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.

 

You can access Blackboard from OKTA: Athenstech.edu > Student & Staff Login. If you cannot access Blackboard from OKTA, please submit an IT Support Request or contact your program/department chairperson.

 

Minimum use of Blackboard

Athens Technical College requires all instructors to use Blackboard for all course shells.  Including all face-to-face, blended, and online classes.  Listed below are the minimal requirements for On Campus (face-to-face) courses.   All faculty should use the Blackboard course shell for the following, though extensive use of Blackboard is encouraged.  Complete details are available in our Faculty Handbook (Intranet > Departmental Sites > Academic Affairs > Faculty Handbook).

 

  1. Gradebook - All faculty members must use the Blackboard gradebook in all classes.  The Blackboard gradebook should be maintained throughout the semester so students know their progress.  Ideally, grades should be updated within ten days of the assignment due date.
  1. All courses must include course overview and introduction documents, such as the instructor syllabus using Simple Syllabus, course pacing guide, faculty contact information, a link to the Blackboard Orientation, directions for getting started, and the college resources link. The template Start Here Module is provided in your Blackboard course with placeholders for each required document. More information is available in the Blackboard Ultra Template Start Here Checklist
  2. Minimum use for announcements includes class cancellation notices and Continuation of Instruction assignments. Announcements used to communicate important dates and deadlines are encouraged.
  3. If applicable, information must also be included in all courses for virtual classroom links, publisher content sites, and Respondus LockDown Browser download and info.

 

Distance Education courses (Blended and Online) require an online component to meet seat-time minimums; therefore, more extensive use of Blackboard is required.  Please contact your program/department chairperson or division dean for clarification.

 

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 into 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:

  

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 GOLD Training Page, and on Blackboard Help. We have a Blackboard training series you may find useful.

 

The Ultra-CODE Faculty Training is the internal training and course rebuild project directed locally through the Center for Teaching and Learning with oversight by GOLD/TCSG. There are two parts to the Ultra-CODE training. Both parts are required for all faculty.

  1. To learn the Ultra platform, 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 GVTS regarding Ultra Training webinars and recordings as they become available.
  2. CODE is Athens Technical College’s Commitment to Outstanding Distance Education (CODE) For Student Success and is the focus of our current Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). As part of the CODE, our college will begin applying Quality Matters Standards of course design to all of our courses. You will see the Ultra-CODE Faculty Training course in Blackboard. Please begin looking through the materials.

 

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.  For immediate assistance, you can reach any member of the Online Learning Team by phone or email; we are always happy to help

 

Andrew Robison

Coordinator, Center for Teaching and Learning

Blackboard Support

Office: J-302-A

706-552-0960 / [email protected]

 

Nathan Loyd

Instructional Design Manager

CODE Facilitator

Office: I-404

706-355-5174 / [email protected] 

 

Missy Lockhart

Director, Online Learning and eCampus

QEP Director

Office: J-302-B

706-355-5080 / [email protected]

 

Again, welcome to Athens Technical College.  Have a great semester!