More than 40% of UMBC Blackboard Courses Using Ultra

Ultra adoption continues to grow as UMBC faculty shifted to online learning in response to COVID-19 safety precautions. More than 40% of all active Blackboard courses are now using Ultra in the fall semester. The number of Ultra courses increased to 670 in FA2020 from 145 the previous year.

With the overwhelming majority of UMBC courses offered online this semester, Ultra offered faculty an easy way to set up and organize their courses, especially for the online format. Effective course design was demonstrated and reinforced through the PIVOT program and faculty cohort mentors. A deeply integrated web conferencing tool, Collaborate, supports synchronous engagement, while a wide range of third-party tools, such as Panopto, VoiceThread, and CourseArc, enhance the Ultra course environment. 

When surveyed, faculty participants in the PIVOT program observed Ultra was “more intuitive” and “better adapted for online teaching.” Across all three colleges, Ultra adoption expanded to 51% of all CAHSS courses while CNMS and COEIT also saw a nearly 25% increase in Ultra course adoption.

While the new course interface expands its functionality to support assessment, engagement, and content creation, DoIT continues to share UMBC priorities with Ultra developers and track faculty feedback regarding tool availability and configurable options. As a result, a recent enhancement is the new batch group enrollment tool available in both Ultra and original courses, which is especially helpful for large enrollment courses.

For more information about Ultra, visit umbc.edu/go/ultra.

As always, if you have any questions about teaching, learning and technology at UMBC, please consider the following options:

]]> Ultra adoption continues to grow as UMBC faculty shifted to online learning in response to COVID-19 safety precautions. More than 40% of all active Blackboard courses are now using Ultra in the... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/posts/96522 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96522/guest@my.umbc.edu/bd5b1b1467956bb3b81eacbdbba4ac56/api/pixel blackboard road-to-ultra ultra-course-adoption ultra-experience Instructional Technology https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/original.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/large.png?1446126703 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/medium.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/small.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxsmall.png?1446126703 Instructional Technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/522/3dad90c0dda630ba65417427f1a533d5/xxlarge.jpg?1602262540 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/522/3dad90c0dda630ba65417427f1a533d5/xlarge.jpg?1602262540 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/522/3dad90c0dda630ba65417427f1a533d5/large.jpg?1602262540 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/522/3dad90c0dda630ba65417427f1a533d5/medium.jpg?1602262540 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/522/3dad90c0dda630ba65417427f1a533d5/small.jpg?1602262540 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/522/3dad90c0dda630ba65417427f1a533d5/xsmall.jpg?1602262540 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/522/3dad90c0dda630ba65417427f1a533d5/xxsmall.jpg?1602262540 3 0 true Fri, 09 Oct 2020 13:33:08 -0400 USM OnTrack Announces 2 New Workshops on Adaptive Learning Explore how adaptive tools can support online learning!
  USM OnTrack  will be offering two additional free professional development workshops this month that will explore the ways adaptive learning tools can support online learning, particularly in high-enrollment (large lecture, multi-section) courses.

As described below, the first workshop is geared towards course coordinators and other decision makers who oversee these high-enrollment courses and the second is primarily for faculty teaching these courses.  Both workshops, hosted with partners at Lumen Learning, are designed to provide these audiences with practical solutions to immediate problems while also exposing them to the tools, services, and support that are freely available through OnTrack.



Virtual Seminar: Equipping Faculty for Success in Gateway Courses through Adaptive Technology 

Friday, October 16, 2020 from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon Eastern

Join USM peers seeking ways to use teaching and learning innovation to achieve a “new normal” that better supports the success of all students and faculty. Explore learning tools and strategies that help faculty engage students at scale and work smarter to identify and support struggling students. Discuss learning interventions that make a difference in critical gateway courses and share models for improving education quality and consistency across large enrollment and/or multi-section courses. 


REGISTER TODAY! : https://lumenlearning.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtcO6vrD0uHN1-pTKbhCG2JP9B-Yx1xR9c


Faculty Peer-to-Peer Workshop: Supporting Online Learners through Adaptive Technology

Friday, October 23, 2020 from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon Eastern

This virtual event brings together USM faculty in a facilitated peer-to-peer discussion about how to effectively engage students in online learning, identify and support struggling students, and balance synchronous and asynchronous learning. Attend this event to hear from peers, share ideas, workshop problems, and explore evidence-based teaching practices and adaptive learning tools that can support student success.


