Ten Blackboard Tools You Might Not be Familiar With, But Definitely Should Try:

Adaptive release allows you to set certain requirements before a content folder, item, assignment, test, etc, is viewable by the student user. These requirements can be scoring a certain amount of points on a quiz, reviewing a document or completing an assignment. The best thing to do is indicate which content items in your course are required to meet certain criteria, to prevent confusion.

Grade Center is a beneficial tool even if your course activities all take place face to face. Create columns and enter their grades. Notify by email anyone that has missed an assignment. Create various calculated columns that expedite final grade calculations.  

Journals, as the name implies, lets you create entries for various days (or even the same day) and it is a good tool for reflecting on what the student has learned.

Retention Center this tool allows you to track student activity, grade performance, missed deadlines, and alert you if students are meeting expectations or not. It allows you to communicate with students, and their advisors or observers, if it was necessary.

Surveys allow you to get your students feedback by having them answer different types of questions. They work similar to exams, but answers cannot be graded as right or wrong. Results can then be accessed from the Grade Center.

Wikis allow participants to add content to its pages almost simultaneously. They will also be able to review the change history and revert to previous versions. As an instructor you can see which students participated the most and award them accordingly.

Date Management has two options, the first option lets you move dates by using the starting date of the course; the second option, lets you view all items with dates and modify them from a table interface. This is a great tool to use when copying content from an older course to a new one in a different semester.

Calendars the tool pulls some information from your course and marks due dates and the availability end date for assignments and assessments. Adding the tool to the navigation menu allows students to view upcoming deadlines.

Groups a tool that allows you to split your class into smaller teams. Group creation can be manually done by the instructor or randomly selected. Groups can submit assignments together, collaborate within discussion boards, create their own wikis, journals, and blogs. Groups also allow for more advanced grading options, within the grade center.

Portfolios let students add multiple documents into a central area. Documents can be homework the student has submitted to demonstrate progress throughout the semester. It can also be a themed project, where the student has multiple assignments (yet to be graded) attached to the portfolio.

If you any of these tools caught your attention, you can check our training calendar, make a training request for a group of faculty, or schedule one-on-one time with a blackboard instructional design team member.  

Adding Safe Senders in Outlook

If you would like to add an individual sender (person@example.com) or sender's domain (like @example.com) to your Safe Senders list in Outlook, you can quickly accomplish this task with the following steps:

1)  From the Home menu, navigate to Junk > Junk Email Options

2)  Click the Safe Senders tab and then click Add...

3)  Type in the sender's email address or domain name and click Ok.

4)  Additionally, you can check boxes to trust e-mail from your Contacts and/or automatically add people that you email to the Safe Senders list.

Compare Two Versions of a Document in Word

In this post, we share how two or more documents can be compared in Microsoft Word to determine the changes and differences between them.

To begin, open Microsoft Word and start a new document.

Click the Review tab at the top of the page and then click the drop-down under Compare.

Browse to the Original document and the Revision of the document.  Once this is complete, click OK.

Microsoft Word then compares the documents and makes note of all the changes that exist between the two documents.

Microsoft Office 2016 New Features List

Computers labs and new computers currently being distributed have been updated with Microsoft Office 2016. We have compiled a few of the new features to take advantage of with this new update.

Outlook offers additional ribbon buttons.

You can archive items in Outlook with a single click by using the Archive button. You also have new buttons to browse or add new groups.

Mentions

In Outlook you can capture someone’s attention quickly by using this new feature. When crafting an email or calendar invitation, type the @ symbol and the first few letters of the person’s name into the body of the message.

Smart Lookup Offers Extra Information

Highlight any parts of the text and use the Bing-powered Smart Lookup feature to bring search results from the web. 

Excel 2016 Has New Charts

New types of charts to represent data graphically are included in this release. One such example is the treemap chart, which can be found in Insert > Insert Hierarchy Chart > Treemap.

Zoom for PowerPoint

This new feature lets you move to different slides and sections of your presentation quickly. Summary Zoom puts the pieces of each slide you select into a single slide. Slide Zoom lets you navigate slides in any order you choose. Section Zoom allows you to pop back to previous sections easily.

Do you know of other exciting or useful features that didn't make the list? Leave a comment below!

