Program Details
Print
Monday, 4/6/2009
Registration Open3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
Exhibit Hall Open
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Verdi
Welcome Reception
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Exhibit Hall
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tuesday, 4/7/2009
Registration Open7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
The Future of Higher Education : Innovate or Evaporate
Higher education institutions (HEI’s) are operating under very different circumstances than a few decades ago, when leaders of contemporary societies have been educated. Demographic, economic, social and cultural transformations are affecting the environment in which institutions are functioning. In the first part of the keynote lecture, a brief overview will be presented of the main trends affecting HEI’s, drawing upon recent OECD data. Demographic transformations, internationalization, the need for expanded and more equitable access and the demand for increased investments in human capital will stimulate further expansion of higher education. At the same time HEI’s will have to turn away from the pitfalls of massification, by developing tailor-made educational servicies tuned to the needs of contemporary learners. Diversification of provision to an ever more heterogenous student population will lead to the development of very different institutional arrangements for learning and knowledge creation. Technology certainly will provide some of the answers to these needs, but may also further stimulate diversification. A short overview of the available evidence on technology-driven innovation in higher education will help to clarify this point. Finally, some possible scenario’s for the future of higher education will be presented. Some of them are perhaps not particularly reassuring for present-day’s institutions, as they will have it increasingly difficult to defend their quasi-monopoly on high-skills development in knowledge societies. The conclusion is evident: HEI’s need to make strategic choices for radical innovation if they want to uphold their status as the most powerful and responsive institutional teaching and learning arrangements for future human capital development.
Dirk Van Damme currently is Head of CERI (Centre for Education Research and Innovation) at OECD in Paris. He holds a PhD degree in educational sciences from Ghent University and is also professor of educational sciences in the same university (since 1995). He also was part-time professor in comparative education at the Free University of Brussels (1997-2000) and visiting professor of comparative education at Seton Hall University, NJ, USA (2001-2008).
He has been professionally involved in educational policy development as deputy director of the cabinet of the Flemish Minister of education Luc Van den Bossche (1992-1998), as general director of the Flemish rectors' conference VLIR (2000-2003), as expert for the implementation of the Bologna Declaration for Ms Marleen Vanderpoorten, Flemish Minister of education (2002-2003) and as director of the cabinet of Mr Frank Vandenbroucke, Flemish minister of education (2004-2008). In 2004 he served also as executive director of the RAGO, the organization of public schools in the Flemish Community of Belgium.
He has served as an expert on issues related to international higher education policy, quality assurance and accreditation for several international organisations, as board member of QANU, the quality assurance agency for the Dutch universities, as member of the scientific board of AQA, the Austrian Quality Agency in higher education, and as member of the Committee for the evaluation of the University of Luxembourg.
Break
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall Open
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Verdi
Blackboard Learn, Release 9: Getting There
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 2
Speakers:
Martha Cooley, Senior Director, Product Development, Blackboard
This session will get you up to speed on upgrading to Blackboard Learn, Release 9 and future releases: what the upgrade process looks like, how to prepare, choosing the best option for your situation and a look at upcoming steps. We'll also answer common questions we've heard from your peers so far and reserve time for live Q&A.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blackboard Learn, Release 9, Blackboard-led
Enhancing Student Feedback on Assessments Using Waypoint
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 1
Speakers:
Susan Deane, Learning Technologist, Bournemouth University
Barbara Newland, Manager Educational Development Services, Bournemouth University
A project using the Waypoint Building Block has been implemented in Business, Conservation Sciences and Computing at Bournemouth University. Academics create and use online criteria to mark assignments. These criteria can be shared by other academics and individual comments may be added and grades automatically uploaded to the Grade Center.
Waypoint has been used in the USA to enhance the quality of student feedback while saving academic time, and while assessment processes are different in the UK, our evaluation found that the Waypoint tool could be used effectively and efficiently in the UK. Guides for using Waypoint will be made available to attendees.
Blackboard Learning System – CE Enterprise License, Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Student Testing and Assessment
Making the Grade with Blackboard Learning System (Release 8): Practical Measures for Success with the Grade Center
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 2
Speakers:
Ron L. Ray, e-Learning Specialist, American University of Sharjah
The Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License (Release 8) Grade Center introduced stronger functionality for managing the grading process than its predecessor, along with greater opportunities for errors in grade calculations and challenges in isolating the source of errors. This presentation examines our more prescriptive and assertive methods of training and support for the new Grade Center that depart from those we employed with the prior grade book or most other Blackboard functions. We'll also discuss how we responded to Grade Center issues that instructors/students typically encounter by developing a "roadmap" for instructors and a troubleshooting "toolkit" for support.
