Recorded Training & Information
Blackboard Basics
For those completely new to Blackboard, learn how to upload files, communicate with students, collect assignments, use discussion boards, and the basics of grading. Watch the recording »
More: Self-Paced Training Course | Start of Semester Checklist
Blackboard Grade Center
Grade tests, assignments, etc. Manually create grade columns. Use total and weighted total columns to maintain a running final score. Watch the recording »
More: Weighted Total Column | Comment on Assignment Submissions
Blackboard Groups & Collaboration
Create groups for students to work together, group assignments, adaptive release. Also, see an introduction to using Microsoft Teams along with Blackboard courses. Watch the recording »
Kaltura Capture
A desktop Mac and PC application to record audio, video, PowerPoint, and screen capture. Capture is a great way to create high-quality lectures and post to Blackboard. Watch the recording »
More: Step by Step Guide | Additional Kaltura Help
Building Blackboard Tests & Using LockDown Browser and Monitor
Learn how to create tests and set options. LockDown Browser is an optional tool to help ensure test integrity. Watch the recording »
More: Lockdown Browser Guide | Convert a paper test
Providing Feedback to Students
Inline, assignment markup, audio and video feedback, rubrics, etc. Watch the recording »
Blackboard Collaborate Ultra
Learn how to use the live virtual classroom environment designed for teaching and learning and real-time collaboration. Use audio and video, share your screen, upload files. You can record everything in Collaborate. Also great for virtual office hours. Watch the recording »
More: Breakout Groups Overview | Breakout Groups Creation | Security & Guest Access | What's New in Collaborate | Instructor FAQs
Monitoring Student Activity
Learn about different methods to view student activity and performance and how to contact specific students. Watch the recording »
More: Read More
Blackboard Ally
Ally suggests improvements to make your course content more accessible. It also automatically creates alternate versions (OCR, audio, etc.) of the content for students to access. Watch the recording »
More: Read More
OneNote Class Notebook
OneNote Class Notebooks create a collaborative space with a personal workspace for every student, a content library for handouts, and a shared space for lessons and creative activities. Learn how to create class notebooks within Blackboard so course rosters are automatically imported, as well as some OneNote basics. Watch the recording »
Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere is a dynamic web-based polling system that allows participants to engage within the classroom or online through web browsers, mobile applications, and SMS text messages. Watch the recording »
More: Read More
Additional Videos & Training
- Stearns Center Consultations, Webinars, and other Training
- Blackboard Free Training webinars (from Blackboard, Inc.)
Help Documents and Tips
Browse the full ITS Blackboard Knowledge Base.
- Start with our 5-minute Just in Time videos
- Using Blackboard Collaborate Ultra for online teaching
- Using Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor to secure your online tests
- Recording lectures using Kaltura Capture
- Communicating with students via Blackboard announcements
- Collecting student assignments and grading assignments in Blackboard.
- Blackboard Assignment FAQs.
- Creating and grading tests in Blackboard (video series: login required)
- Best Practices for providing students offline course access
Support
Contact the ITS Support Center or email courses@gmu.edu
Join Mason's Blackboard support team for online office hours (live online support) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on weekdays. Log in and look for the link on the Blackboard homepage.