Getting to Know Ted

A Guide to the Personality of WebCTs Successor, BlackboardLearn9Getting to Know Ted

Welcome to this presentation! I hope this presentation will help make it easier to adjust to WebCTs succesor, Blackboard Learn 9 which were calling Ted TritonEducation (or Ted), by covering an overview of how to get around the new system, and how the most popular tools have changed including new features added, and a few things that have gone away. 1TopicsNavigating TedImported Courses from WebCTNew CoursesContent ToolsCollaboration & Communication ToolsTests, Assignments, and Grades

First, I want to give an overview of how a new course looks in Ted where to look for the things youre used to using in WebCT. Then I want to briefly cover importing your course from WebCT we have also posted a video. Ill then briefly mention a few things about things to consider when setting up your new corse, before moving on to the meat of the presentation:

Content Tools which really just means post files and organizing them on the siteCollaboration and Communication Tools things like discussion sections and emailAnd the various grade-related tools, like tests, assignments, and of course the gradebook. 2Little GoodiesOpen links in new tabs! (Mostly)Dont get logged out every 15 minutesJava only required for Chat/Virtual Classroom toolNo Browser CheckDrag to re-order list items

One last aside: There are a lot of little usability improvements that will add up to a better experience in general.

Theres an unobtrusive Help feature built in if you click on the question-mark icon on any page, little hints will be added that explain what options mean. But once youre used to a page and dont need the hints, you can hide it to clean up the interface.

WebCT generally would never allow you to open tools or classes in new windows it would give you an error to let you know that youve already got WebCT running in another window. Ted generally works great with multiple windows. (For some tools, if you open them in a new window, the links will target back to the original tab. I havent figured out all of when and where this happens, but it does diminish the wonderment of the feature somewhat.)

Sessions last much longer with Ted! If you happen to be using it to display files in class, and youre embroiled in discussion over a document, it wont silently log you out. This also means it will be more reliable for students who are taking online tests there will be much less concern over them being logged out in the middle of a test.

The Java plug-in is used a lot less in Ted, allowing it to be far less likely to cause confusing problems for users. Its only used for the Chat and Virtual Classroom tools.

As a result, a browser check is no longer required when logging in. (however, I would caution that pop-up blockers can still cause problems. The default setting is more frequently for items to open in the same window, so its best to stick to that).

Lastly, its generally much easier to re-order items. When youre in Edit view, youll generally see these arrows next to an item just drag that up and down to re-order things. VIDEO VIDEO VIDEO3Importing from WebCTWhen you request a course website:We will migrate the most recent offering of your course to BlackboardA new blank course site will be created for your current classYou may choose to import as much content as you like

Watch a demonstration video: http://iwdc.ucsd.edu/ted/ click Copy Content from an Imported WebCT site

So, how do you get your content from WebCT to Ted?

When you request Ted, well copy the most recent WebCT site from the same class to Ted. Well also set up a separate, blank site for your current class. You can then choose if you want to copy your content from the previous class, and if so, how much of it to copy.

There are some nice improvements over WebCT: In WebCT, importing a course as an all-or-nothing affair, the first thing you are asked to do when setting up a new site. In Ted, you can choose to import only certain portions of your course, and you can do it any time. This gives you a lot more flexibility!

We will also be making backup archives of your course available for download. 4

Navigating Ted: Landing PageTools: Quick access to Tool X in all your courses

My Announcements: All announcements from courses are placed front and center. In WebCT, this would only show Institution announcements

Can rearrange elements by dragging their header, remove them by clicking the X

Courses tab just has a list of your courses, and a course catalog which wont be visible to real users, I assume5

Navigating Ted: WebCT EquivalentsBuild TabCourse ContentInstructor/Designer ToolsCourse MenuSyllabusGradebook, StudentSubmissionsManage CourseThis diagram attempts to map some of the main destinations and landmarks in WebCT to their equivalents in Ted.

As in WebCT, youll see two menus on the left. The top menu is the same that students use to navigate through the course, which is very similar to WebCTs course menu; the bottom menu is used for course administration tasks, and generally contains the same types of items that you would have seen in the Instructor Tools panel in WebCT.

WebCT used a separate tab for the Build tab for modifying the site. Ted now uses just a swich to turn Edit Mode on and off

Also, theres no longer a Student View: When Edit Mode is off, you only see the content students can see (although you will interact with those items as an instructor).

