Blackboard’s next update to its LMS will be released Sept. 5. It features these enhancements, as well as many minor improvements and bug fixes:
Group self-enrollment: Instructors can create self-enrollment groups for students to join to complete group assignments and discussions. Instructors choose the number of groups, can set the maximum members per group, and can allow students to view other members of the groups before they choose a group. Instructors may set an enrollment period that students see on the Course Content page and with the group items. Instructors see “Self-enroll” on the Course Content page and with group assignments and discussions. (Ultra view only)
Filter students by grading status: Grading student work is one of the most important, yet time-consuming tasks in the management of a course. Often, an instructor knows which course and assignment needs to be graded, but it can be difficult to identify which students have made submissions. To help instructors locate submissions and begin grading more quickly, a Needs Grading filter will be added to the submissions list for individual assessments. On an item’s Submissions page in the Ultra gradebook, instructors can use the new Filter menu to display only those submissions that need grading.
Collaborate Ultra in private mode: Create Collaborate sessions in your course before making it live. Now instructors can pre-schedule Collaborate sessions in their Ultra courses any time. Even when the course isn’t available to students.
Profile pictures get fixed: That is, they’ll show up in courses and elsewhere throughout the system again–not just on your profile page.
OWU Sponsoring Organization/Office: Information Services.
Contact: David Soliday at helpdesk@owu.edu