In the November SHSU Online Newsletter, we introduced Blackboard Instructor Boot Camp, a weeklong, drop-in event for instructors who were new to Blackboard, or for those just needing to brush up on their skills. We are pleased to announce that 87 instructors from SHSU, SRSU, and LIT registered for the event. We were amazed by the attendance of these highly engaged and interested Blackboard instructors. It was a pleasure to see new faces as well as reconnect with some of our faculty partners.
Attendees received a foundational overview in course building and design inside Blackboard. Participants learned how to:
- Add/Upload Files
- Add content, images, videos with the content editor
- Create, edit, and manage the course menu
- Post assignments
- Build asynchronous discussions
- And much more!
Facilitators were able to spin up “breakout” rooms to work with instructors individually, when the need arose. Additionally, each Boot Camp registrant was given access to the pre-built Blackboard template course with starter materials and resources to assist their digital teaching experience. Attendees and even instructors who couldn’t make the event can watch a recording where facilitators show participants where to find helpful resources, demonstrate how to connect with instructional designers, and provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the template course.
Feedback from the event has been enthusiastic. We truly appreciate the instructors who “dropped in,” as well as the team members who helped make this event a tremendous success. We look forward to offering more Blackboard Instructor Boot Camps in future semesters!