have also been used for on campus courses. Coursepacks often include
PowerPoint's, audio, and video clips (such as those created using the Producer and AutoPlay software). Copyright restrictions, as always, apply to material created on CD's. It is the sole
responsibility of the instructor to ensure all copyright restrictions have
been cleared for material added to CD's.
- Printer: A LaserJet 2200d printer was recently purchased to facilitate training and course construction in the lab.
- Graphic Tablet: Wacom's Intuos 2; 9" x 12" drawing space for work
in graphics programs. Includes a grip pen and 4D mouse. Integrates with the
Virtual Classroom's whiteboard tool in Blackboard.
- MANUALS:
Tips for Microsoft Office XP, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft
PowerPoint, Microsoft FrontPage, Creating Webpages with HTML
- Course Reserves & E-reserves from the Houston Cole Library: instructors are now able to make documents, articles, and other materials available to students through the online library system. For more information, see: http://www.jsu.edu/depart/library/graphic/resques.htm
or contact Ms. Jodi Poe at jpoe@jsu.edu or 782-8103.
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| Workshop
Information |
Workshops are conducted on various topics within
Blackboard as well as topics within instructional design. One on one training is also available for course construction and instructional design assistance in Blackboard.
See the Blackboard Faculty Resources
for more information on this topic.
Videoconferencing instructors are individually trained prior to teaching through this methodology. Workshops are conducted for this area when additional hardware
is obtained for the Videoconferencing system. See resource links above for training documents in Videoconferencing. Instructors teaching
Video-Based courses may also receive one-on-one training by request.
Additionally, instructors wishing to teach hybrid courses (those using more than one format or Distance Education
technology, such as VCB and Blackboard) may want to schedule one-on-one training sessions. Please contact the Instructional
Design Specialist,
Misty Cobb, for more information. Training on additional software products is available through many online resources. See the Software Training page for further information. Courses on computer software & hardware are also taught through JSU's Continuing Education department.
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| Readings & Research in Distance Education |
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| Accessibility Issues in Distance Education |
Accessibility information is imperative in
teaching students from multiple backgrounds bringing different experiences
and abilities to each course. Meeting a variety of needs when teaching
through Distance Education often presents even more challenges for the
faculty member.
- W3C's Web Content
Accessibility
Guidelines
- Review general accessibility information on the
Teaching Resources page
- Use this free tool,
Bobby,
to individually assess your webpages for compliance with either Section
508 or the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
- Review Section 508's technology
requirements here
- Blackboard's
recommendations and current levels of compliance with accessibility
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| Faculty, staff, and visitors: For more information or to report broken links, please contact
DLInfo@jsu.edu |
| Last updated: July 23, 2007 |
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