Attendees will learn methods to hone their training approaches and materials for faculty who are being introduced to the new Grade Center. Two semesters promoting it at the American University of Sharjah have convinced us that nicely-designed instructions and tutorials on Grade Center functions will prove inadequate if they are not supplemented with additional tools, which we will share. Lastly, attendees will be able to evaluate whether our progressive change in tenor—from cheerfully encouraging exploration of possibilities to assertively prescribing Grade Center settings—may be a productive approach for their institutions.
Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License
Topics
Training and Support
The Spider in the Web: Linking Blackboard Software with Administrative, Library and Educational Tools for a Central Student Portal
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
Speakers:
Ilse Depré, e-Learning Consultant, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
How do you seamlessly connect 60,000 active students in 13 institutions (with 13 administrative systems), as well as other tools to support students’ individual learning path? The introduction of Shibboleth as central authentication method, together with single sign-on Building Blocks and web services allows Katholieke Universiteit Leuven to use Blackboard software as their main educational portal while connecting to numerous other ICT tools like SAP, test platforms (Questionmark Perception), mail systems, a wiki/blog service and several educational and library repositories (streaming video, Aleph). Appropriate for both technical and non-technical audiences, this session will be aimed at those with a good general knowledge of Blackboard software functionality.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Systems Integration
Walking the Talk – Showcasing Best Practice Using Blackboard's Community Engagement Tools
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 1
Speakers:
Wayne Britcliffe, Digital Learning Resources Manager, University of York
Richard Walker, E-Learning Development Team Manager, University of York
Using Blackboard’s Community Engagement tools, University of York created a support site for academics on their institutional platform. With users enabled through direct access log-in and automatically assigned a different institutional role, the VLE support site does not require authentication and provides personalized information based on those roles. A compelling, staff-focused training resource, the support site has been used to showcase best practice in course delivery including archived modules, case studies and interviews with course leaders. Valuable on a technical level to Blackboard software administrators, this session will also have pedagogic appeal (in terms of the methods used to address staff training and support) for instructional designers and faculty support professionals.
Blackboard Community System, Blackboard Content System, Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License
Topics
Training and Support
Blackboard Managed Hosting and Client Success: The University of Manchester Experience
11:45 AM - 12:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 2
Speakers:
Harry Choi, Vice President, Managed Hosting, Blackboard
Christine Whitehouse, Applications Manager (e-Learning), The University of Manchester
How is Blackboard Managed Hosting helping University of Manchester and hundreds of other institutions accomplish their academic mission on Blackboard applications? Please join us for this session to get an overview of Blackboard Managed Hosting Services and hear about University of Manchester’s experience.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blackboard-led, Scalability and Growth
e-Demos, We'll Show You What We've Got !
11:45 AM - 12:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 1
Speakers:
Béatrice MD. Lecomte, e-Learning Coordinator, LabSET - IFRES, University of Liege
Do your professors want to see concrete examples of e-Learning? The University of Liege will share their e-Demos interface, created to showcase online courses and activities designed by their academic personnel. With an interface guests can browse by instructional or administrative criteria, each e-Demo capsule contains a multimedia guided tour, teacher interviews and a detailed showcase that provides the visitor explanation of the creator's instructional design choices. In addition to offering a way for our community to share experiences and expertise, it gives new instructors and teaching assistants an excellent training resource.
Blackboard Learning System – CE Enterprise License, Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Course Design
Emerging Findings from Technology, Feedback, Action! Exploring Technical Interventions to Encourage Student Engagement with Feedback
11:45 AM - 12:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
Speakers:
Stuart Hepplestone, Lecturer in Curriculum Innovation, Sheffield Hallam University
Graham Holden, Head of Academic Practice, Sheffield Hallam University
Helen J. Lyons, Researcher (e-learning), Sheffield Hallam University
Louise Thorpe, Head of Academic Innovation, Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University is exploring the potential of technology-enabled feedback to improve student learning. Learn how this research project is evaluating a range of technical interventions, including Grade Center as the primary tool for the publication of grades and feedback as well as adaptive release of student marks through a bespoke Assignment Handler Blackboard Building Block, in an attempt to encourage students to engage with feedback and formulate actions to enhance their on-going learner development.
The session will explore and share with participants how the characteristics of the applications of technology described above impact upon students' engagement with their feedback, including the learning benefits of fostering deep reflection and action planning for further personal improvement. The benefits and issues of using technology to provide feedback will be shared, along with practical solutions and guidance to enhance the student assessment experience. Participants will be encouraged to contribute to the project wiki, which will contain a review of current literature regarding feedback practice, articles to support sector-wide discussion and debate and more.
Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License
Topics
Institutional Assessment
What's Next for Blackboard Learn - Vista Enterprise License
11:45 AM - 12:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 2
Speakers:
Bob Alcorn, Chief Architect, Blackboard
Martha Cooley, Senior Director, Product Development, Blackboard
This session will provide information for clients running Blackboard Learn - Vista Enterprise License on upgrading to releases resulting from Project NG: what the roadmap looks like, how to prepare, choosing the best option for your situation and a look at upcoming steps. We'll also answer common questions we've heard from your peers so far and reserve time for live Q&A.
Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License
Topics
Blackboard-led
When Two Become One: Managing Implementation and Facilitating Institutional Benefits
11:45 AM - 12:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 1
Speakers:
Gillian P. Bishop, VLE Manager, Aston University
Anne Wheeler, Project manager & Head of curriculum and learner development, Aston University
Rowena M. Yeats, Occupational E-Learning Advisor, Aston University
In this session we’ll describe how Aston University managed the implementation process while moving from two Virtual Learning Environments to a single platform. Careful project management that considered stakeholders across the University both in terms of the technical implementation and the availability of training for staff was of key importance. Working with Blackboard Consulting and Support Services and drawing on recent graduates, we developed an inclusive and targeted team approach to implementation and training.
Attendees will discover the very real benefits of drawing on recent graduates to facilitate the training element of the project. The unexpected benefits of the implementation will also be highlighted along with the implications for successful implementation; additionally, we’ll discuss how this project gave us the opportunity to improve business processes in other areas of university policy.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Case Study
Blackboard Learn - Academic Collaboration at Its Best
12:45 PM - 1:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
Speakers:
Emmanuel Clemot, Solutions Engineer, Blackboard
Keeping students engaged in their learning, both in and out of the classroom, is a key challenge for educators today. Students learn best when they are engaged with both instructors and peers, and employers want graduates who are team players and able to work collaboratively. Blackboard Learn for Academic collaboration provides the tools you need to engage your students in and out of the classroom so that they can communicate and collaborate effectively no matter where they are.
In this session, you will learn:
- Why it is important to engage learners in collaborative activities
- How to use Blackboard Learn's community engagement capabilities to keep your learners engaged in, and out, of the classroom
- How to use Blackboard Learn's academic content capabilities for collaborative work
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blackboard-led, Course Collaboration and Interaction
Embedding Technology Enhanced Learning in University Support Service
12:45 PM - 1:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 1
Speakers:
Susannah J. Quinsee, Director of Learning Development, City University London
For years City University London had a successful e-Learning service focused on pedagogical applications of online learning in Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License as well as a centre for academic practice and educational development which focused on improving learning and teaching, but did not focus on technology.
In this session we'll discuss how these two teams were brought together to form the Learning Development Centre, which aims to provide a coherent staff development and support team for the improvement of teaching, learning and assessment that is directly supportive of University's learning and teaching enhancement strategies. In this discussion of the opportunities and challenges of this model, we'll also consider how CitySpace - the University's virtual learning environment - can be better embedded into learning and teaching by this new organisational structure.
Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License
Topics
Case Study
Implementing Echo360 at the University of Sheffield
12:45 PM - 1:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 2
Speakers:
Adrian Powell, Team Leader: L&T Enhancement and Development, University of Sheffield
Introducing a new learning technology always illicits degrees of excitement, bemusement, indifference and sometimes disbelief from relevant groups within an educational institution. This session gathers together these responses to present an overview of the University of Sheffield launch of it's Echo360 service and it's possible development in the future.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Multimedia Tools
Improving Student Assessment Choice Using Blackboard's e-Assessment Tools
12:45 PM - 1:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 2
Speakers:
Cath Ellis, Head of Humanities, University of Huddersfield
Sue Folley, Academic Developer, University of Huddersfield
This paper reports on using Blackboard as the central tool in an experiment in maximising student assessment choice. It focuses on the five key areas in which students can be given increased choice and control in their assessment: method, subject, criteria, timing and result. The key objective in this work is to increase student control, engagement and empowerment in their assessment and to make the tasks more authentic and more closely aligned with learning outcomes.
With assessment and feedback major issues for educational institutions, we'll provide audience members with ideas and inspiration to explore some of these ideas in their institutions. In particular, we'll discuss: ways to efficiently and effectively manage the real and perceived risks for students thereby minimising anxiety and maximising learning achievement; guidance on the democratic construction of rubrics and assessment criteria, and socialised activities which allow students to engage with the 'tacit' knowledge contained within them and to allow staff to undertake commensurate marking; practical suggestions for managing the complexity of varying assessment methods and timings; and an efficient strategy for administering a self-evaluation and result negotiation activity.
