16 February 2015
ResponseWare - Web-based clicker software
TurningPoint ResponseWare, a virtual clickers solution, is now available for use in Semester 1 courses. The system allows staff to include a variety of interactive question types in their lectures including multiple choice, multiple response and short answer questions. Students can respond to questions with any web-enabled device including smartphones, tablets and laptops. Please contact Ailsa Dickie, a.dickie1@uq.edu.au for further information.
You can still request your Semester 1 Course
Order your Semester 1 course now! Complete the Course Request online form located on the Staff tab in Blackboard.
Visit the Course Request page for further information.
Course site design tips
Tip 1: Welcome message
Your first announcement should welcome and orientate students to your course. Refer to the Announcements and Kaltura guides for step-by-step instructions.
Tip 2: Menu design
In a number of surveys UQ students have requested a more consistent navigation scheme across courses. To achieve this please consider the following recommendations:
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Use the default content areas of Learning Resources and Assessment.
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Use the UQ colour scheme or ensure your colour scheme meets accessibility guidelines. For more information refer to the accessibility guidelines webpage.
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Keep the number of menu items to a minimum.
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Use a divider line and subheading to break the menu content into sections.
For more information refer to the Course menu webpage.
Tip 3: Weekly folders/ learning modules
Organise your content from the students' point of view i.e. By week (or by topic). For more information refer to the Content area webpage.
Tip 4: Assessment folders
Create a folder for each assessment with the same name as that used in the ECP. Include all resources needed for the assignment and an online submission link. Refer to the Turnitin and Blackboard assignments guides for step-by-step instructions.
Tip 5: Label all resources
Label all resources with a description of its contents and purpose. For more information refer to the Content area webpage.
Library 101
LIBRARY101 is an online information literacy tutorial designed for use by undergraduate students in all disciplines. It consists of six modules intended to guide students through everything they should know about locating and using the UQ library. The resource is available under Library links in the course menu of all new Learn.UQ sites.
Digital rubric design
Planning to mark your assignments online with Turnitin this semester? Check your rubric format is compatible with Turnitin before you publish your ECP.
Help with designing digital rubrics is available from ITaLI (formerly TEDI), email: itali@uq.edu.au or check the Practical guidelines for designing rubrics resource.
Using AV equipment in lecture theatres course
This hands-on course covers how to use AV equipment in lecture theatres. Participants will learn how to change the projector input between the desktop machine, a laptop and the document camera as well as how to use dual projection. Pausing lecture recordings and controlling volume will also be cover. Optionally you can bring your own laptop and practice setting it up for a lecture. Register for the 17 February PA course or 18 February St Lucia, Herston or Gatton course on the Staff Development site.
Designing online quizzes workshop
Online quizzes can be efficient and engaging learning activities. This workshop will explore ways of using online quizzes and questions to challenge students and promote deep approaches to learning. Register for the 17 February workshop on the Staff Development site.
Designing an engaging virtual classroom session workshop
Explore how to design and adapt lectures and tutorials for facilitation online. Discuss ideas for including active learning activities in your online sessions and plan your own engaging tasks. Register for the 19 February workshop on the Staff Development site.
UQ active learning tools workshop
This course explores the different ways tools can be used to promote active learning in lectures and tutorials. Participants will develop an understanding of UQpoll, UQcloud and Padlet can be used to support teaching and learning. Register for the 23 February workshop on the Staff Development site.
Learn.UQ Blogs workshop
Explore how to design, create and implement collaborative and reflective activities using blogs (online journals). Hands-on skills in setting up and assessing blogs in Blackboard are also covered. Register for the 20 February workshop on the Staff Development site.
Learn.UQ Retention Centre workshop
This course will give you an overview of the Retention Centre tool that allows you to check on student progress within your course. Students' engagement and participation are visually displayed to quickly alert you to any students who may be at risk. Register for the 25 February workshop on the Staff Development site.
eLearning authoring software training - iSpring workshop
ITS are helping pilot iSpring suite eLearning authoring software during 2015. iSpring integrates with PowerPoint and allows you to create video lectures, advanced quizzes with feedback, and interactive case studies. Licences are available for course coordinators attending training and willing to provide feedback. Register for the 20 February or 26 February workshop on the Staff Development site.
Next Blackboard upgrade in July 2015 Inter Semester Recess
ITS has approval to schedule the next Blackboard upgrade for 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 web-page, and the eLearning newsletter.