News

Blackboard 9 brings increased student interactivity

The highlights of this latest release with new Web 2.0 interface include a new easily customisable environment offering drag and drop functionality and contextual drop down menus. The look and feel of the interface can be themed. Blog and journal tools offer a new way for students to interact and encourage discussion.

Instructors can view tasks to be completed, assignments to grade and discussions to view all from one handy page.

In terms of utilizing the new Blackboard it may take instructors some time to learn where things are and how they function in the new version. The upgrade is scheduled to take place in early July, to ensure instructors have plenty of time to go to workshops and to practice with it over the summer. IT Services will be offering short training sessions for navigating the new Blackboard and Online video tutorials will also be available.

IT Services is also looking for instructors willing to try out the new system in advance of the upgrade to provide us with feedback. If you are keen to experiment with the new tools and features, please email us at teachingandlearningit@ucd.ie

Click here if you would see more information on what's new in version 9 or if you would like a sneak preview of what the new version looks like go to this online video.