Frequently Asked Questions - Faculty

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What is a course supplement?

Blackboard may be used as an online supplement to your face-to-face classes. Blackboard provides a host of online tools to enhance the traditional classroom setting.

What are the benefits of using Blackboard with my face-to-face classes?

Blackboard is a tool that can streamline course-related information management and enhance instruction. Blackboard provides easy-to-access discussion boards, announcement postings, course materials, an online grade book, and a means for students to view grades and communicate outside of the classroom.

What kinds of Blackboard training are available for faculty?

Contact the UMOnline Instructional Designer, to inquire about Blackboard training opportunities for faculty.

How may I assess my Blackboard course?

Contact the UMOnline Instructional Designer, or the Center for Teaching for Excellence for information about evaluating your online course.

How do I request a Blackboard course supplement?

Go to http://umonline.umt.edu and click on the "Faculty Information" tab, then click the "Request Course Supplement" link. When you sign in, you will see a list of the courses you are teaching. Simply select the courses for which you would like supplements. These courses should be available to you in Blackboard within 24-48 hours.

If your course is not listed, verify that you are listed as the instructor in Banner. Sometimes STAFF maybe entered for graduate students or adjunct faculty that are teaching courses.

If more than one person is listed as the instructor in Banner, one of the other instructors may need to request the supplement if the course does not show up on your supplement request list. You can also contact Michael Gaab, Course Management System Administrator, at 406.243.6373 or at courseware-support@umontana.edu.

How can I use Blackboard to communicate with my students?

Blackboard is an excellent tool for communicating with students. Faculty may communicate with their students using synchronous tools such as Virtual Classroom and Chat, and asynchronous tools such as discussion boards and email.

May I use Blackboard to give a test?

Blackboard may be used to give online tests, quizzes, and surveys. For more information, contact the UMOnline Instructional Designer.

I teach several sections of the same course. Can I combine rosters in Blackboard so that I do not have to copy content to each section?

Yes, you can combine your rosters in Blackboard by contacting the Blackboard Course Administrator. The administrator will need the course request numbers (CRN) for all of the courses you want to combine. You will also need to specify which course is the target course. The rosters for each section will be put into the target course.

How do I make my course available to my students?

To make your course available to your students, go to your Control Panel. Under Course Options, click Settings, then click Course Availability and select "yes". Make sure you submit the changes.

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