Are you a Youngstown State University (YSU) instructor looking to enhance your online teaching skills and make the most of Blackboard Learn Ysu? YSU offers a wealth of training opportunities and resources designed to empower you, whether you are new to online education or seeking to refine your expertise with Blackboard Learn. This guide outlines the various workshops, courses, and self-help materials available to help you effectively utilize Blackboard Learn YSU and create engaging learning experiences for your students.
Enhance Student Engagement with Social Annotation Tools
Discover innovative methods to transform static readings and videos into dynamic, interactive learning experiences. YSU provides training sessions focused on leveraging social annotation tools to foster collaboration and deeper comprehension.
Interactive Reading with FeedbackFruits
Learn how to use FeedbackFruits, a user-friendly social annotation tool, to make assigned readings a collaborative activity. This approach encourages active reading, peer-to-peer learning, and provides instructors with valuable insights into student understanding. These sessions are perfect for both face-to-face and online instructors looking to boost student engagement and create AI-resistant assignments.
Upcoming Sessions:
- February 10, 2025, 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm: Register Now!
- March 19, 2025, 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm: Register Now!
Interactive Video Learning with FeedbackFruits
Extend the power of social annotation to video-based learning. This session explores how to use FeedbackFruits to create interactive video assignments, promoting active viewing, collaborative analysis, and a richer learning experience. Ideal for instructors seeking to enhance engagement with video content and develop assignments resistant to AI misuse.
Upcoming Sessions:
- February 11, 2025, 11:00 am – 11:45 am: Register Now!
- March 18, 2025, 10:00 am – 10:45 am: Register Now!
Master Blackboard Ultra: Comprehensive Training Course
For instructors transitioning to or new to Blackboard Learn Ultra, the Blackboard Ultra Training Course offers a structured, asynchronous learning experience. This course provides a foundational understanding of course design and development within the Ultra platform. You’ll learn to build engaging content, create effective assessments, and utilize communication tools to connect with your students within Blackboard Learn YSU.
Blackboard Ultra Training Course Details:
- Next Start Date: To Be Announced (TBA)
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Dedication: Approximately 4 hours per week
- Course Activities: Weekly reflective discussions, practical assignments, optional webinars.
Connect and Collaborate: YSU Online Community Meeting
Stay informed and connected with the Youngstown State Online Community. Join fellow YSU instructors and online learning professionals to share best practices, discuss challenges, and foster a supportive network. To be added to the communication list for upcoming meeting reminders, contact Joe Alberti ([email protected]) or Stephanie Adams ([email protected]).
Youngstown State Online Community Meeting Details:
- Next Meeting: To Be Announced (TBA)
Self-Paced Training and Workshops: Learn at Your Own Pace
YSU understands the demands on faculty time. Explore these self-paced training options to enhance your online teaching skills on your schedule within Blackboard Learn YSU.
Preparing to Teach Online at YSU
This self-paced course, delivered within Blackboard Learn Ultra, is specifically designed to equip YSU faculty with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and teach effective online courses. Successful completion fulfills the training requirements for online instruction at YSU. Whether you are new to online teaching or seeking a refresher on best practices, this course is a valuable resource. Register Now!
- Estimated Completion Time: 8 hours
Online Accessibility Course
Ensuring accessible online learning environments is crucial. This course, available within Blackboard Learn, provides guidance on creating accessible course materials for all students. Contact the Instructional Design and Development Center ([email protected]) for more information and enrollment details.
Expand Your Knowledge with Blackboard’s Official Training Resources
Leverage the expertise of Blackboard directly with these official training resources designed to help you master Blackboard Learn Ultra.
Instructor Blackboard Learn Ultra Tutorials
Access a library of short, engaging video tutorials on the Blackboard Help YouTube channel. These concise videos provide quick introductions to various features within Blackboard Learn Ultra, allowing you to learn specific skills in minutes. VIEW NOW!
Instructor Webinar Series
Participate in live webinars covering a range of Blackboard Learn Ultra topics, from basic navigation to advanced course design strategies. Can’t attend live? Access recordings of past webinars to learn at your convenience. REGISTER NOW or View the Recordings
Webinar Topics Include:
- Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
- Grading and Managing the Gradebook in Learn Ultra
- Creating Assessments in Learn Ultra
- Improving Student Engagement in Learn Ultra
- Using Groups in Learn Ultra
- Ultra-Advantage – Converting a Course from Learn Original to Learn Ultra
- Blackboard Learn Ultra Best Practices
Access Previously Recorded YSU Online Training Sessions
Missed a live training session? YSU provides recordings of valuable past training sessions on key Blackboard Learn Ultra topics.
Blackboard Ultra Basics
Get up to speed with the fundamentals of Blackboard Learn Ultra. This session covers course access, navigation, adding syllabi and files, and creating assignments. Ideal for new users or those upgrading from Blackboard Original. Watch Recording, Password: Blackboard2020
Blackboard Ultra Exceptional Course Showcase
Explore a model Blackboard Learn Ultra course developed by a YSU faculty member. This workshop highlights online teaching best practices and provides inspiration for your own course design. Watch Recording, Password: tPr329BM
Using the New BLACKBOARD AI Design Assistant
Discover the power of AI in course design with Blackboard Learn. Learn how the AI Design Assistant can streamline course building, rubric creation, and question bank development, saving you valuable time and effort. Watch Recording
Blackboard Tests
Master the creation, administration, and grading of tests within Blackboard Learn. This session covers various question types and effective test management techniques. Watch Ultra Recording, Password: Penguins22
Improving Online Discussions
Enhance student interaction and learning outcomes through effective online discussions in Blackboard Learn. This session explores strategies for designing engaging discussion prompts and fostering meaningful student-to-student interaction beyond basic posting requirements. Watch Recording, Password: Discussion2020
Blackboard’s Exemplary Course Program: Strive for Excellence
Looking for inspiration in online course design? Learn about Blackboard’s Exemplary Course Program, which recognizes and celebrates faculty who create high-quality online courses. Explore the Exemplary Course Rubric and discover best practices in course design, interaction, assessment, and learner support within Blackboard Learn. Visit the Exemplary Course Program page to learn more and elevate your Blackboard Learn YSU courses.
By taking advantage of these diverse training opportunities and resources, YSU faculty can confidently and effectively utilize Blackboard Learn YSU to create impactful and engaging online learning experiences for students.