Blackboard Learning System – CE Enterprise License
Topics
Institutional Assessment
Student Retention and Satisfaction Strategies in Online Courses
12:45 PM - 1:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 1
Speakers:
Pam Sharma, Professor of Physics, West Virgina Northern Community College
Student retention rates and satisfaction with online learning continues to be of concern in higher education. To improve student retention and satisfaction with online learning active and interactive learning activities need to be integrated. Learning activities grounded in Vygotsky's social leaning theory and Keller's Motivational Model will be shared. Result of a study including retention rates and student satisfaction will be highlighted.
Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License, Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License, Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Case Study
Lunch
1:35 PM - 3:00 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Exhibit Hall
Blackboard and Mobile Technologies: Learning on the Go
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 1
Speakers:
George Kroner, Developer Relations Engineer, Blackboard
The best educators are always looking for new ways to connect with and challenge their learners, and as the world gets smaller and more connected, learning on the go, anywhere and anytime, becomes a reality. When you mix the two concepts, what do you get? Mobile Learning. Come join us as we discuss mLearning and its effect on Bb Mobility today, including Blackboard Learn for the Apple iPhone, what’s next for mLearning, and where will it go?
Topics
Blackboard-led
e-Learning at TVTC: Now and Ahead
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 2
Speakers:
Mohammed Saeed Al-kahtani, Director General, e-Learning & Training Resources Center, Technical & Vocational Training Corporation
In its e-Learning project, Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) has implemented its e-Learning portal by adopting Blackboard Academic Suite. It is about 6 months or more and Blackboard software is used by more than 20000 instructors and students in TVTC technical colleges after little experience with other solutions. In this presentation, we will share our current experience and our roadmap ahead. We will highlights the way that Blackboard software was implemented to fit into our TVTC structure, the Blackboard Building Blocks that have been developed to fit TVTC needs and requirements, and the change management process that has been used. We will also discuss new ideas in how Blackboard software can be adopted and customized in the Arab world and the best practices that may benefit Blackboard users in this important region.
Topics
Case Study
Introducing e-Portfolios to First Year Students to Assist their Transition into Higher Education
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 2
Speakers:
Philip P. Alberts, Head of e-Learning, Brunel University
Brunel University has undertaken a project to ease the transition of non-traditional and mature students into their studies. Before the start of the academic year, students were given access to two introductory programmes on our Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License. The students were subsequently invited to participate in an e-portfolio initiative to improve their confidence, stay motivated, learn new skills, record their achievements, reflect on their learning, work smarter and write a better CV.
As the project continues, we evaluate the impact of these support mechanisms by comparison with face-to-face provision and no extra support, in relation to student experience and achievement. Session attendees will benefit from our lessons learned in implementing e-portfolios, as well as get information on how we developed a Blackboard-based section for student e-portfolio support.
Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License, Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Portfolios
The Blackboard Product Roadmap
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
Speakers:
Martha Cooley, Senior Director, Product Development, Blackboard
Have you been thinking about the road ahead with Blackboard? Blackboard Learn, Release 9 is evolving to set the new standard for educational technology by integrating student engagement and outcomes assessment. Release 9 includes the best of WebCT and Blackboard, social learning and much more. Find out how our future software development places students at the center, drives actions with data, and delivers openness along with innovative new approaches for learning.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blackboard Learn, Release 9, Blackboard-led
Customizing your Blackboard Learn VLE with Open Capabilities
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 2
Speakers:
George Kroner, Developer Relations Engineer, Blackboard
Learn how to take advantage of the flexibility and openness built into Blackboard Learn, Release 9 to customize your virtual learning environment. See how Blackboard Building Blocks, Proxy Tools, Web Services, the Learning Environment Connector, theme and branding (CSS) customization, course layout customization, and Language Packs can be used to provide a tailored user experience. Topics will include (a) modifying the product's terminology, look, & feel, (b) integrating with other existing campus systems, and (c) extending the platform with tools to support specific pedagogies, disciplines, and workflows. Get direction on what you can do to easily and inexpensively maximize your investment in Blackboard solutions.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blackboard-led, Extending with Blackboard Building Blocks, Extending with Blackboard PowerLinks
Engaging the Google Generation: From Podcasting to Peer-Review
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 2
Speakers:
Christopher W. Stokes, Senior University Teacher, University of Sheffield
Paul Wigfield, Online Learning Advisor, University of Sheffield
One of today's challenges is the process of providing engaging and innovative content and assessment methods for the “Google Generation.” The popularity of image and video sharing websites in Web 2.0 culture has made it the norm for students to create and share media. With this in mind, we’ll explore the issues involved in allowing first year students to contribute to a assignment that makes use of the Web 2.0 culture (and our perception of their expectations of online learning).