REGISTER TODAY! : https://lumenlearning.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYtc-yqrDIoHdVsA5VD49SIXyPOBtU2Qb8Q


]]>   USM OnTrack  will be offering two additional free professional development workshops this month that will explore the ways adaptive learning tools can support online learning, particularly in... https://info.lumenlearning.com/ontrack https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96292/guest@my.umbc.edu/e07dac27ff5f64aa13f448da3ed67c68/api/pixel adaptive-courseware online-learning Instructional Technology https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/original.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/large.png?1446126703 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/medium.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/small.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxsmall.png?1446126703 Instructional Technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/292/4d86ec6eaf978827e29d6adc4a7c83e9/xxlarge.jpg?1601664205 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/292/4d86ec6eaf978827e29d6adc4a7c83e9/xlarge.jpg?1601664205 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/292/4d86ec6eaf978827e29d6adc4a7c83e9/large.jpg?1601664205 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/292/4d86ec6eaf978827e29d6adc4a7c83e9/medium.jpg?1601664205 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/292/4d86ec6eaf978827e29d6adc4a7c83e9/small.jpg?1601664205 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/292/4d86ec6eaf978827e29d6adc4a7c83e9/xsmall.jpg?1601664205 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/292/4d86ec6eaf978827e29d6adc4a7c83e9/xxsmall.jpg?1601664205 0 0 false Fri, 02 Oct 2020 14:52:07 -0400 Fri, 02 Oct 2020 14:53:47 -0400 Learn how to use VoiceThread with more free workshops! Add media-rich, asynchronous engagement in your courses
VoiceThread is a collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds images, documents, and videos and allows people to navigate slides and leave comments in several ways – text, voice, audio file, or webcam. VoiceThread is available to any instructor who would like to incorporate this engagement tool into their digital toolkit for academic continuity. With VoiceThread, faculty and students can:
  • Demonstrate procedures to help students prepare for a practical exam
  • Explain decisions when selecting subjects for a painting’s composition
  • Foster greater community in large, lecture-based classes 
  • Debate the pros and cons of a controversial issue
  • Practice foreign language skills during role-play
  • Critique a classmate’s composition

Attend these upcoming live workshops:

VoiceThread Basics 1: Upload, Comment, and Share

When: October 6, 2020 1:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7127945176831894799

Participants will learn how to upload media, comment and annotate on that media, and share it with others. This will be a slow paced, step-by-step, hands-on workshop. It is open to both VoiceThread license holders and free accounts.

VoiceThread Basics 2 - Groups and Secure Sharing

When: October 13, 2020 1:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9176960961494845967

We will begin to explore the features available to VoiceThreaders with a full license. Participants will learn how to create groups and subgroups, set sharing permissions within those groups, and privately share VoiceThreads with individuals.

VoiceThread Basics 3- Moderating comments, private and threaded replies, and copying

When: October 20, 2020 1:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5605066596780837647

In our third workshop in the series, participants will learn how to give private feedback, use threaded commenting, copy VoiceThreads for use with multiple groups, and use comment moderation to formatively assess student work.

Using VoiceThread in Blackboard

When: November 10, 2020 1:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6367244758620656396

In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to create VoiceThreads and then add them to your Blackboard course as lessons or assessments.
----------------------------------------------

Or Visit the VoiceThread Workshop Archive: https://voicethread.com/workshop-categories/workshop-archive

Sample Workshop Recordings include:




