Blackboard Resources for Faculty
Hello! On behalf of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), welcome to Athens Technical College. To help you get started, I wanted to ensure you have a few resources at your fingertips.
Instructors can access Blackboard from OKTA: Athenstech.edu > Student & Staff Login > Blackboard app.
If you are unable to access Blackboard through OKTA, please submit an IT Support Request or contact your program or department chairperson.
Minimum Use of Blackboard
Athens Technical College requires all instructors to use the learning management system (LMS) for all course shells: on campus (face-to-face lecture and labs), blended, and online classes. Listed below are the minimal requirements for on-campus (face-to-face) courses. All faculty members should use the Blackboard course shell for the following purposes, although extensive use of Blackboard is encouraged. Complete details are available in our Faculty Handbook (Intranet > Departmental Sites > Academic Affairs > Faculty Handbook).
- Gradebook - All faculty members are required to use the provided electronic gradebook in all classes. The Blackboard gradebook should be maintained throughout the semester so that students are aware of their progress. Ideally, grades should be updated within ten days of the assignment due date.
- All courses must include a course overview and introduction documents, such as the instructor's syllabus (using Simple Syllabus), a course pacing guide, faculty contact information, a link to the Blackboard Orientation, directions for getting started, and a link to college resources. The Start Here Module is provided in your Blackboard course with placeholders for each required document. For more information, refer to the Blackboard Ultra Template Start Here Checklist.
- Minimum use for announcements includes class cancellation notices and Continuation of Instruction assignments. Announcements are encouraged to communicate important dates and deadlines.
- If applicable, information must also be included in all courses for virtual classroom links, publisher content sites, and information for Respondus LockDown Browser.
Distance Education courses (Blended and Online) require course content to meet seat-time minimums; therefore, more extensive use of Blackboard is required. Please contact your program/department chairperson or division dean for clarification.
ADA Compliance
Program and Department Chairs are responsible for providing master courses for all courses. Adjunct faculty are usually not responsible for creating course content. However, this may vary by program/department. Before adding or removing any content from your course, please consult with the your division dean or program/department chairperson. All course contnet must fully comply with ADA Title II, WCAG 2.1, level AA requirements.
Blackboard Support
Two resources are available for Blackboard issues: the CTL Solution Center and CTL Support Request. Both resources are available to students and faculty.
Solution Center: This knowledge base has solution articles based on frequently asked questions and is accessible to faculty and students. You can search the articles by keyword or browse by category.
Blackboard Support Request: If you can’t find an answer to your question in the Solution Center, you can submit a Blackboard Support Request from your OKTA dashboard.
If you don't see the Blackboard Support Tile when you log in to OKTA, submit an IT Support request in OKTA or contact your program/department chairperson.
Learning Management System (LMS)
We use Blackboard SaaS, Ultra Course View as our LMS. If you are not familiar with the Blackboard Ultra platform, you can find some helpful information to get you started setting up your classes using these links:
- CTL solution article: TCSG Blackboard Ultra Faculty Support Articles
- TCSG Training link: Georgia Online Learning and Development (GOLD) Training Site
Training Resources
Once you have gotten your feet wet, browse the Blackboard training resources available regarding Blackboard Ultra in the CTL Solution Center, on the TCSG / GOLD Training Page, and on Blackboard Help. Blackboard Ultra training is conducted through the Department of Georgia Online Learning and Development (GOLD) at TCSG. You will receive emails from Shauna Maher at GVTC regarding Ultra Training webinars and recordings as they become available.
Professional Development
Our Professional Development Guidelines are found on the Intranet > Faculty/Staff Development. All training you complete can be credited to your professional development log. Directions for recording your participation are available in this Solution Center article: Faculty Staff Development Add Your Own.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please submit a Blackboard Support Request from OKTA. Again, welcome to Athens Technical College. Have a great semester!
Missy Lockhart
Director, Online Learning ,Cross Registration / TCSG Connect Administrator and Liaison
Learning Management System Support
Office: J-302-B, Athens Campus
706-355-5080 / mlockhart@athenstech.edu