Inserting the Date and Time in Microsoft Word

Sometimes in a document, users may need to insert the current date and time.  When using the same document in later occurrences, a user may want that date and time to automatically update. 

In Microsoft Word, the current date and time can be inserted in a number of different formats.

To accomplish this, the following steps should be followed:

1.  Open Microsoft Word

2.  Navigate to the desired location of the Date and Time.

3.  Click the Insert tab in the Ribbon

4.  Click the Date & Time option, which will allow a variety of formats for selection

5.  Click the Update automatically box so that it will update any time the document is opened.

6.  Click Ok.

Edit and Fill Forms with PDFescape

Employees who work in office settings may often be asked to print out a PDF form, fill it out, and then turn it in to the designated recipient.

Depending on your handwriting, the availability of a printer, and other factors, you may seek an alternative to hand writing the information that is requested on the form and then scanning it.

As a convenience to users, some forms are converted to fillable forms which allow the fields to be easily typed in the respective places, but what if that is not the case?

One way to still have the ability to type on forms is to use a website called PDFescape.com.

With the site, you can Upload PDFs that are less than 10 megabytes and 100 pages with the ability to open the PDF files, edit them, and fill out fields on the form.

To access the FREE software, visit https://www.pdfescape.com/ and click the Free Online button.

Upon clicking the Free Online button, users can choose to  Upload a PDF or load a PDF from the Internet.

From there, the menu allows the ability to insert text, images, freehand drawing and more.  Once the additions and modifications are made to the PDF, it can then be saved and used as desired.

Math in Microsoft Word?

When it comes to Microsoft Word, most people only think about its word processing capability.  There are also other features that can be used as well.  One of those features is calculating Math Equations.

While in a document, the Calculate command can be added to the Quick Access Toolbar.

From the File menu, navigate to Options.
 
Click the link for Quick Access Toolbar and then select All Commands from the "Choose commands from" drop-down.

Select Calculate from the list and then click Add to move the command to the Quick Access Toolbar.

 

Once you click "Ok", you can then type a mathematical equation in your document, highlight it, and then click the Calculate.

The answer appears near the bottom of your screen.

How to Schedule Emails in Outlook

How to Schedule Emails in Outlook

While in a new message or replying to a message, complete the following steps:

1)  Go to the Options tab at the top of the Screen.

2)  Click the Delay Delivery link

3)  In the Properties window, choose the date and time when you want the email to go out.

4)  Once you click Close, the email will be prepared for scheduling.  After you compose the email and click Send, it will go out at the scheduled time.

Learn the Shortcuts to Become an OneNote Ninja

OneNote is a robust note taking tool that has a wide variety of tools and options, like recording your own voice, taking screenshots, add files or embed other Microsoft office formats. Below is a list of shortcuts that will help you master OneNote.

CTRL+A

When you have an active curse in a OneNote Tab, CTRL+A selects all the text in the window.

ALT+N+F

Press this shortcut when you want to add a file, of any format type, into your notes.

CTRL + E

Looking for something but you do not remember in which note or notebook it was saved to? Use this shortcut to expand the search tab and look through all of your documents.

CTRL+Shift+E

When you have notes that you are ready to share with others, or need another pair of eyes. Use this shortcut to automatically load your notes into a new Outlook Email Draft.

For a more extensive list of shortcuts, click here

Quickly Formatting Documents with the Format Painter

The Format Painter in Microsoft Word is a very useful tool for mimicking the formatting of a word or phrase that already exists in the document.

This tool allows users to very quickly copy the spacing, font styles, colors, and more from one place to another.

In order to use the Format Painter, simply highlight the text that is formatted as desired.

Click the Format Painter icon in the Home menu.

Using a single click of the Format Painter will allow you to highlight one additional sentence or section of text and it will update to the desired style.  By double-clicking the Format Painter, the copied style can be applied to multiple words or areas.  To turn off the Format Painter after double clicking, you can simply click the icon again to turn it off.

The Format Painter not only works on text, but it also can work on certain types of drawings or graphics.

Give it a try today and boost your productivity!

Step Up Your Outlook Experience with Add-ins

Microsoft allows users to enhance their Outlook experience by integrating Add-ins for increased productivity and functionality.

In order to use an add-in, you must first sign in to the Outlook Web App.

This can be accomplished by going to https://webmail.uhd.edu and then logging in with the correct UHD username and password.