As always, if you have any questions, please consider the following options:
]]> VoiceThread is a collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds images, documents, and videos and allows people to navigate slides and leave comments in several ways – text, voice, audio file, or... https://voicethread.com/workshops https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96211/guest@my.umbc.edu/e3330bc8fa4c7e6232ca27b34e6c7c88/api/pixel online-learning training voicethread webinar Instructional Technology https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/original.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/large.png?1446126703 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/medium.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/small.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxsmall.png?1446126703 Instructional Technology https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/211/1ba0dad382dfe18348ec32fc65f3f3de/xxlarge.jpg?1601488517 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/211/1ba0dad382dfe18348ec32fc65f3f3de/xlarge.jpg?1601488517 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/211/1ba0dad382dfe18348ec32fc65f3f3de/large.jpg?1601488517 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/211/1ba0dad382dfe18348ec32fc65f3f3de/medium.jpg?1601488517 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/211/1ba0dad382dfe18348ec32fc65f3f3de/small.jpg?1601488517 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/211/1ba0dad382dfe18348ec32fc65f3f3de/xsmall.jpg?1601488517 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/211/1ba0dad382dfe18348ec32fc65f3f3de/xxsmall.jpg?1601488517 1 0 false Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:58:53 -0400 Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:59:34 -0400 Get Ready for Winter and Spring Semesters with Labster! Attend Live Demos for Faculty of the Virtual Lab Platform

As a reminder, the USM OnTrack initiative is covering the costs of using Labster this year as part of their commitment to supporting faculty. There is no cost to UMBC or to students to use Labster. The agreement lasts this full calendar year (fall, winter, spring, and summer terms).


If you are interested in learning more for winter or spring semester, please attend one of the upcoming Labster live demo sessions:  


You can also find these trainings and registration links on the USM OnTrack Labster website: https://www.labster.com/usm/

 

Nursing and Allied Health Faculty may have interest in joining a Biology-specific session, or can view a previously-recorded session focused on simulations for healthcare faculty.  

 

Visit https://www.labster.com/usm/  for access to the simulations, how-to videos, research and data on effectiveness, and recordings of past webinars.  

]]> As a reminder, the USM OnTrack initiative is covering the costs of using Labster this year as part of their commitment to supporting faculty. There is no cost to UMBC or to students to use... https://www.labster.com/usm/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96178/guest@my.umbc.edu/56934fa6fd3c96794d5cc72c514d9607/api/pixel labster online-learning simulations virtual-labs virtual-reality Instructional Technology https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/original.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/large.png?1446126703 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/medium.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/small.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxsmall.png?1446126703 Instructional Technology https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/178/5e43cd84210c42a9c48ef72a8592b916/xxlarge.jpg?1601422004 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/178/5e43cd84210c42a9c48ef72a8592b916/xlarge.jpg?1601422004 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/178/5e43cd84210c42a9c48ef72a8592b916/large.jpg?1601422004 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/178/5e43cd84210c42a9c48ef72a8592b916/medium.jpg?1601422004 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/178/5e43cd84210c42a9c48ef72a8592b916/small.jpg?1601422004 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/178/5e43cd84210c42a9c48ef72a8592b916/xsmall.jpg?1601422004 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/178/5e43cd84210c42a9c48ef72a8592b916/xxsmall.jpg?1601422004 0 0 false Tue, 29 Sep 2020 19:31:28 -0400 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 19:32:26 -0400 Chromebook Extension for Respondus Lockdown Browser in Beta Currently supports Original courses only

The beta release of a new Chromebook extension for Respondus LockDown Browser is currently available for assessments in Original Blackboard courses. This version of the Chromebook extension also supports Respondus Monitor. 

Please note: This is a beta extension, which means it will have some limitations.

The how-to instructions for faculty and for students are posted to the FAQs. To report a bug/issue with the Chromebook beta, please open a support ticket with Respondus directly so your feedback is escalated with their developers. Be sure to indicate you are using LockDown Browser for Chromebook. 

At this time, the Chromebook extension does not support Ultra tests. UMBC continues to monitor development of this functionality.

As always, if you have any questions, please consider the following options:

]]> The beta release of a new Chromebook extension for Respondus LockDown Browser is currently available for assessments in Original Blackboard courses. This version of the Chromebook extension also... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/posts/95947 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95947/guest@my.umbc.edu/728db19c8a76fb9da087cd3f867cef91/api/pixel assessment-security blackboard respondus-lockdown-browser respondus-monitor Instructional Technology https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/original.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/large.png?1446126703 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/medium.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/small.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxsmall.png?1446126703 Instructional Technology https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/947/f172c03bd3ec22c3930e3a4fa79a2c67/xxlarge.jpg?1600711319 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/947/f172c03bd3ec22c3930e3a4fa79a2c67/xlarge.jpg?1600711319 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/947/f172c03bd3ec22c3930e3a4fa79a2c67/large.jpg?1600711319 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/947/f172c03bd3ec22c3930e3a4fa79a2c67/medium.jpg?1600711319 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/947/f172c03bd3ec22c3930e3a4fa79a2c67/small.jpg?1600711319 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/947/f172c03bd3ec22c3930e3a4fa79a2c67/xsmall.jpg?1600711319 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/947/f172c03bd3ec22c3930e3a4fa79a2c67/xxsmall.jpg?1600711319 1 0 true Fri, 25 Sep 2020 10:23:46 -0400 New Batch Group Management Tool Available in Bb Ultra Custom solution works in both Ultra & Original courses Group management is one of the most important tools in a Blackboard course. For large courses, group management is a critical component of assigning students to groups and managing engagement or content. While conditional availability support for groups is currently in development, we are pleased to announce that the custom solution we've been working on with Blackboard is available for piloting! 

New groups management tool interface for Ultra courses

This tool works like the Original version for bulk creating groups and enrolling students in those groups by using a CSV file. However, since it leverages Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standards, this tool works in both Ultra AND Original courses. Faculty who teach an Original course can use the default Groups tool or the new Users Groups Workflow tool as both will serve the same function.

The Users Groups Workflow tool is available now in all courses. Please note:
  1. We are aware that the tool has some loading issues on Google Chrome Browser (v85) and, for some, Safari – a fix is in development. Please use Firefox instead.
  2. Faculty who teach Original courses can test the new tool as it works the same as Ultra courses. 
  3. Faculty should NOT convert their live Original courses or previously taught Original courses to Ultra to test this tool. If you wish to try the tool specifically in Ultra, please open an RT to clone your course.
  4. This new tool only supports bulk creation and enrollments. It does NOT create any group spaces for students, control content delivery, or filter groups in the gradebook.
  5. Future development for conditional availability to release content to groups and smart views for groups in the gradebook is on the Ultra roadmap for SP/SU2021. 
Instructional Technology staff continues to document faculty feedback and work with Ultra developers to improve the Ultra course experience. Please contact an Ultra Ambassador or open an RT ticket to share your feedback about the new groups tool.

As always, if you have any questions, please consider the following options:
]]> Group management is one of the most important tools in a Blackboard course. For large courses, group management is a critical component of assigning students to groups and managing engagement or... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/posts/95869 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95869/guest@my.umbc.edu/6edda56f01bb4a9c8803aa8259c3249f/api/pixel blackboard ultra-experience ultra-update Instructional Technology https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/original.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/large.png?1446126703 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/medium.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/small.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxsmall.png?1446126703 Instructional Technology https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/869/05389960731d6d110c65258c50688ca8/xxlarge.jpg?1600361387 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/869/05389960731d6d110c65258c50688ca8/xlarge.jpg?1600361387 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/869/05389960731d6d110c65258c50688ca8/large.jpg?1600361387 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/869/05389960731d6d110c65258c50688ca8/medium.jpg?1600361387 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/869/05389960731d6d110c65258c50688ca8/small.jpg?1600361387 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/869/05389960731d6d110c65258c50688ca8/xsmall.jpg?1600361387 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/869/05389960731d6d110c65258c50688ca8/xxsmall.jpg?1600361387 6 0 true Fri, 18 Sep 2020 12:25:04 -0400 Fri, 18 Sep 2020 12:40:55 -0400 Use Blackboard's Ally Tool to Provide Accessible Content Attend a product overview and demo on 9/30 from 2 - 3 p.m.
Overview and Demo: Using Ally to Provide Accessible Content
Wednesday, September 30 from 2:00 p.m.  - 3:00 p.m.


Please attend an overview of Ally, Blackboard’s accessibility software solution that provides full, out of the box integration with Blackboard Learn, Instructure Canvas, D2L Brightspace, and Moodle. 

Register: https://forms.gle/skgWx9excPdx8LzW9 

Providing accessible content is critical to support the needs of learners requiring accommodations for various disabilities, to promote better learning outcomes for all students as they adjust to remote teaching and hybrid learning models during the COVID-19 response, and to proactively address the University System of Maryland’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible learning and working environment for all.