Home Page -> dashboardEquivalent Features: Build tab -> Edit ModeCourse Menu -> Course Instructor/Designer Tools -> Control PanelCourse Content -> ContentSyllabus -> Information

6Setting Up a New CourseCourse menu includes a default set of common locationsAll course tools available, via Tools linkOrganizationAdd tools, content area to MenuCan add as many Content areas as desiredAdd files, folders, and tools to Content AreasWhen Edit Mode is off, you see the same items students seeItems hidden from students may be used in EditMode

Ted keeps the course menu more compact by default, by only including a few of the most commonly used links:

The Home Page, which is a dashboard of deadlines and new content, is the default page you see when you first enter the classs site.

The Content page is the equivalent to the Course Content home page in WebCT: This is the main place where youll post things like lecture notes and readings.

Ted adds a new page called Information, where they recommend you post things like the syllabus.

However, the only difference between these two pages is the name. Theyre both really just places for you to post class content, and to add links to files, assignments, and other tools, just like WebCTs course content page. The big difference is that you can create as many of these as you like, and add links to them in the left menu, to make them easier to get to.

And while all the course tools are turned on by default, you can choose to add them to the course menu or not choose, if it helps keep your course easy to navigate.

For instance, instead of adding an Assignments folder in Content, you can add it directly to the course menu. And I wont cover it here, but if you wanted to make that (or anything else) the first page students see when you log in, you can do that.

7Course Content

Files, folders, assignments, and other tools listed along page Consistent look between all courses

When you go into one of these content pages, youll see all your items in a list down the page. This should look very familiar you can click on folders to show their contents, click on files to view them, and click on tools to use them.

The look is a lot more consistent between sites which is to say that your only option is to have a single-column list if items, with the default icon to the left of the title and description. 8Course Content: Adding Content

With Edit Mode on, buttons appear allowing you to add content to the page.Build Content: Files, folders, etc.

Useful definitions and distinctions:

File = a file you upload from your computer. (You can only upload one file at a time.Item is just information/text that will be listed in the parent folder; you can also attach files to it.Blank Page (corresponds to WebCTs Add File > Create File). Course Link: A link to something that youve already added somewhere else on the site. It lets you browse the site structure for the item to (re)addModule Page is what I think of as the students course dash-board. Its called a Module Page because of the so-called Course Modules (such as Announcements, Calendar, Needs Attention, To Do, and my favorite, Whats NewTools Area links to the overview page for each of the possible tools.

9Course Content: Post a FileFrom the Build Content menu, select File

Select the file from your computer10Course Content: Adding Tools

From the Content page, add links to Tests, Assignments, Discussions, and other class tools.For all tools (except Assignments)Some tools can only be added by going to Build Content -> Tools Area11Learning Modules: Organized ContentNew Feature: Enforce sequential viewing order

As with WebCT, Build content designed to be viewed in a sequential order

(I think its an interesting idea, but since it seems to force you to start from the beginning of the learning module each time you view it, I think it loses some of its appeal if a user cant work through everything in one sitting). 12Mail ToolsWebCTs Mail toolMessages stayed inside the class websiteA copy of the content was emailed to students, but they had to return to WebCT to replyReplaced by two tools with complementary features:Messages: Send a message inside BlackboardMaintains a stand-alone mailbox, with Inbox, Sent foldersStudent not notified via emailUsed as equivalent to Mail in classes imported from WebCTEmail: Sends a regular email to studentsOnce the message is sent, no involvement in BlackboardNo Sent folder to maintain history of sent messagesNo notification to students in BlackboardEmail appears to come from your email address, so students can reply directly to message

13Mail ToolsAvailable on Tools page

or add directly to the Course Menu

Check this if you want students to use the toolIf ask, note that the difference between Create Tool Link and adding something to a content page: For example, Add Discussion Board can a link to one discussion forum (although it can also link to the overall tool); but this can only link to the overall tool. 14DiscussionsTopics are organized in Forums. Click Create Forum to add a Forum for each distinct topic of conversation (Papers, Tests, Administrative)Instructor may choose to moderate postsStudents may opt to subscribe to forums, to receive an email notification when a new message is postedNo longer allows Forums to be organized into Categories

WebCT no longer has Categories. This isnt a big deal, though. To most instructors, in WebCT, categories were just a distraction. I dont think anyone will be sad to see them go.Most other options continue:Allow anonymous postsAllows files to be attached to postsForums may be graded15Blogs and JournalsProvides a place for individuals or groups to share information and opinions with the classJournal: Record of progress and notes; only the instructors may respondBlog: Publish opinions or progress, where others in the course may post feedback commentsEasier to find in Ted: Add via Add Interactive Tool, making them easier to find and add to your course