Following our successful trial of using student-led podcasting for group assessment, the project was expanded to offer first year dental students various options of contributing to group assessments. Students uploaded their choice of media and used Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License’s peer-review tool to critique the contributions of other groups. Session participants will learn how this approach was adopted by the students and will gain an insight into the use of blending media creation and peer-review for assessment.
Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License
Topics
Student Engagement
It's Here! Release 9.0 for Blackboard Learn
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
Speakers:
Martha Cooley, Senior Director, Product Development, Blackboard
Please join the Blackboard team to hear more about our newest version, Release 9.0 for Blackboard Learn. This session will highlight the new best of both user interface as well as give you a first look at new features and functionality.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blackboard Learn, Release 9, Blackboard-led
Making Your Life Easier: Getting Complex Data into Blackboard Software Seamlessly
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 1
Speakers:
Sandra Stevenson-Revill, System Administrator, University of Derby
User, course and enrollment data from student information systems (yes, we have two), HR and other administrative systems can be brought seamlessly into Blackboard software. Providing an overview of snapshot, this session will briefly cover how we use snapshot tools at Derby and how it can make you life easier at your institution. We'll also discuss the technicalities of getting snapshot to work on your server and how to automate the process – from the nitty gritty of the commands used to how they relate to the Advanced Data Integration Manual. This session should give someone new to snapshot a staring point and experienced users ideas to consider. Discussion and questions encouraged!
Blackboard Community System, Blackboard Content System, Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License
Topics
Systems Integration
Planning an Online Rallye with Blackboard Learning System – Campus Edition (Release 6)
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 1
Speakers:
Sabine Hemsing, Scientific Assistant, Virtual Campus of Rhineland-Palatinate
This session aims to demonstrate how to plan and manage an asynchronous online-rallye with the Blackboard Learning System – Campus Edition (Release 6). An interesting way to motivate students to learn, the online-rallye is a game-based approach combining self-study with student-centered activities und personal online-tutoring. We’ll discuss the concept of the online-rallye, and the difference between it and other pedagogical concepts. In addition we’ll consider the advantages of an online-rallye for the students and for the organizing institution. Attendees will hear step-by-step how to create their own online-rallye as well as the helpful Blackboard tools that can help. This session will be most relevant to instructional designers, teachers, faculty and didactical support professionals with low to medium Blackboard Learning System – CE experience.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Pedagogy
Client Appreciation Party
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Verdi
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Wednesday, 4/8/2009
Registration Open8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
Step Change: Re-Engineering or Re-Invention?
The current economic downturn has created an unexpected outcome. Instead of simply looking at how to contain costs, institutions and governments are also looking at how education needs to evolve to fit into the information age. This dual focus of cost containment and future visioning is changing the technology discussion. As short as a year ago, technology’s benefits were still being debated. Today, with the necessity of meeting the needs of both students and society, it is understood that technology will play both a short-term and long-term role in creating modern education cultures. The idea that a step-change must occur in higher education is implicit, but how will it work? Three levels of change that include both re-engineering and re-invention process will be discussed based on conversations with education and government leadership in multiple countries.
Gordon Freedman, Blackboard’s Vice President Education Strategy, is part of the launch of the Blackboard Institute, an effort by the company to provide a continual dialogue and emphasis on education change world-wide. Gordon has produced a series of white papers (see www.blackboard.com/research) and is currently working on expanding his Bb World talk into a major paper that will include collaborative input from education and government leadership in the United States and the EU.
Break
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall Open
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Verdi
Blackboard Software and Xerte Toolkits Integration
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 1
Speakers:
Gill Fourt, System Administrator, The University of Nottingham
Pat Lockley, Learning Support Development Officer, The University of Nottingham
There are many hurdles that academic staff must overcome to get content online. Even when easy to use tools are created for the desktop, staff can still face barriers in making this material available to students. Supporting staff in the easy creation of rich, accessible content has been a long-term goal for the University of Nottingham.
To meet this need, the University has pioneered the creation of accessible, reusable and SCORM-compliant learning objects with Xerte. Xerte is now a fully-fledged open source browser-based tool and is available to anyone. In this session, we'll showcase the Blackboard integration that allows a lecturer to plug-in their own learning objects to Blackboard modules.
