Collaboration Is Key to UC s Evolving eLearning Ecosystem

Now in the midst of an early launch of the Blackboard upgrade, the University of Cincinnati is keeping collaboration at the forefront of its implementation. The interdisciplinary approach to providing Blackboard trainings exemplifies this effort.

The Training Team, a subset of the overall Blackboard Upgrade Team, has pulled members from a variety of groups across the university and have been working together to provide a wide range of trainings that will be held for faculty throughout the spring semester, in preparation for the university-wide implementation this summer. The team consists of representatives from the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning; the College of Nursing; UC Information Technologies; the IT Governance eLearning Committee; University Communications; UC Libraries; the College of Education, Criminal Justice, & Human Services; the College of Allied Health Sciences; and the College of Medicine.

Each representative brings a unique perspective and contribution to the team. Together, they are laying a clear path to a university-wide eLearning ecosystem by creating a new model for faculty development in this field.

UCIT’s Help Desk staff, who provide phone and data communications support as well as computing support to all UC students, staff and faculty, participated in the “piloted” Blackboard upgrade training during the fall semester. By taking part, the Help Desk will gain a strong partnership with the eLearning initiatives and be able to proactively approach the support offered to the UC community.

“Training is huge in that it merges technology with pedagogy and best practices. Educational technology is only as good as it makes educators and students more efficient, more engaged and more effective,” CET&L Assistant Director Melinda Rhodes-DiSalvo said.

Survey results from December sessions showed that 92% of the participants agreed “Using the Blackboard upgrade will add pedagogical value to my courses.” One participant commented on the training, saying, “It was incredibly well-organized, well-paced and informative without being overwhelming. The speakers/trainers were friendly, efficient and incredibly helpful.”

The first few training sessions are quickly approaching with two Bb 9.1.13 at a Glance sessions taking place in February. First up is a Bb Brown Bag on February 3 from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m and then, a Bb After Hours on February 19 from 4 to 4:50 p.m. The sessions will cover “Getting Up and Running with the New Blackboard Upgrade” and take place in Langsam 462.

All sessions are now available for sign up on Faculty Onestop at

http://www.uc.edu/facdev/Home.aspx

; registration is limited. For a complete schedule of training opportunities, please visit

http://www.uc.edu/bblearn/Resources-Training/Instructors.html

.