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Learning Technologies Making Teaching with tech super awesome
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Coming Soon: Updated Blackboard Login Screen

The login page for Blackboard is changing to a new design for improved accessibility this week. The new login uses the same secure multi-factor login that is in use for other COD logins to improve performance and security. 

End of Term Support and Information

Grades are due today! Whether you're new to submitting grades or you just need a little help, we have some support resources that explain the process. For any technical issues related to submitting grades through the ARI tool in Blackboard, call or send us an email ASAP so we can assist you and make sure grades get in on time!  

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Entering Final Grades 
You can find instructions for entering grades on our knowledge base.
 
Final Grades Support
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Due Dates Calendar 
You can find the full calendar of due dates for items entered in the ARI tool here. 
SP26 Due Dates
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ARI Resources
We have all of our ARI support in one place on the LT website! 
 
ARI Support Page
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Starting This Week: Course Removal for SP and SU 2024 Courses Begins

With the move to a SaaS model of Blackboard, the College gained more room to store Blackboard courses. However, this storage, while larger than before, isn't unlimited and in order to stay within our storage limits, we will need to resume the process of removing old courses from Blackboard.
 
Going forward, we will only be storing seven terms of courses and will be removing courses at the end of each term to stay within this limit (don't worry, we'll always let you know when this will be happening). We are currently planning to remove the following from Blackboard: 
 
  • All Blackboard course shells from Spring and Summer 2024
  • Old/Unused zDev shells 
 
This cleanup will happen between the Spring and Summer terms starting May 25th. If you would like to see if you have any courses that will be removed, we have created a term in Blackboard called "To Be Removed." Sort your course list by this term. If you cannot see this term as an option, you have no courses slated for removal. 
 
If you DO have courses that will be removed and would like to preserve them, you can export your course content. 
Once exported, you can use this file to copy content into a new course or zdev shell or simply store it for your personal records. 
 
If you have any questions or need assistance with this process, please let us know! 
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Summer Learning with LT

This summer, you can learn how to fine tune your online courses with a little help from LT! We'll be offering sessions on a wide range of topics all summer long. Sign up now to secure your spot. Choose from: 
 
  • Developing Your Online Environment
  • Creating Instructor Presence 
  • Importance of Media in the Online Environment 
  • Providing Feedback within Blackboard
 
You can find dates and times as well as registration information on the LT website linked below. 
Learn More and Register
OLCelevate

Register Now for OLC Elevate 2026

OLC Elevate is a two-day, virtual conference that is free for OLC members to attend (COD is a member!). Co-hosted by Tarleton State University and Rockford University, this conference tackles the most pressing shifts in digital learning. 

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Theme: Rethinking the Learning Enterprise: From Institutions to Ecosystems
Explore how learning moves beyond institutional bounds into flexible, AI-mediated ecosystems. This day focuses on the big picture: governance, infrastructure, and the

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Theme: Bridging Innovation: Transforming Education through Digital Learning and AI Integration
Turn innovative theory into instructional practice. This day serves as a deep dive into the human-centered design and pedagogical shifts required to integrate AI responsibly into the student experience.
Register Now
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Level Up Your Accessibility!

There's no better time to learn how to improve the accessibility of your courses. 

On Demand: Blackboard Ally Course Accessibility Report Training

Learn more about the Ally Accessibility Report! You can choose from two versions-- one offers PDH (perfect for faculty looking for PDH hours) and one doesn't. Information and registration information can be found below. 
 
This training introduces faculty to practical methods for identifying, resolving, and prioritizing accessibility issues in their course materials using Blackboard Ally. It highlights common barriers for students, quick wins, and strategies for utilizing the Course Accessibility Report, empowering instructors to make steady, meaningful progress on accessibility without becoming overwhelmed.
Register for PDH Version
Register for Non-PDH Version

 
COD Accessibility Consultant Sessions

COD has partnered with an external accessibility consultant to provide multiple digital accessibility training sessions for all faculty and staff. You can choose from: 
 
Digital Accessibility - Drop-in Q&A Sessions
 
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Make an Appointment with LT

Need a little extra help with structuring your courses? Have specific questions about Blackboard? Looking to make your courses more accessible? We have support for that! Visit our appointments site to book a 30-minute session (either virtual via Teams or in-person) with one of our team members. 
 
Not sure who you need to meet with? You'll find an explanation of what each type of support covers so you can choose what's right for your needs. If you're still not sure, please email us at learningtech@cod.edu and we'll route you to the right person. 
Make an Appointment with LT
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New Posts on the LT Blog!

Christine Monnier is back to blogging for LT! Check out her latest posts (most recent at the bottom, newest are bolded): 
 

Joke of the Week

Why did the man eat a $100 bill? He had expensive taste!
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