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NIU to upgrade to Blackboard Next Generation, several training programs offered over summer

May 12, 2011

Blackboard NG logoNIU will upgrade Monday, May 30, to Blackboard Next Generation (NG). This is the most significant upgrade of Blackboard since it was first introduced at NIU almost 10 years ago.

In addition to delivering a redesigned, updated interface, Blackboard NG will simplify the process of creating and editing courses, will facilitate classroom collaboration and allow for better organization of course materials and assignments.

Additionally, it will streamline the notification system of course updates and allow for a variety of course customizations.

It is strongly recommended that current faculty, instructors, teaching staff and teaching assistants attend any of the upcoming May, June and July training programs on Blackboard NG. Please be aware that in August 2011 priority registration will be given to new faculty, instructors, teaching staff and teaching assistants.

NIU’s Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center has started to offer a wide range of training programs and resources to assist faculty, instructors, teaching staff, and teaching assistants with the change.

Spring and summer 2011 workshops and programs on Blackboard NG will include:

  • Preview sessions prior to upgrade
  • Hands-on workshops for new users
  • “Tune-up” workshops for experienced users
  • “Blackboard Boot Camp” for in-depth all day instruction
  • Open Lab sessions every day of the first week of summer and fall 2011 semesters for individual assistance

Note: All workshops following the May 30 Blackboard upgrade will be hands-on with the exception of online workshops. Registration is available online.

May

  • Wednesday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Blackboard Next Generation Preview (hands-on)

June

  • Thursday, June 2, 9 a.m. to noon. Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard *
  • Friday, June 3, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Blackboard Next Generation Bootcamp **
  • Monday, June 6, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Blackboard Tune-up: New Features in the Next Generation of Blackboard **
  • Tuesday, June 7, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Blackboard Tune-up: New Features in the Next Generation of Blackboard **
  • Monday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Blackboard Open Lab, Adams Hall 323
  • Tuesday, June 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Blackboard Open Lab, Adams Hall 323
  • Wednesday, June 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Blackboard Open Lab, Adams Hall 323
  • Wednesday, June 15, 9 a.m. to noon. Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard *
  • Thursday, June 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Blackboard Open Lab, Adams Hall 323
  • Monday, June 20, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Blackboard II: Building Your Blackboard Course *

July

  • Wednesday, July 13, 9 a.m. to noon. Blackboard I: Introduction to Blackboard *
  • Tuesday, July 21, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Blackboard Tune-up: New Features in the Next Generation of Blackboard **
  • Thursday, July 27, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Blackboard Tune-up: New Features in the Next Generation of Blackboard **
  • Thursday, July 28, noon to 1 p.m. Blackboard II: Building Your Blackboard Course *

* workshop designed for new users
** workshop designed for experienced users

Faculty Development’s full summer 2011 program schedule is available online.

For more information, call (815) 753-0595.