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What's New?

6/24/08: We have purchased the teamsLX wiki tool for our Blackboard system. Please click on WIKI for addtiional information about this tool.

2/22/08: The Advanced Group Manager tool is now available.

10/10/07: Also available are the Discussion Grader and Document Unpackage tools.

Blackboard Collaborative Tool Trial  (Fall 2007)

This is an initial evaluation of WIKI and Blog tools for Blackboard. At this time, there is no commitment to offer this capability for future terms. Faculty and student feedback during the trial period will help us to determine if these tools are effective within the Blackboard system.

Starting Friday September 28, Blackboard will have three new tools for faculty and students to evaluate.

The trial period will last from Sept. 28 until Dec. 12, 2007.

The Learning Objects provides tools such as:

  • teamXL: for gradable group projects using WIKI's

    A WIKI is a website of one or more pages that allows people to add and edit content collectively. This WIKI has an easy-to-use editor that lets you quickly add content and style your work.
    • Your WIKI starts off with one page: the homepage. Users can add new pages at any time and link them together.
  • journalXL: for course-level blogging

    A blog, is a website that is designed to be updated frequently with new entries. The entries in a blog are usually displayed in reverse-chronological order (most-recent first). This blog application has an easy-to-use editor that lets you quickly add content and style your work. Peers are able to provide comments, but not edit or add to the blog.

Why a Trial?

Our goal is to gain a stronger understanding of how faculty and students use these collaborative tools for teaching and learning.

If you would like to participate in this trial and share your feedback, please contact Tonia Malone (tmalone@calpoly.edu) for more information.

Save Collaborative Files Before December 12

On Dec. 12, 2007, these tools will be disabled and you will not be able to access this content.

You can save the collaborative work before these tools are disabled.

  • WIKI: Export Site feature allows you to export the pages' content and student participation. WIKI pages can be printed. Student participation percentage from the Control Panel > Assess WIKI page can be printed for your archives.
  • Blog: Export Site feature allows you to export the pages' content. Student comments can be printed for your archives.

Tips for Using the WIKI or Blog

Adding a WIKI or Blog

From the Control Panel:

  1. Click on the Content Area link where you want the assignment added (Syllabus, Course Materials, Assignments, External Links).
  2. Choose WIKI or Blog from the Add Other drop-down menu on the right of the screen.
  3. Click on the Go Icon Go button.
    screen image of the pull down list for WIKI or Blog
  4. Type the assignment’s information in the appropriate Content Information fields.
    Note: The tutorials for the WIKI and Blog tools are above. Click on their names to access the tutorials.
  5. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click on the Submit button.