News


Respondus Lockdown Browser not compatible with Window 10 S – Surface Pro

Windows 10S is not a compatible operating system with LockDown Browser, nor can LockDown Browser be obtained via the Windows App Store. At present, support for Windows 10 S Mode isn’t on the roadmap for LockDown Browser. Full Respondus Support Article Compatible Operating Systems Windows: 10, 8, 7. Windows 10S is not a compatible operating…


Zoom to Require Passcodes or Waiting Rooms

Beginning Sept. 27, Zoom will require that all meetings have a passcode or a waiting room enabled. Meetings that do not have a passcode or waiting room enabled will automatically be applied a waiting room.  Waiting rooms can be customized to fit the need and audience for your meeting. For more information, visit the Zoom…


VoiceThread Maintenance

VoiceThread will be performing a database upgrade and maintenance on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 4am – 5pm. VoiceThread will not be offline, but tools may be slow to load during this maintenance window.


Instructional Technology News – September 2, 2020

September is here – time to start planning for your first course assessment of the semester! The CIT has prepared content for each course delivery mode regarding best practices for online exams and assessments. Meet our tools that can help you as you prepare your first assessment. Testing Tools: Blackboard Tests Instructors can use Blackboard…


Instructional Technology News – Aug. 27, 2020

We’re one week in to our new methods of teaching. CIT has a few resources to share as you continue to develop best practices for your course. Contingency Planning As we saw this week with a Zoom web server issue, outages occur. Although we strive to do everything in our power to prevent outages, please…


Blackboard Redirects to Panopto in Safari

When using Safari, Blackboard pages with embedded Panopto content may redirect to the Panopto login page, preventing access to the Blackboard course. To avoid this, click on Safari in the tool bar > click on Preferences > select Privacy. Uncheck the box that says Website Tracking: Prevent cross-site tracking.


Blackboard Learn Downtime

Update, Monday, Aug. 24:  On Aug. 19, 2020 at 8:04pm, a Blackboard Learn database query caused high load on the database and resulted in a service interruption. Database servers were restarted, and service was resumed by 8:50pm. Measures have been put in place by Blackboard to prevent future database service interruptions. Original Post, Wednesday, Aug.…


Instructional Technology News – August 17, 2020

Welcome to the fall 2020 semester at The University of Alabama! Your colleagues in the Center for Instructional Technology are available to help with your instructional technology and accessibility needs. Flexible Modes of Instruction We’ve developed several resources to help with flexible teaching methods. Review the CIT website to see tips and best practices for…


Aug 10, 2020 – Instructional Technology News

This week, and next, the CIT is hosting several virtual, tech-focused events to help prepare instructors for the fall semester. Faculty Roundtable Join UA faculty in roundtable discussions to share your plans and strategies (and hear the plans and strategies of your peers) for teaching in the fall 2020 semester. Instructional Technology Prep Day Have…


Aug 4, 2020 – Instructional Technology News

Blackboard Learn Upgrade Reminder Last week you received information from CIT’s Director, Dr. Rachel Thompson, on the details of our Blackboard Learn upgrade occurring this week, Aug. 5 – Aug. 8. If you missed it, you can view Dr. Thompson’s message on the CIT website. Remember, Blackboard Learn will be unavailable during the upgrade. Panopto…


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