Tech Tip Tuesday - Mixed Content Blocker (Firefox)

As we navigate through the issues that may arise with these updated and more secure web browsers we have come across another potential issue known as 'mixed content blocking.'

This issue may not affect everyone but if you see multimedia items (YouTube videos, SafeAssign etc) not loading it may not be a broken link but your web browser that is blocking the content.

This weeks video tutorial, by Nadine Edwards, gives a quick overview on how to override the Firefox default settings to allow multimedia items to work properly in Blackboard.

Tech Tip Tuesday - Discussion Board Update

With the many web browser security issues we had in 8 week 1 we ran into many issues, mostly with the Discussion Board.  I am pleased to report that many of these issues have been resolved! (Kermit the Frog YAY!!)

This week's tech tip, by Nadine Edwards, shows some updated tips and tricks and best practices with the Discussion Board.

Tech Tip Tuesday - Blackboard Calendar

One of the new(ish) features in Blackboard is the Blackboard Calendar.  This isn't a widely used feature (yet) as it does take some time to set up.  However, I'm sure you can see the benefits of having a well organized and well defined course.




This week's video tutorial shows you how to:

• Get to the calendar
• Create a calendar tool link in your course
• Add events 
• What it looks like to the students.

Tech Tip Tuesday - Finding What Textbooks are Used For Different Courses

Often at the beginning of a semester or when courses are ready to flip over to a new session instructors and students inquire about what textbook courses are using.

Students, especially new ones, are anxious and can't wait for their online course to open or for the syllabus to be shared.  Students can't see the syllabus or announcements from instructors until the course has been made available to them.  However, students have been told in various orientations how to find out their textbook information BEFORE a course opens via WebExpress or the Library Website.

Instructors and students can also follow the steps in this week's simple video tutorial.

*NOTE: Remember, if you share this video with students please share just the video link, not the blog post.

Tech Tip Tuesday - What If You Suspect Blackboard Is Down?

Sometimes things just don't work.

Blackboard is not immune.  For many reasons, Blackboard might go out of service for a while without notice.

So what do you do if you or your students suspect Blackboard might be down?  This week's Tech Tip Tuesday Video Tutorial, by Nadine Edwards, answers just that!

Note: If there is a scheduled outage of Blackboard you WOULD be notified (probably many many times! :) )

Tech Tip Tuesday - Discounted Software Through the SU Cloud

Is your home computer ready for an upgrade?  Need a newer version of Windows or Microsoft Office?  Purchasing software through the SU Cloud can be a great option as well as save you a lot of money!

Stevenson has partnered with some companies to package popular software for purchase at a discounted rate for faculty and staff for home and personal use.  

To find out how to take advantage of this great deal view this week's Tech Tip Video.

Tech Tip Tuesday - What Does The Grade Center Look Like To Students?

With our upgraded Blackboard and awesome new inline grading feature there are many more ways to give students feedback on their submitted assignments.

Whatever way you choose to do it, it's important to understand what your students will see when they log in to check their grades.  Their view has also changed with the upgrade.

This video tutorial, by Nadine Edwards, shows you, as the instructor, your options for grading and feedback as well as what your students will see when they log into to their grade center.

If you do find that your students are confused by the view change or aren't seeing what you know you put in for their grades, this video, made by Blackboard, might help.  ***Please feel free to put a link to the Blackboard made student video in an announcement if necessary, DO NOT link to this blog.  This information is also found in their student help tab when they log into Blackboard.