The Jewish Theological Seminary
What is Blackboard and What Can it Do for You and Your Online Course?
Blackboard is a web-based course management system that enables instructors to create and manage course content in a user-friendly manner. It is an easy-to-use tool that allows you to do everything from posting your course syllabus online, to more complex tasks such as administering and grading online exams, hosting live discussion groups, and delivering rich media such as video and audio files. Once you master the basics, you can begin to explore the many ways Blackboard can be used to complement and enhance more of your specific pedagogical goals.
Instructors have a variety of unique tools within Blackboard that enhance their traditional course environment. They can:
- Post course documents (e.g., syllabi, course objectives, office hours, policies, electronic articles)
- Create assignments (students have the ability to submit these online)
- Communicate with students via email
- Enable students to take tests online, in a secure environment
- Post a personal profile, including contact information and C.V.
- Conduct a virtual classroom and keep "office hours" by utilizing collaboration tools
- Provide students with a web page of their own, where they can introduce themselves and post pictures
This manual can show you how to do all of that and more, but first it is important to think about exactly what it is you are looking to get from Blackboard.
Click Next for more specific information about how Blackboard can be used to teach a Distance Learning course.