We have now released a range a Technology Enhanced Learning workshops for semester two:

Blackboard Made Simple

This workshop will cover the basics of using the Blackboard system from requesting access to modules to changing the basic template and uploading content in various forms. It will also provide participants with advice on effective design to support student learning. Aimed at users who are new to the system or who need a refresher.

30.01.2019 – 13:45 to 15:15

Beyond the Basics with Blackboard

This workshop offers participants the opportunity to consider the design aspects of the Blackboard course including aesthetics, structure and layout. A familiarity with the basic functionality is required to get the most out of this workshop which will help users move on to a more design focused use of the VLE.

07.02.2019 – 10:00 to 11:30

Using quizzes, tests and surveys in Blackboard

There are 17 different question types ranging from multiple choice to hot-spots to calculated questions in Blackboard. These can be included in formative, summative or anonymous tests and surveys to gain student feedback, guage understanding and ultimately, assess student performance. This workshop will cover the set-up of a test canvas and the various options that entails together with a closer look at all the question types and how these might be used. Participants will be engaged both as students to experience the student view, and also as tutors setting up and marking their own quizzes to gain an all-round appreciation of the online assessment function.

20.02.2019 – 13:45 to 15:15

Collaborate Virtual Classroom

Blackboard Collaborate is an online virtual classroom/meeting space which allows users to connect via audio, see each other via webcams, use a chat tool, collaborate on documents and view presentations as well as other features. This session will cover the basic functionality, options for setting up your own sessions and guidance on best practice.

27.02.2019 13:45 to 15:15

Setting up Turnitin for Assessment

This workshop will cover setting up Turnitin assignments for summative submission, marking and feedback.

06.03.2019 – 13:45 to 15:15

Supporting Student Retention in Blackboard

Student engagement and progression is key to their success and the retention centre and performance dashboard are tools in Blackboard which can help you monitor your students\’ activity within your Blackboard. In this workshop we will look at setting up rules for reporting lack of engagement and/or achievement and discuss strategies for re-engaging students and promoting active learning.

13.03.2019 – 13:45 to 15:15

Camtasia

Camtasia is a piece of software that can be used to produce videos, screencasts and interactive learning objects. This tool is easy to use and can produce really professional looking materials which you can make available to your students through the VLE and can support a flipped classroom type approach to teaching and learning. This workshop will cover the basics of using Camtasia and provide hands on practice in the use of the software.

20.03.2019 – 13:45 to 15:15

Running an Online Session in Collaborate

The best way to get to know a new tool is by using it, so this session will be delivered online using the Collaborate virtual classroom. Guidance on best practice will be discussed and participants will be able to experience the interactive features this tool has to offer. There will also be a chance for discussion and questions.

03.04.2019 – 13:45 to 15:00

Managing Online Group Work in Blackboard

The groups tool in Blackboard provides a powerful way of setting up and managing group work within the VLE. This workshop will work through the various options for creating online groups and their individual merits and look at the different tools and options that can be assigned to groups. Participants will be engaged both as group members to experience the student view and also as tutors setting up and organising their own groups to gain an all-round appreciation of the group function.

10.04.2019 – 13:45 to 15:15

Book your place on any of these workshops via the Staff Development Workshops page.

If you have any questions about these workshops, please contact us.

The latest ALTWM meeting took place on 28^th November, 2019 with over 20 attendees from across the region and beyond.

The theme of the meeting was “working together to design modules” and we heard from representatives from the University of Birmingham, the University of Northampton, Aston University and Warwick Business School about a range of innovative projects around learning and curriculum design.

There was plenty of networking and discussion between presentations and the afternoon was rounded off by an introduction and practical exercise based on the ABC Learning Design methodology, led by Adam Warren, Teaching Fellow in TEL from Aston University.

The next meeting will be taking place in the spring next year and we’re looking for suggestions for themes and volunteers to host.

New members to the group are always welcome so please sign up to the ALT West Midlands group here.