As software increasingly becomes available from Web 2.0 resources and from open source developers, integration with the centrally supported systems like Blackboard software becomes very important. In addition to introducing Xerte and its benefits, all of the code that we demonstrate will be available as an open source installation that any organisation can use on their own systems.
Blackboard Learning System – CE Enterprise License, Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License, Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License
Topics
Innovative Tools for Learners
Making Learning Visible: Educational Effectiveness Through Actionable Data And Technology
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 2
Speakers:
Daniel Peters, Solutions Engineer, Blackboard
As educators, we know the structure of our curricula. Through faculty evaluation processes, we have decent insight into how well our curricula are delivered. Accrediting commissions are now asking educators to evaluate the impact of our work on students, and to use evaluation as a basis for improving our work. Toward this end, institutions have sharpened their focus on measurement. But are we measuring the right things? Do our measurements result in better student learning and success? What technologies can be used to promote the development of a culture of inquiry on our campuses?
Designed for senior leaders in higher education, this presentation will explore common misconceptions and missteps found on our campuses and provide a framework for establishing sound practices that result in educational effectiveness through actionable knowledge. Blackboard will also discuss the capabilities of the Blackboard Outcomes System and its application for the challenges discussed.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blackboard-led, Educational Effectiveness
Planning for Tomorrow – Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License and Beyond
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
Speakers:
Trevor Batchelor, eLearning Team Manager, University of Birmingham
Adrian L. Powell, Team Leader, University of Sheffield
Susannah J. Quinsee, Director of Learning Development, City University London
Vicki Simpson, Head of E-Learning, University of Surrey
The adoption and implementation of an enterprise learning environment such as the Blackboard software has enabled the humble VLE to become a mission critical system, integral to the learning and teaching activity of many institutions. The arrival of the Blackboard Learn (Version 9) platform has acted as a catalyst for a new round of strategic planning.
Many disparate and complex factors impact on the decision making process, ranging from the changing needs and expectations of staff and student to the implementation and ongoing support of a new system architecture. Representatives from three UK universities will share their thoughts and considerations as they plan for the transition from their established Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License implementations to a “next generation” solution.
Each panel member will give a brief overview of the issues influencing their plans for the future, enabling those in attendance to reflect and make comparisons with their own situation. The panel will then take questions from the audience.
Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License
Topics
Case Study
Sustainability through Staff Engagement: Applying a Community of Practice Model to Blackboard Academic Development Programmes
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 2
Speakers:
Paul Gormley, Learning Technologist, National University of Ireland, Galway
This session will introduce a staff development training model which utilises a Community of Practice approach with Web 2.0 tools to facilitate participant collaboration beyond the traditional face-to-face workshop experience. This model is easily adaptable to a range of teaching and learning contexts and has been successfully applied to a new workshop entitled “Using Blackboard to Support Groupwork, Collaboration and Reflection.” This workshop has resulted in the creation of peer-support networks, dissemination of best practice and research publications.
To create this workshop, NUI Galway integrated the Learning Objects Building Block to extend the functionality of the Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License (Version 7.3) through blogs, wikis and podcasting features.
Participants will learn how this model could be replicated within individual and across multiple institutions. Resources (including handouts, presentations, web links and case studies) will be available to the audience through a publicly accessible PBWiki site.
Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License, Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Training and Support
Wimba Collaboration Suite - So Much More than a Virtual Classroom!
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 1
Speakers:
Jeremy Bradley, RSM, Wimba
Enhancing the student experience is essential for retention and progression. This session, with remote participation, introduces the Wimba Collaboration Suite (Classroom, Voice, Pronto and Create) for synchronous and asynchronous delivery. Join us for a lively demo that takes collaboration further with tools that join-up and enhance the whole learning experience.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Course Collaboration and Interaction
Backup and Disaster Recovery Revisited: Implementing Reliable Backup and Restore for All Facets of Your Blackboard Implementation
11:45 AM - 12:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 1
Speakers:
Jo Vanvoorden, Linux system engineer, K.U.Leuven
Reliably backing up your system, implementing disaster recovery, restoring single courses, and restoring course grades ... these are only few of the challenges that Blackboard system administrators face every day. In order to meet these challenges K.U. Leuven has implemented a centralized backup and disaster recovery setup which gives us the flexibility to restore a complete system or a single grade.
The session will offer a quick system administrator's overview of the technical setup and solutions used to meet our backup and recovery challenges. The implementation of Oracle Data Guard, NetApp NAS backend, backup schemes and custom archive procedures enables system administrators and local administrators to restore content at any possible entry point in any of K.U. Leuven's VLEs. We'll also provide resources for more in-depth exploration of the topic.
