Tip #71: Upcoming BB9 Classes

Tip: You now have more opportunities to learn about Blackboard 9 and receive a sandbox course by attending a Blackboard 9 class.

TWU will begin using Blackboard 9 for Summer, Summer 2 and Summer 3* session courses. Faculty and staff wanting to orient to the new interface prior to June may access Blackboard 9 at http://twupilot.blackboard.com

You can register for classes or request a small group session for your department at http://www.twu.edu/blackboard/13232.asp

What’s New in Blackboard 9

Blackboard 9 has a completely revised web 2.0 user interface and many exciting new features. This facilitated, hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the most significant changes and new features of Blackboard 9.

Tuesday, May 4 – 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. SH 307
Wednesday, May 19 – 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ACT 503
Thursday, June 3 – 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. SH 307
Tuesday, June 8 – 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. SH 307

What’s New in BB9 Webinars

Blackboard 9 has a completely revised web 2.0 user interface and many exciting new features. Join us online in an Adobe Connect Session to explore the most significant changes and new features of Blackboard 9.

Thursday, May 20 – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 27 – 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 10 – 10:00 a.m.

The Blackboard 9 Grade Center Webinars

This Adobe Connect Session will introduce participants to the new Grade Center. Join us online to learn how to access the Grade Center to add score columns and to enter and manage student grades. Participants will also be introduced to new features such as Smart Views, Grade History, and Calculated Columns.

Friday, May 7 – 10:00 a.m.
Friday, May 21 – 1:00 p.m.
Friday, May 28 – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, June 10 – 10:00 a.m.

*Summer Semester Names

Old	New	Description
Maymester	Summer 1	14-day May classes
Summer 1	Summer 2	June classes
Summer 2	Summer 3	July classes
Summer 3	Summer	All summer long (beginning June)

Tip #70: Blackboard 9 Grade Center's Smart Views

Tip: In Blackboard 9, you can create different views of your Grade Center which allow you to filter which students you view, the columns you view, or a combination of both.

Here’s how to create a Grade Center Smart View:

1. Log into your course and ensure Edit Mode is ON.
   
   
2. Click on the Evaluation area of the Control Panel then select Grade Center in the expanded menu.
   
   
3. On the Grade Center page, click on the Manage button and then select Smart Views from the dropdown menu.
   
   
4. On the Smart Views page, click on the Add Smart View button.
   
   
5. On the Create Smart View page, enter a name (required) and description (optional) then select a Type of View from one of the following:
   
   • Group (select individual groups)
   • Benchmark (select users based on performance criteria)
   • Focus (select individual users)
   • Investigate (a combination of the first three)
     
     
6. Select the criteria you would like to use to limit users.
   • NOTE: If you would like to create a view that only limits which columns you view but includes all students, select Benchmark for your view type and then make the criteria “Grade on Total Greater than or Equal to” 0.
     
     
7. Use Filter Results to choose which columns you would like to view.
   
   
8. Click Submit then OK. Your new Smart View will now be an option on the Current View dropdown located on the yellow action bar.
   

Tip #69: Viewing the course roster in Blackboard 9

Tip: In Blackboard 9, you can access your course roster through the Control Panel.

Here’s how to drag and drop:

1. Log into your course and ensure Edit Mode is ON.
   
   
2. Click on the Users and Groups area of the Control Panel.

3. Click on Users in the expanded menu.
   
   
4. In the Search bar, select the Not blank search option.

5. Click on Go, and your course roster will appear.