Communication Tools Lesson Focus


Note: Per Athens Technical College policy, faculty are required to use Blackboard announcements in all courses, regardless of course type, for class cancellation notices and Continuation of Instruction assignments, regardless of course type.  Announcements used to communicate important dates and deadlines is encouraged. Distance education courses require more extensive use of Blackboard.


Multiple tools are available for presenting information to and communicating with students.


After completing this lesson, the instructor will be able to:

  1. Create and edit an announcement and send as an email notice.
  2. Create, edit, and deploy an instructor contact.
  3. Create and edit personal and course calendar events.
  4. Customize calendar settings.
  5. Export a calendar link.
  6. Compose and send an email message.


Communication Tools Resources


Review the following TCSG and Blackboard resources. NOTE: All links open in a new window.


TCSG Resources


Blackboard Resources


Disclaimer: All TCSG colleges currently use Blackboard's Original Course View. Some of the features and tools of Blackboard that are discussed in the Blackboard resources may not be available at your college. Check with your POC (Distance Ed Contact) for questions about tool availability.



Communication Tools Video


This video will provide an overview of three communication tools available in Blackboard.


NOTE: To view the video in full screen, select the Play button. At the bottom of the window, select the YouTube link. The video will open in YouTube in a new tab. Select the full screen button in the bottom-right corner of the video.