Christine Monnier has started a new series on the LT Blog all about YuJa! Learn more about what you can do with YuJa and how to get started in her latest posts:  

• Why You Should Use YuJa for Your Videos
• Do One Thing in YuJa: Organize Your Videos into Folders
• Do One Thing with YuJa: Create and Share Playlists
  
  

It's that time again! If you have a Blackboard integration request, we need it by March 15th at 10 a.m. in order to have time to implement and test it before the Summer Term. 

If you're thinking, "Ok, great to know but what IS an integration?" or "How do I know if this applies to me?" you're certainly not alone. 

A Blackboard integration is any content or tool that is created outside of the Blackboard environment (usually by a third-party vendor) but that is accessed and used within Blackboard itself. For many, if not most of you, that will mean publisher content, like that from Pearson or Cengage. However, integrations can also be things that extend the functionality of Blackboard but that exist separately from it, like YuJa. Essentially, if a tool you use is not a part of the main structure of Blackboard Learn itself, it's probably an integration. 

Fairly straightforward, right? But adding to the confusion around integration requests, you also only need to submit a request if the tool is new to Blackboard here at COD. If you've already been using an integration, you do not need to submit an additional request to continue doing so. See the complete list of existing integrations. 

Still not sure if this applies to you? Send us an email (learningtech@cod.edu) and we can help you determine whether or not you need to submit a request or if an integration is potentially available for a tool you're currently using. Or if you know what you need, you can use the form below to send us your request! 

Are you ready to get into the "swing" of things? Hit a home run by taking one of our Blackboard Ultra spring training sessions. We'll be covering the fundamentals as well as some more advanced techniques!

Introduction to Blackboard Ultra

• April 7 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Zoom 
• May 7 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in SRC 3010 

Converting Your Course to Ultra

Our Converting your Course session will include a guided walkthrough on how to transition your content from Original Course View to Ultra Course view and how to add new content from other sources. You can then take what you have learned and begin transitioning your content into the Ultra Course view. Stick around after the session to ask more questions or get hands on help from Learning Technologies.

• March 13 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Zoom  
• March 14 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in SRC 3010 
• April 14 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Zoom 
• April 18 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in SRC 3010 
• May 5 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Zoom  
• May 16 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in SRC 3010

Blackboard Ultra: Building Your Course in Ultra

Whether you are building a brand-new course or are looking to redesign an existing course, this session will include a guided walkthrough on how to build a course optimized for the Ultra Course View. Stick around after the session to ask more questions or get hands on help from Learning Technologies.

• May 2 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in SRC 3010 

Register for Blackboard Ultra: Building Your Course in Ultra

Blackboard Ultra: Rubrics
Streamline your grading by building rubrics in Blackboard Ultra! Join Learning Technologies to discuss that benefits of using a rubric and learn how to create your own rubric manually or using the AI rubric tool.   

• March 28 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in SRC 3010 
• April 9 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in SRC 3010 
• May 9 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in SRC 3010 

Register for Blackboard Ultra: Rubrics

Blackboard Ultra: AI Tools 

Blackboard uses Bloom’s Taxonomy as the foundation for the Generative AI tools implemented in Ultra to assist in course design. Join Learning Technologies to walk through the different places you can find AI in Ultra. Attendees will be guided in the discussion of the ethical use of AI in Blackboard.  

• March 19 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in SRC 3010 
• April 16 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in SRC 3010 

Register for Blackboard Ultra: AI Tools

Blackboard Ultra: Discussions 

Let’s discuss… discussions! Join Learning Technologies and discuss different ways discussions can be utilized in courses and best practices. We will then cover how to create discussions in Blackboard Ultra manually and using the AI Discussion tool.

• April 11 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in SRC 3010 
• April 28 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Zoom

Blackboard Ultra: Gradebook

This session will cover an overview of the Ultra Gradebook and how to set up your Gradebook to ensure that you and your students have a successful course.

• March 20 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Zoom 
• March 21 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in SRC 3010 
• April 21 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Zoom 
• April 30 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in SRC 3010 
• May 12 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Zoom 
• May 14 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in SRC 3010 

• March 27 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Zoom

Blackboard Ultra: Communicating with Students

• March 26 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in SRC 3010
• April 11 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in SRC 3010

Blackboard Ultra: Analytics

Do you wonder what analytics you can see for your course when using Blackboard Ultra?  Join Learning Technologies to dive a little deeper into course analytics and learn what information you can access about your students in Ultra. 

