Blackboard Collaboration and Assessment

The upshot of this session is that students can evaluate each other and grade themselves in Blackboard, and it goes right to the grades (not a need for us), and that though wikis and blogs are better, you CAN use BB for some interaction. The focus is on how-to, not pedagogy. Here are small notes to not take up space . . .

GT uses BB 8, looking at 9. Presenter is demonstrating how to post assignments which you can receive back. BB doesn't use DigitalDropBox anymore. Looks like you can embed video clips, link to articles, all from Blackboard using icons like in a blog. Students get a time/date receipt and could do a screen shot to prove they turned something in. A faculty member says that she has problems getting recordings to play. "It's good when it works." (What version of BB does AU have?) Students sometimes hit SAVE rather than SUBMIT. You can see that in the grade center that they saved but didn't submit.

Self and Peer assessment . . . BB randomly assigns who assess whom in peer assessment. You set very structured logistical parameters for when to submit and when to review. Submit, then modify . . . give clear evaluation parameters to students . . . Students will see on their site who they are supposed to review.

You can create groups within BB to encourage collaboration, though presenter mentions that blogs and wikis are better. In groups, you can have discussion boards, file exchanges (but it takes up space), and email each other.

Having lunch with Heather shortly!