The webinar will include an overview and demo of Ally’s features as well as a presentation by Dr. Mariann Hawken detailing the steps the UMBC Division of Information Technology took to implement and promote adoption of Ally and accessibility awareness on their campus and the benefits derived from their efforts over the last 18 months. This session will be recorded for anyone who is unable to attend. 

Presenters:
  • Joshua Maltby, Account Executive (MD/DC)
  • Tim Henningsen, Senior Solutions Engineer
  • John Michael Scott, PhD., Product Manager for Blackboard Ally
  • Dr. Mariann Hawken, eLearning Manager, UMBC Division of Information Technology
Register: https://forms.gle/skgWx9excPdx8LzW9
]]> Overview and Demo: Using Ally to Provide Accessible Content Wednesday, September 30 from 2:00 p.m.  - 3:00 p.m. Please attend an overview of Ally, Blackboard’s accessibility software... https://forms.gle/skgWx9excPdx8LzW9 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95768/guest@my.umbc.edu/f28a08f636caeaefde546e0aaca258fd/api/pixel accessibility accommodations ally blackboard inclusivity online-learning remote-instruction udl universal-design Instructional Technology https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/original.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/large.png?1446126703 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/medium.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/small.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxsmall.png?1446126703 Instructional Technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/768/645d288043f17afc684ca8819f167182/xxlarge.jpg?1600113799 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/768/645d288043f17afc684ca8819f167182/xlarge.jpg?1600113799 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/768/645d288043f17afc684ca8819f167182/large.jpg?1600113799 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/768/645d288043f17afc684ca8819f167182/medium.jpg?1600113799 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/768/645d288043f17afc684ca8819f167182/small.jpg?1600113799 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/768/645d288043f17afc684ca8819f167182/xsmall.jpg?1600113799 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/768/645d288043f17afc684ca8819f167182/xxsmall.jpg?1600113799 3 0 false Mon, 14 Sep 2020 16:07:43 -0400 Mon, 14 Sep 2020 16:11:16 -0400 USM OnTrack: New Resources on How to Use Labster Available! Recommendations for enhancing traditionally taught courses
USM OnTrack is continuing to support adoption of Labster for online courses.

Please see below recommended resources for enhancing traditionally taught courses with Labster below:    



Visit this site to learn more about adopting Labster for your courses: https://www.labster.com/usm/.
]]> USM OnTrack is continuing to support adoption of Labster for online courses. Please see below recommended resources for enhancing traditionally taught courses with Labster below:     A... https://www.labster.com/usm/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95568/guest@my.umbc.edu/d57f87f9b1eeb9b83a8a2ef8f38b6209/api/pixel online-learning simulations virtual-labs virtual-reality Instructional Technology https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/original.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/large.png?1446126703 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/medium.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/small.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxsmall.png?1446126703 Instructional Technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/568/d836f4d0bf7066a1ac5cbe1ef0e4104e/xxlarge.jpg?1599606098 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/568/d836f4d0bf7066a1ac5cbe1ef0e4104e/xlarge.jpg?1599606098 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/568/d836f4d0bf7066a1ac5cbe1ef0e4104e/large.jpg?1599606098 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/568/d836f4d0bf7066a1ac5cbe1ef0e4104e/medium.jpg?1599606098 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/568/d836f4d0bf7066a1ac5cbe1ef0e4104e/small.jpg?1599606098 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/568/d836f4d0bf7066a1ac5cbe1ef0e4104e/xsmall.jpg?1599606098 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/568/d836f4d0bf7066a1ac5cbe1ef0e4104e/xxsmall.jpg?1599606098 2 0 false Tue, 08 Sep 2020 19:06:58 -0400 USM OnTrack: Understanding Students’ Readiness to Learn New online resources to help identify and address challenges

USM OnTrack WEBSITE 


New Online Resources:  Understanding Students’ Readiness to Learn 

Last spring’s move to emergency remote teaching may impact how ready students are to learn coming into classes this fall. With the help of a readiness assessment working group from across the USM, we have produced a set of resources that can help faculty to assess students’ readiness to learn. Focusing on students’ knowledge, motivation, and feelings, these resources aim to provide faculty with simple strategies they can employ at the start of the fall semester to give them insights about where students are, which in turn can help them to adjust instruction to address any challenges students might be having. We encourage you to share the overview document and companion web links with your faculty.  