• April 25 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in SRC 3010 

Foundations is back and better than ever! We're still offering our long-running Foundations of Online Teaching (now updated for Ultra) but this term we've added a second, more advanced session! Christine Monnier, one of the facilitators of the course, shares more information in a new blog post or you can find the basics and registration below: 

Foundations of Online Teaching: Part Two
April 7 to May 10

This five-week, hybrid course is designed to build on the skills that were developed in Foundations of Online Teaching: Part One but can also be taken if you would like to enhance a course you have already developed.

Using the OSCQR Rubric, participants will develop their entire course structure and complete at least two units of work. This course will tackle more advanced topics regarding content development and assessment building.

Register for Foundations of Online Teaching: Part Two

Join Christine Monnier, Professor of Sociology and current Chair of Online Quality and Learning Technology, to learn more about some ed tech topics: 

Revamp and AI-Proof Your Assignments with Mind Mapping

When: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Zoom
and Friday, March 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Zoom

Session Summary: This session will describe the basics of mind mapping and the different ways you can use them in your courses. It will also provide examples from different tools available. Participants will also get a chance to get hands-on practice.

Faculty can earn 2 PDH.

Register for Revamp and AI-Proof Your Assignment with Mind Mapping in Cornerstone

Getting Started with Padlet

When: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Zoom 
and Friday, April 18, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Zoom 

Session Summary: This session will cover the basics of the Padlet app and the ways in which it can be used to foster student interaction in any course delivery mode. The workshop will also cover the different privacy and moderation options, as well as the type of content that can be posted on Padlet. Bring your ideas or questions.

Register for Getting Started with Padlet in Cornerstone

Want to learn about Ultra but can't make it to one of our trainings? You can now register for one of our asynchronous online courses! You can choose from a PDH option or one that offers the same information without the PDH component. 

Converting Your Course to Blackboard Ultra

Converting Your Course to Blackboard Ultra was developed exclusively for College of DuPage faculty who have content in a Blackboard Original course and are converting their content to a Blackboard Ultra course. We also cover how to create new content in your Ultra Course.

• Register for the PDH Version 
• Register for the Informational Version

Blackboard Ultra Basics 

Introduction to Ultra Basics is a video course developed exclusively for College of DuPage faculty. This course provides an overview of Blackboard Ultra. The PDH version is worth one hour of credit and includes deliverables.

• Register for the PDH Version 
• Register for the Informational Version 

Blackboard Ultra: Introduction to the Gradebook 

Blackboard Ultra: Introduction to the Gradebook is a video course developed exclusively for College of DuPage faculty. This course provides an overview of the Gradebook function within Blackboard Ultra. The PDH version is worth one hour of credit and includes deliverables.

• Register for the PDH Version 
• Register for the Informational Version 

For questions about these courses, please contact us! We're happy to help

Looking for support as you get started with Ultra? Want help converting your courses? We're here! During the Spring Term we'll be offering open labs twice a week to ensure you have a chance to get in-person help if you need it. Here's where we'll be:

• Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in SRC 3010
• Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in SRC 3010 

If you're looking for some PD this spring, there are plenty of upcoming opportunities: 

From Anthology: Ethical AI in Action World Tour 
Our Ethical AI in Action World Tour brought a team of experts to 25 cities to help higher education institutions map out a responsible path to adopt AI in teaching and learning. Now, we’re bringing you all the valuable insights we shared and learned along the way—to an even bigger and better virtual event.

• Understanding AI and Core Ethical Implications March 13 at 10 a.m. 
• Seneca Polytechnic-- Our AI Journey So Far March 20 at 10 a.m. 
• Pedagogical Approach and Future Innovations March 27 at 10 a.m. 

From ION: ION Professional e-Learning Programs 
The ION Professional eLearning Program provides professional development programs and support to advance the practice and innovation of online learning for faculty, staff, and online leaders. ION also offers courses in accessibility and open educational resources that can be used by traditional faculty, staff, and education leaders. Here are a few upcoming courses: 

• Legal Landscape of Digital Accessibility
• Encourging Communications in Online Courses
• Universal Design Principles for Online Learning
• Technology Tools for Online Learning
• Cultural Responsiveness in the Online Classroom 

From Anthology: Ultra Course Seminar
March 25, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. 
Blackboard makes it easy to design great courses and assessments. Transitioning to the Ultra Course View requires thoughtful preparation and the right strategies to maximize its benefits, and our product experts are here to outline best practices. 

This 90-minute session provides a step-by-step guide to create a great Ultra course from scratch. You’ll see the new Blackboard Course Designer, AI Design Assistant, Flexible Grading and much more, and leave with all the necessary knowledge to apply these tools in your classes.

Contact Learning Technologies

• Phone: (630) 942-2490
• Email: learningtech@cod.edu
• Website: COD Learning Technologies

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