Instructional Technology News – May 2, 2022
- May 2nd, 2022
- in Instructional Technology News
Hello instructors,
This is Melissa from The Center for Instructional Technology. I can’t believe the end of the semester is already here! We have some instructional technology news and tips to help you finish strong.
Known Issue: Some Spring 2022 Blackboard Learn courses missing from user course list
Some users have reported that certain Spring 2022 courses are no longer available in Blackboard Learn. Please report to cit@ua.edu any courses that should be available and no longer are listed or are denying access. CIT is investigating the issue. This announcement will be updated when more information is available: Known Issue: Some Spring 2022 Blackboard Learn courses missing from user course list
Testing tips for students
If you administer final exams via Blackboard Learn, you might share these testing tips with your students:
- Use a wired Internet connection.
- Close/quit other computer programs.
- Read the test instructions. Details may include a time limit, number of attempts, and backtracking options.
- Minimize use of the mouse scroll wheel. Scrolling the wheel may inadvertently change your answer.
- Save your answers. Click the Save Answer button for every question.
- Click Submit.
Additional tips for being prepared and getting connected: Testing Tips for Students.
Final grades due May 10 at midnight
Final grades are due Tuesday, May 10 at 11:59 p.m. Any missing grades as of the 11:59 p.m. deadline will result in grades of “N” being assigned as placeholders. Instructors will then be required to submit grade change requests to correct all “N” grades.
Helpful grading information:
- Entering Midterm or Final Grades in Blackboard
- Importing Midterm or Final Grades into myBama
- Add a reason for a non-attendance grade in myBama
- Non-Attendance Grading Information and Grading Help (from Registrar)
Reporting a non-attendance grade? Find the date the student last accessed your Blackboard course using the Performance Dashboard or by viewing the Last Access column in the Grade Center grid.
Turnitin changes coming May 11
A Turnitin change coming on May 11 will alter how instructors access the Turnitin tool; the tool will be located under a new menu, but its functionality will remain the same. CIT suggests instructors wait until after this transition to build summer and fall Turnitin assignments. More information about the upcoming update: Changes to Turnitin in 2022.
Blackboard cleanup May 17
On May 17, CIT will disable access to selected courses in Blackboard Learn. Courses that begin with the following semester codes are subject to removal in accordance with UA’s LMS Course Retention Policy:
- 201740 – Fall 2017
- 201810 – Spring 2018
- 201830 – Summer 2018
- 201840 – Fall 2018
- 201910 – Spring 2019
- 201930 – Summer 2019
UA’s LMS Course Retention Policy states that courses are subject to removal from the system two years following the end of the semester in which they are taught. Students and instructors should save any materials they wish to keep. More information on the policy and instructions for backing up Blackboard content are available in the LMS Course Retention Policy FAQ.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day and Fix Your Content Day May 19
Thursday, May 19 marks the 11th annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). GAAD’s purpose is “to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital (web, software, mobile, etc.) access/inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments.”
As part of our campus-wide commitment to inclusive education, and in celebration of GAAD, we will participate in the Blackboard Ally “Fix your Content Day Challenge,” host a Fixathon, and share accessibility resources and offering live, online opportunities to learn about accessibility throughout the day. Save the date and learn more: Global Accessibility Awareness Day and Fix Your Content Day.
More news from CIT and OIT
- Blackboard Collaborate Scheduled Maintenance – May 12 – Version 22.08 release is on its way
- Crimson Google Account Service Ends – May 16 – students and alums must act now to keep content
- myBama 2.0 – May 15 – feature upgrades coming soon
- New look coming to Duo – May 18 – Duo prompt upgrade
- Blackboard Learn: Automatic cleanup of user-created archive and export packages – some existing user-generated course packages may be set to expire June 1
- Panopto Scheduled Maintenance and Mandatory Client Upgrade – June and July
We’re here to help
Your colleagues in The Center for Instructional Technology provide training, support, workshops, webinars, and consultations for UA’s instructional technologies and technology accessibility. Submit a help request or join us at an upcoming webinar.
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