(In WebCT, Blogs and Journals were a hidden feature, inside of the Discussions tool)

16WikiProvides a place for students to work together as a class or in groups to create contentCompletely contained within TedNo longer requires using a separate tool on a separate websiteEasily set up separate private spaces for groupsIntegrated with gradingAssists you evaluating individual students contributions

Chat and WhiteboardChat: Basic messagingVirtual Classroom: Includes whiteboard and other featuresPresent other class content to viewers in chat windowHand-raisingBreakout sessions

CalendarMore basicFewer options for visibility and viewingNo recurring eventsAs with the Email tool: Listed on Tools page, may be added to Course Menu

I would basically just recommend using Google Calendars But thats no more true than it was with WebCT

WebCT had a way to add private events to course calendars. It then also gave you the option to view just the current courses events, which would include your personal course events.

Blackboard only displays your personal calendar on the My Institution page, where it displays the events from all courses (not differentiated in any way). When viewing a course, it only shows that courses events. 19AssessmentsNow called a Test or SurveyIncludes many new question typesLess chance to lose students responsesGenerally a long list of reduced features (most are rarely-used customizations)Grading moved to Grade Center

A lot of the very detailed options are lost:* SetupCreate Calendar Entry from Test* Test TakingIP Address Mask Prevent Students from Answering Additional Questions if Timed Test ExpiresSelect the Time Period between Test Attempts Submission Message * Question OptionsDifferent Percentage Values for Fill in the Blank or Jumbled Sentence answers lostFewer Options for Essay Questions (No pre-filled answer or entry size)Fewer Options in Calculated Questions (Cant ignore spaces, fewer variables, significant figures reduced to decimal places)Short Answer Question (No case sensitivity, no regular expressions or substrings)* Test ResultsAutomatic Re-grading of Assessments When the Correct Answer is UpdatedEmail ResultsFewer Options for Releasing Scores Fewer Statistics and Analysis OptionsOptions for Displaying Results to Students

20AssignmentsFunctionality largely unchangedStudent attaches file to submissionInstructor decides whether to allow draftsInstructor may return file with gradeGrading moved to GradeCenter

Some of the minor differences in terminology can make it appear as if the functionality is vastly changed, but really for the large part, similar functionality can be achieved. 21Turn-It-In AssignmentsLittle changed WebCTUse TurnItIn inside WebCT window without a separate username/passwordNo confusing Settings page, as in WebCTs Build tabInstructor may submit on behalf of a student by clicking link to assignmentView Assignment Inbox from ControlPanel > CourseToolsGrading moved to Grade Center

i>Clicker RegistrationStudent i>Clicker registration is identical to WebCT:

Instructors add a Registration tool to a Content page

Students click Registration tool, and type in their i>Clicker IDMay take up to a minute to load!

Instructor then uses i>Grader tool to synchronize registrations

For more information, visit:http://iwdc.ucsd.edu/iclicker

Gradebook: Grade CenterConsolidates grade options to one placeIn WebCT, there might be many different places whereyou could set a column as Released to StudentsEasier column typesAll columns scores, but can be displayed asNumberPercent (relative to points possible)Letter, according to schema you defineScore may be entered as letter or numberNo more Histogram in statisticsDoes have text chart of grade distributionNo more Grading FormsCan associate a Rubric with an assignment, but does not use it to help with grading

Grading Forms will return in a future update24

Gradebook: Needs GradingShows Ungraded Tests, Assignments, and TurnItIn assignmentsFor Tests and Assignments, may choose Grade Anonymously to grade all students submissions in random order, with students name hidden during grading process

After the next major update, it will also integrate graded Discussions, Blogs, Journals, and Wikis25

Gradebook Equivalents: Grade CenterMore spreadsheet-likeClick on a grade to make changes in the same windowUse arrows to move to next student

Show only interesting columnsUpload/Download SpreadsheetWeighted columnsClick on a score to edit in placeHighlights To-Do ItemsKnow at a glance what students seeQuicker access to column settings26Weighted ColumnsMuch easier to create a weighted score

Easy to exempt a student from an assignment, so the weighted score ignores that assignment

Any Questions? about something covered too quickly? something you use a lot in WebCT? something you wish WebCT did differently?Thank you!More informationEmail: iwdc@ucsd.eduPhone: x23315Frequently Answered Questions: http://iwdc.ucsd.edu/tedThis will grow as we get more questions feel free to contact us!Resources from Blackboard: Look for the Instructor&Designer Resources - Ted Training class when you log in to http://ted.ucsd.edu