Blackboard Community System, Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Disaster Preparedness
Blackboard Client Support: Improvements and New Initiatives
11:45 AM - 12:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 1
Speakers:
David Stillwell, Director, International Client Support, Blackboard
We will review the challenges, plans and progress on the investments we have made and the impact they are having on your Client Support experience. Bring your questions and we'll make sure there is plenty of time for Q&A.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blackboard-led
Blackboard Learn, Release 9: Getting There
11:45 AM - 12:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
Speakers:
Martha Cooley, Senior Director, Product Development, Blackboard
This session will get you up to speed on upgrading to Blackboard Learn, Release 9 and future releases: what the upgrade process looks like, how to prepare, choosing the best option for your situation and a look at upcoming steps. We'll also answer common questions we've heard from your peers so far and reserve time for live Q&A.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blackboard Learn, Release 9, Blackboard-led
Migrating for the Winter: Moving to Blackboard Learn from Another Institutional VLE
11:45 AM - 12:35 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 2
Speakers:
Mike Green, E-learning Co-ordinator, SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies)
A distance learning centre within the School of Oriental and African Studies decided last year to migrate from their existing platform to the Bloomsbury Learning Environment (a Blackboard Learn installation). This process involved a number of stakeholders and required the creation of a highly customised environment in a very short period. We will discuss the challenges we faced and the solutions implemented, with particular reference to institutional branding and roles, template design, data requirements and user retraining.
Blackboard Community System, Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License
Topics
Case Study
Lunch
12:35 PM - 2:00 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Exhibit Hall
Blackboard Learn, Release 9 - A Developer's Roadmap
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
Speakers:
Bob Alcorn, Chief Architect, Blackboard
This session will present a roadmap for the technology innovations in upcoming releases resulting from Blackboard Learn, Release 9. From the new User Experience to Proxy Tools, Blackboard Sync, Web Services and the Learning Environment Connector API, see how our upcoming releases are defining a new Global e-Learning Architecture. Blackboard Learn's Chief Architect, Bob Alcorn will describe the technologies under development and how they fit together to create the most visionary, open, and extensible e-Learning platform on the market.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blackboard Learn, Release 9, Blackboard-led, Extending with Blackboard Building Blocks, Extending with Blackboard PowerLinks
Enhancing Programme Delivery and Improving the Student Learning Experience with Blackboard Learn
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 2
Speakers:
Robyn E. Drinkwater, e-Learning Development Officer, University of Reading
Clare E. McCullagh, e-Learning Development Officer, University of Reading
Maria C. Papaefthimiou, e-Learning Manager, University of Reading
Guy IS. Pursey, e-Learning Development Officer, University of Reading
Many institutions face the challenges of limited resources and small support teams. In this session, we'll describe how we approached a gradual implementation of Blackboard Learn. We'll share various projects we developed including Good Practice, Pathfinder, iLearn and more. Attendees will learn about our approaches, the challenges we faced and how we overcame them.
This presentation is primarily geared to instructional designers and faculty support professionals – those at the centre of supporting and implementing e-Learning tools.
Blackboard Community System, Blackboard Content System, Blackboard Learning System – Basic License, Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Scalability and Growth
In The Mix
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 2
Speakers:
John Earland, Coordinator Access to Health Sciences, Middlesbrough College
Fiona A. Jennings, e-Learning Manager, Middlesbrough College
James Wells, e-Learning Technologist, Middlesbrough College
In an effort to increase retention, Middlesbrough College moved from an 18 month delivery model to one academic year. With less time to deliver the same course content, we’ll share the challenges we encountered and the solutions we implemented with our move to a blended learning approach, specifically on our efforts to help improve success rates on a part-time Access to Health Sciences course.
The session will focus on the blend between the virtual and physical delivery methods and what aspects of Blackboard software critically supported learner development, assisted in the reduction in contact hours and helped improve success.
Blackboard Content System, Blackboard Learning System – Basic License, Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blended Learning
Streaming Media in a Blackboard Course? Yes We Can!
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 1
Speakers:
André Rosendaal, Project Manager ICT and Education, University of Groningen
Pim Slot, Unitmanager Licensing, SURFdiensten
Adding streaming media to a Blackboard course can be frustrating to inexperienced users. The Visual Text Box Editor, useful for text editing, shows unexpected behavior when linking material from streaming servers, frustrating novice users. The presenters will demonstrate two reliable methods to add streaming media content to a Blackboard course. The presentation includes a demonstration of the Virtual Cutter, an Open Source tool for creating clips for VLE's.