Once logged in, Add-ins can be accessed by clicking the gear on the right side of the user's name and then selecting Manage apps.  

From there, various add-ins can be installed from the Office Store, from a URL, or from a downloaded file.

From the Office Store, a user can install all sorts of add-ins which allow features such as sending Starbucks gift cards, saving messages to Evernote, scheduling emails, tracking packages, and more.

A word of caution:  It is wise to limit the number of add-ons that are installed in order to avoid possible crashes of the application or slowing it down tremendously.

Creating a Group in Zoom

In addition to hosting and participating in video conferencing meetings in Zoom, another popular feature is the use of Groups for messaging.

This feature allows you to send group chats, files, screen captures, and images.  You can also start meetings with or without video for your groups.


How to Create Groups in Zoom

1) Log into your UHD Zoom account.

2) Click the Contacts menu item.

3) Click the +Add Group button on the upper right.

4) Name the group and choose members to invite.

5)  Click the Create button and your group has been created.

Launching a Zoom meeting and Inviting Guests

Launching a meeting in Zoom

With the Zoom application open, a meeting host can initiate a meeting in three different ways.

1)  By clicking the Start with video button, the host can initiate a meeting with his/her webcam activated.

2)  By clicking the Start without video button, the host can initiate a meeting in which the webcam is non automatically turned out.

3)  The final way to launch a meeting is to Click the Meetings tab and then to click Start under the Personal Meeting ID area.  This would allow a host to launch a meeting in a space where the meeting credentials are always the same.

Inviting Guests

To invite guests to a meeting that is already in progress, the host should click the Invite button and then either select a mail service to open with pre-defined invitation text or select the Invite by Contacts tab to invite Contacts from within the UHD Zoom community.

Additionally, the host can copy the direct URL to the meeting or the full invitation text and share it in any way desired.

How to Turn an Email in a Calendar Appointment

In Outlook 2013, there are two quick ways to generate a calendar appointment from a received email.  This task helps to promote productivity and can also eliminate unwanted emails that go back and forth in an attempt to schedule a meeting.

Method 1:  Dragging and dropping the email

If the details of a meeting or request for a meeting are inside of the received email, you can simply drag the email message from your Inbox to the Calendar Icon at the bottom of your Outlook screen.

This will make a new appointment that you can edit and then save or send to your desired recipients.

Method 2:  Clicking the Meeting shortcut

Another method of creating a meeting or appointment from an email is to click the Meeting icon while viewing an email.  This icon is located in the ribbon area at the top of the Outlook screen. 

From the Meeting screen, you can add recipients and adjust the requested meeting time.  You can also include a message in the body of the email that will be sent to invitees.


For additional assistance with Meeting Requests and shortcuts, feel free to contact us at 713-221-8200 or request training.

How to Export and Import Course Packages in 10 steps.

1. Go to the Course that you would like to export to the May or Summer Semester (located in: https://bb2.uhd.edu).

Under the Control Panel, click on Packages and Utilities.

2. The list of options for packages and utilities will include, "Export Package/Archive Course"

Click on Export/Archive Course

3. Click on Export Package inside the Export/Archive Course Dashboard.

4. In "File Attachments" leave the options as default. Unless you are using Softchalk inside of your Course.*

For Course Materials, click on Select All.

5. The process can take a few minutes, but when it is finished you will be able to download a zip file to your computer.

6. Go to the course where you need to place the content. Go to Packages and Utilities and select "Import Package/View Logs"

7. Click on "Import Package" inside of the dashboard.

8. Click on "Browse My Computer" to find the Zip file and attach the file.

 9. Under "Select Course Materials" click on "Select All"

10. Click on the Submit Button at the bottom of the screen.

For additional assistance, you can view our documentation for Exporting and Importing Course Packages

You can also contact us at 713-221-2786 or bb@uhd.edu



*Note: If you are using softchalk in your course, when packaging your course the "File Attachments" should be set to:

Course File Default Directory: Copy links and include copies of the files in the course default directory.

Files Outside of the Course Default Directory: Copy links and include copies of the files outside of the course default directory.

Blackboard Foundations Course

Blackboard Foundations is designed to give instructors essential skills for teaching online using the tools found within the Blackboard Learning Management System. After completing this course, you should know how basic tools function within the online course environments, and walk away with tips and best practices for making your online course a success.

