Each instructor organizes their classes slightly differently, so I am providing guidance to walk you through the course and how to stay connected. We will be using many tools in this course that may be new to you. I know, the struggle is real when it comes to learning technology! I promise I will make it as easy as possible and I will always be here for you to help along the way. Check out the video to get started.
Blackboard is our learning management system at SHSU. This will be your main resource for the class. Blackboard will contain weekly announcements, weekly modules and activities, assignments, and your grades with feedback from me.
Sign in using your mySam ID and password.
All the major sections and resources for the course are located in the main navigation pane.
Announcements are located on the main page. You can update your Blackboard settings to have announcements sent to your email. For more information, visit this page.
All the major sections and resources for the course are located in the main navigation pane.
Announcements are located on the main page. You can update your Blackboard settings to have announcements sent to your email. For more information, visit this page.
Each module reflects a specific topic. You can access the Modules from the Navigation Pane. Each module will contain the following:
Overview
Interactivities
Any other assignments
Typically for each module, you'll need to submit Weekly Reflections and Major Assignments in Blackboard.
Most interactivities contain YouTube videos, and these videos are organized into playlists. You can watch the YouTube videos in the playlists directly in Blackboard or you can click "Watch on YouTube." Either way, you can access captions by pushing the cc button at the bottom of the video. Watching on YouTube allows for a bit more accessibility as you can access the full transcript of the video's captions. Visit this page for more information. Viewing the videos in YouTube will also allow you to view the links to articles/reports I referred to in the videos and image credits.
Image credit: 3playmedia
Everything needs to be submitted through Blackboard besides active participation. I do not accept assignments via email unless under extenuating circumstances. This is to ensure I have all your assignments graded and organized in one spot.
For responses to questions, you can submit a Microsoft Word document or in the submission box. Be sure to submit through "Write submission" and not as comments.
Please include the question numbers when applicable! You do not need to include the questions, but please do include the numbers with your answers.
You can upload files to submit by clicking "Attach files" > "Browse computer."
Sadly, Pages files (Mac) are not compatible in Blackboard. You'll need to convert to Microsoft Word or copy and paste into the submission box.
Be sure to hit "submit." If you save a draft and do not submit, I will not be able to see it.
If you ever have an error or mistake, or if you would like to resubmit for a higher grade based upon feedback, YOU CAN ALWAYS SUBMIT ANOTHER ATTEMPT in Blackboard! No need to email me if this happens, you can simply submit another attempt with the correct version and I will grade your most recent attempt.
To submit another attempt, click "Start New."
I usually provide you with feedback on assignments! Click the icon next to your grade under "My Grades" to view my feedback for you. If a rubric was used, click "View Rubric" for more detailed comments.
A hyperlink is a text or an icon that you can click on to get to another website or file. You'll see these throughout the course site and on Blackboard!
Some of my favorite keyboard shortcuts are copy (Ctrl + C), cut (Ctrl + X), paste (Ctrl + V), and find (Ctrl + F). https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-and-Paste
Find is really handy for your assignments where you need to pull a specific term or definition. You can "Find" in the document or even a YouTube transcript to locate what you need!
When in doubt, Google! If you are stuck on something and need help, you can search for the answer on Google. I search for things all the time. However, if you have a question specifically about the class, email Dr. B.
SHSU provides 24/7 help to students to troubleshoot issues with technology, including Blackboard!
Let me know if you have other tips to add!