27 May 2015
eLearning Solutions Service
Course Coordinators, would you like:
- a one-on-one consultation tailoring eLearning solutions for your course?
- ideas on how to deliver your course more effectively with technology?
- to save time, improve student engagement, or give better feedback?
...then consider the eLearning Solutions Service
The eLearning solutions service is designed to help staff implement the UQ eLearning tools that most successfully solve common teaching and learning problems. The solutions are based on success stories from UQ academics, who reported significant time savings, improved student engagement, and improved SECATS.
For further information refer to the eLearning Solutions Service webpage.
TurningPoint software update (clickers)
During the Inter-Semester break all lectern computers and the Learn.UQ registration tool for clickers will be updated to TurningPoint 5. Some older receivers (dongles) will not be compatible with the new version and will need to be replaced. For further information refer to the TurningPoint 5 and receiver compatibility webpage.
The software update is to facilitate the introduction of TurningPoint ResponseWare that will allow students to respond to questions using a web-enabled device (laptop, tablet or phone). Attend a ResponseWare workshop to learn about the new version or nominate for the eLearning Solutions Service to receive individual help to implement this tool.
Transferring Marks to SI-net
Coordinators are reminded that there is a SI-net merge tool which allows you to download Grade Centre marks to a spreadsheet in the correct format for upload to SI-net. Refer to the SI-net merge tool guide for step-by-step instructions.
New Grade Centre guides
The Grade Centre page on the eLearning site has been updated to include extensive self help guides. Grade Centre allows you to view marks from online tests, marked blogs, journals, wikis and discussion boards. When you create an assessment item in Blackboard, a column is automatically created in the Grade Centre.
For further information refer to the Grade Centre guide.
Turnitin - User group meeting
Are you interested in new features planned for Turnitin or would you like to give feedback to Turnitin representatives on enhancements needed? The next Brisbane Turnitin User Group meeting will be held 1 June at The Women's College, UQ. For further information and to register refer to the Turnitin User Group invitation.
Encourage engagement
Students in Dr Chris Campbell's course were able to brainstorm on their understanding of internet safety prior to the delivery of her lecture. Chris shares her view on the benefits of using Wordcloud.
For further information refer to the Wordcloud guide.
Nominate for the eLearning Solutions Service to receive individual help to implement Wordcloud.
Want to connect and learn more?
The annual EduTECH conference will be held in Brisbane next week. EduTECH is a large conference dedicated to the education and training sector. For further information refer to the EduTECH webpage. The Blackboard 'Innovate & Educate' Teaching & Learning Conference will be held in Adelaide in August. For further information refer to Blackboard ANZ conference webpage.
Grade Centre workshop
Grade Centre offers the instructor an efficient way to manage grades and assessment. This course offers hands-on experience of a range of activities that show-case the many features of the Grade Centre. This course is offered in both face to face (courses with a building as the venue) and virtual classroom format. Staff can enrol in the next course on Monday, 15 June at the Staff Development website.
Maintenance Saturday morning 5am to 8am
On Saturday 30 May Blackboard (Learn.UQ) will be unavailable between 5:00am and 8:00am or a shorter duration if possible. This work is in preparation for the July Blackboard upgrade. Check the Service status page for up to date information.
Next Blackboard upgrade in July 2015 - Inter semester recess
The next Blackboard upgrade will occur on the first weekend in July 2015. This will be during the Inter Semester Recess on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July. There are no additional scheduled upgrades until November 2016. We will provide further details though emails, our upgrade webpage, and the ITS eLearning update.