We are excited that you have chosen to complete this course. Remember this course is offered both online and in person. (Click Here To Find Times and Dates For The Face To Face Sessions)

Recommended Apple and Android Apps

Duolingo (iOS and Android)

This app will help you learn a language on the go. Whether you are waiting for a meeting or on the rail on the way to lunch, spend it leveling up your proficiency in the language of your choice.  You can take quick assessments to skip levels or go through the lessons.

Evernote (iOS and Android)

One of the best note-taking app in both the iOS and Android app store, this app will let you write, record, and capture your notes and store them in the cloud. Use its tag and notebooks system to organize your notes and make them easier to find.

Note: Be sure to check out our class on Evernote by Devin Dabney. 

 Evernote Scannable (iOS only)

This app is from the same company as Evernote. It scans and captures images of your papers to save and share. Reduce your paperwork and hassle by keeping a copy of your papers online.

iStudiez Pro (iOS, OSX and Windows)

Voted the Best College Student App of 2011, it lets your students track their schedule, office hours, affiliation, and contact information. It has a special section for keeping track of their assignments and managing their tasks. Your students can track their Grade or GPA based on the assignments and supports weighted or non-weighted assignments, the GPA calculator is available for past and current semesters. Last of all, it will notify your students of pending tasks and upcoming classes and events. If you see a lot of students using their mobile devices, you can recommend this app. It also has a free version called iStudiez Lite

Using Zoom in the Classroom

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a software tool that unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, and group chat into one easy-to-use platform.  The University of Houston-Downtown released it to faculty, staff, and students in the fall of 2014

What are some ways I can use Zoom for office hours?

• You can pre-schedule upcoming office hours sessions - By scheduling an upcoming meeting in Zoom, you can generate a link that can be shared with students to virtually join you at the appropriate time.
• You can meet with individual students about assignments or tests - If you would like to meet with a student form the comfort of your office or home, you can start a meeting and invite the student to join your directly from Zoom.
• You can meet with groups to discuss projects - Because Zoom has functionality to allow up to 25 people to join a virtual meeting, you can also meet with groups who may have a desire to discuss a project, presentation, or assignment.

What are the benefits?

• Zoom is provided, free of charge, for all faculty, staff, and students.
• Zoom is very easy to install and use
• Zoom allows for recording meetings
• Zoom allows for screen share for the host and participants
• Zoom can be used even if a user does not have a webcam or the ability to show video
• Zoom is simple enough, yet robust enough to help you accomplish most of your desired meeting tasks 

How do I get Zoom?

Zoom can be downloaded from the UHD portal at http://uhd.zoom.us.  For a quick video on signing into Zoom visit https://uhdhml.uhd.edu/Play/181

If you are interested in further training on Zoom, please check our training page for upcoming dates or simply contact someone in the TTLC to schedule a one-on-one session.

Adding Students to Already-Made Groups

Students that added late to a class will not automatically be placed into Blackboard groups that were created before the student was enrolled.  This is true no matter how the group was set up; if the instructor set Blackboard to randomly assign students to groups, the membership is set once the groups are created -- students subsequently coming in to the course will not be automatically put into groups.

 

Fortunately, Blackboard makes it easy to see who is not in a group and assign them to groups as needed.

 

 

1. Go to the Groups area of the Control Panel.

 

2. On the top right, switch to All Users view.

 

 

 

3. All students will be listed, and what group if any they belong to.  Mouse over a student’s name to bring up the Add to Group function.



 



4. Click Add to Group and use the drop menu to select from available groups.

 

 



The student is now in the specified group. 

 

 

 

 

NEW Access Log for Tests

Instructors can view a test attempt's Access Log for a list of times of various student interactions with the test. The log can help to confirm whether a student began a test or ran into problems during a test.

The Access Log shows a detailed list of every interaction a student had with the test for that attempt. The log shows the time the test was started, when each question was saved, and when it was submitted.
An unusual gap in activity might be
interpreted as a connectivity problem if the student claims to have had one. However, the system cannot determine what caused the time gap—it can only show that it occurred. 
Be aware that the time spent on a  question may include time that the student spent looking at other questions before saving that answer.



Visit the TTLC Training page for step-by-step instructions for retrieving info from the access log:
Determining Test Interaction Using the Access Log