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| April 2008 | Volume I, Issue No. 1 |
In This IssueFrom the Director |
From the Director ...
The Center for Teaching and Learning pledges to work collaboratively to develop partnerships, leverage resources, and creatively address issues associated with rapid growth, affordable access, and the use of technology in our classrooms—whether residential, off campus, or virtual. Enjoy this premiere issue of our online newsletter, and we invite you to partner with us as we explore new opportunities to meet the exciting challenges of 2008! Dr. Valorie McAlpin, |
Blackboard Vista - How did we get here?Questions and Answers
There was no change in the learning management system—just the owner of the product. In 2005 Blackboard Inc. merged with WebCT and became one company. All products previously developed, owned, and supported by WebCT were branded with the Blackboard name. UNC Charlotte, along with other WebCT clients, were unaware of the merger plans between WebCT and Blackboard until the announcement in the Summer of 2005. It came at a critical time when most WebCT-based universities (including UNC Charlotte) had already begun the migration to WebCT Vista. Why didn’t we go with an Open Source option instead of WebCT Vista? At the time that the announcement was made that WebCT Campus Edition would be discontinued, viable Open Source options were just beginning to appear and had not yet matured to the level we see today. Because Open Source was so new, very little had been developed, tested and implemented, therefore making it an invalid option for a comprehensive learning management system. For more see our Blackboard Vista - How did we get here? web page. Jana Avery |
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Blackboard Satisfaction Surveys Conducted as Part of LMS Committee’s Work
One of the first steps the LMS Committee undertook was to survey faculty using Blackboard Vista (BbV) to measure their satisfaction with BbV for their teaching and learning needs. Approximately 20% of the faculty responded, and the overall satisfaction with BbV was 58%; dissatisfaction was 34%. However, 65% of respondents expressed that they were very interested in exploring alternatives, and a similar percentage (63%) said they were willing to transition to a new LMS. A second satisfaction survey was given to students, and over 1500 responded. Overall, 44% were satisfied with BbV; 39% were unsatisfied. About two-thirds of students believed that BbV was easy to use, that their instructors seemed comfortable using BbV as part of the course, and that BbV enhanced instruction. On the other hand, only half of students agreed that they looked forward to using this system again in future semesters, that interaction with their instructors was enhanced by BbV, and that class time was used more effectively due to BbV. About two-thirds of students disagreed that BbV-based activities helped develop problem-solving skills and that interaction with classmates was enhanced by BbV. Dr. J. Garvey Pyke |
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New Podcast Launched: Teaching & Learning Matters
Then you will enjoy our new podcast, Teaching & Learning Matters. Two members of our Center team, Dr. Garvey Pyke and Dr. Maria Yon, host this bi-weekly series, which brings their thoughts on a variety of effective teaching methods directly to your desktop or mobile MP3 player. These podcasts are designed to be entertaining and to have immediate impact in your courses. To listen online or to subscribe, visit the Teaching & Learning Matters Podcast web page. Sam Eneman |
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Sloan-C Workshops: Sign Up Now!Emerging Technologies, Podcasting, Blended Learning, and More!
April 16 - 25: Advanced Techniques with Podcasting for Educators April 23 - May 16: Getting Started: Online Course Development Basics May
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Participants Requested for NC Digital Object Repository Study
Participants who join the pilot project must complete training and should be prepared for any unpredictability associated with testing the new system. To be considered for the project, please respond to the Digital Object Repository questionnaire. For more information, contact Lorraine Stanton at lstanton@uncc.edu or ext. 7-2701. Lorraine Stanton |
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Please consider leaving feedback on our Newsletter using our survey form. |
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After six months on campus, I have discovered a new and unique university family. As with any family, there are both challenges and rewards. Building on the strong foundation laid by Sallie Ives and her team, the new Center for Teaching and Learning faces the continued challenge of helping faculty integrate pedagogy and technology while emphasizing scholarly teaching and active learning. We recognize that you—the faculty, staff and students of UNC Charlotte—face unprecedented challenges of rapid and dynamic growth in the context of a global knowledge economy.
Why did we change from WebCT Vista to Blackboard Vista?
In December 2007, the Provost recommended that a committee be created to review and compare Blackboard Vista, the current campus learning management system (LMS), with alternative learning management systems. This newly formed 
Would you like to advance teaching and learning in your courses? Do you prefer professional development activities in short, easily digested segments from the comfort of your office or while walking across campus?
As a Sloan-C College Pass member, UNC Charlotte has seats available for faculty to attend the following online workshops. You must sign up through the Center for Teaching and Learning at 
Faculty, instructional designers, and librarians are invited to participate in a pilot test of an online content repository to manage, organize, use, and share digital resources in teaching, research, collaboration, and service. The repository will hold text documents, images, interactive modules, simulations, multimedia clips, or datasets which can be used inside or outside of a Learning Management System (e.g., Blackboard Vista). The University of North Carolina is collaborating with the North Carolina Community College System on this project.