 


Check out these new Online Resources now at https://www.usmd.edu/cai/understanding-students-readiness-learn.
]]> USM OnTrack WEBSITE  New Online Resources:  Understanding Students’ Readiness to Learn  Last spring’s move to emergency remote teaching may impact how ready students are to learn coming into... https://www.usmd.edu/cai/understanding-students-readiness-learn https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95567/guest@my.umbc.edu/8184a6e4c64dcbef6cbe30916a7a7bf5/api/pixel online-learning student-readiness Instructional Technology https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/original.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/large.png?1446126703 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/medium.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/small.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxsmall.png?1446126703 Instructional Technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/567/88821b2f042b5c4b27ab98db6f46f1e8/xxlarge.jpg?1599605587 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/567/88821b2f042b5c4b27ab98db6f46f1e8/xlarge.jpg?1599605587 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/567/88821b2f042b5c4b27ab98db6f46f1e8/large.jpg?1599605587 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/567/88821b2f042b5c4b27ab98db6f46f1e8/medium.jpg?1599605587 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/567/88821b2f042b5c4b27ab98db6f46f1e8/small.jpg?1599605587 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/567/88821b2f042b5c4b27ab98db6f46f1e8/xsmall.jpg?1599605587 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/567/88821b2f042b5c4b27ab98db6f46f1e8/xxsmall.jpg?1599605587 3 0 false Tue, 08 Sep 2020 18:59:41 -0400 New USM Workshop! -Responding to Academic Integrity Concerns Attend this Virtual Session on 10/2 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.!
USM OnTrack would like to invite you to attend a virtual workshop on Academic Integrity in Online Learning. 

Register Now: https://forms.gle/9jJDwzCFeMq26WhKA  

Responding to Academic Integrity Concerns: What Can Faculty Do? 

Friday, October 2, 2020 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  

Led by presenters from the International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI), this workshop will focus on how faculty can handle academic integrity concerns in an educational/formative way, considering several contextual factors. A focus will be on how faculty can respond in this way in an online environment (synchronous or asynchronous).  

 

Presenters: 

  • Camilla Roberts, Director, Honor and Integrity System, Kansas State University, ICAI President 
  • Valerie Denney, Assistant Professor, Decision Sciences, College of Business, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and ICAI Vice President    
  • James Orr, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management, University of Memphis and ICAI Treasurer 

 

Register Now: https://forms.gle/9jJDwzCFeMq26WhKA  

]]> USM OnTrack would like to invite you to attend a virtual workshop on Academic Integrity in Online Learning.  Register Now: https://forms.gle/9jJDwzCFeMq26WhKA   Responding to Academic... https://forms.gle/9jJDwzCFeMq26WhKA https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95565/guest@my.umbc.edu/4c997d1c6cbe161dfa774f2229507ec7/api/pixel academic-integrity online-courses usm Instructional Technology https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/original.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xlarge.png?1446126703 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/large.png?1446126703 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/medium.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/small.png?1446126703 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xsmall.png?1446126703 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/164/dec3b026b81ee6d890a8f82f75c94a2e/xxsmall.png?1446126703 Instructional Technology https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/565/e1362fea4864a3e2f2dba8e1ef453831/xxlarge.jpg?1599604041 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/565/e1362fea4864a3e2f2dba8e1ef453831/xlarge.jpg?1599604041 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/565/e1362fea4864a3e2f2dba8e1ef453831/large.jpg?1599604041 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/565/e1362fea4864a3e2f2dba8e1ef453831/medium.jpg?1599604041 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/565/e1362fea4864a3e2f2dba8e1ef453831/small.jpg?1599604041 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/565/e1362fea4864a3e2f2dba8e1ef453831/xsmall.jpg?1599604041 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/565/e1362fea4864a3e2f2dba8e1ef453831/xxsmall.jpg?1599604041 3 0 false Tue, 08 Sep 2020 18:30:41 -0400 Fri, 04 Nov 2022 15:57:17 -0400