Additionally, an extensive online audiovisual database for Dutch Higher Education users, with thousands of hours of streaming audio and video, will be discussed by one of the driving forces behind its creation. Audience members will hear ideas to build such a database along with information on how it can improve the learning experience in Blackboard courses. The session is appropriate to all involved in using multimedia in a Blackboard course, including teaching staff, instructional designers and support staff.
Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License, Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Multimedia Tools
Teaching Animation Concepts Using Blackboard Software, Podcasts and Other Learning Communities
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 1
Speakers:
Steve P. Wilkinson, Principal Lecturer, Leeds Met University
Variety may be the spice of life, but it can make teaching animation a challenge! With the range of techniques available, from 3D CGI to 2D cell, it can be difficult to support learners with a diverse range of needs, especially when the module is intended for a variety of diverse courses from games design to music and new media. We’ll show how Blackboard software can be used to handle this diversity alongside podcasts, and other learning communities.
Attendees will learn how to structure their teaching using a blended Learning approach. Additionally, we’ll discuss replacing lectures with podcasts and supporting the learning community in a variety of ways and harnessing peer support. Relevant media library links to YouTube will be shared.
Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License
Topics
Blended Learning
Blackboard Client Engagement: Connecting Users and Communities
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
Speakers:
Sahar Javadi, Senior Manager, Client Success, Blackboard
Blackboard Connections is a central hub, a town square of sorts. It is where Blackboard users of all types can collaborate and share effective practices and deepen their knowledge and expertise in all things eLearning. Sahar Javadi, Senior Manager of Client Engagement, will give a brief overview of the new Connections site and answer questions from the audience about how to effectively use the site. Blackboard Connections is available at: http://connections.blackboard.com
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blackboard-led, Communitites
Blackboard Software Usage in RIADA
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 1
Speakers:
Yasser Massoud, Education Technology Consultant, Alandalus Schools
We have developed a new approach to learning called JEEL RIADA (pioneer generation). This idea includes certain methodologies and procedures encouraging self-learning and emphasizing learning over teaching. The Blackboard software has been deployed to give teachers a powerful, easy and fast tool to facilitate learning activities Attendees will gain insight into how to we use technology to realize theoretical teaching methodologies and use Blackboard software as an effective solution for measuring learning.
Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License
Topics
Case Study
Blackboard Software: Making an Impression in a Visual World
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 2
Speakers:
Leigh M. Garrett, Senior Lecturer in Learning Technologies, University for the Creative Arts
Maria Tannant, Web Designer and Management Information Officer, University for the Creative Arts
Working in a visual world isn't always easy – in addition to the usual problems associated with trying to embed learning technologies we are confronted with the additional problem that technology should not only function effectively but also look good! As part of the rollout of the Blackboard Community System to support the student portal, the University decided to look at how the interface might be visually enhanced to support learning in a specialist arts institution.
Blackboard software is perceived by some as unsuitable for learning and teaching in a specialist arts University. Indeed, many staff simply refused to engage with Blackboard altogether due to the perceived visually poor interface. The solution was to engage both them and their students in the redesign of the interface. This both increased awareness of Blackboard and enabled staff and students to take ownership of the problem.
We will outline the process and methods used to engage staff and students as they were encouraged to consider the possibilities of Blackboard, and share how the University was able take advantage of the enormous range of skills, talent and enthusiasm of its students and staff – all for free! We’ll also showcase examples of student work.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Student Engagement
Effective Use of Lecture Capture Techniques: Perceptions of Students, Academic Staff and Developers
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 1
Speakers:
John S. Couperthwaite, Educational Technology Manager, University of Birmingham
Rob V. Jones, VLE DEveloper, University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham needed to provide undergraduate students with quality recordings of lectures and sessions without labour intensive staff training and support needs. This was especially challenging within our large College with very diverse requirements, resources and technical expertise.
In this session we will report on an evaluation of stakeholder experiences using Echo 360 to capture live lectures and events. We will also discuss the pedagogical rationale for introducing these simple and flexible methodologies, best practice for embedding within Blackboard software and strategic plans for adoption across the curriculum.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Innovative Tools for Learners
Enhancing Learning with Lecture Capture
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 2
Speakers:
Tim Galling, Learning Technologist, Bournemouth University
Barbara Newland, Manager Educational Development Services, Bournemouth University
The student learning experience is being enhanced through captured lectures accessed through Blackboard. The Echo360 capture system is available in four lecture theatres on both campuses at Bournemouth University. Students are able improve their understanding by reviewing the captured event, with flexible access at anytime, anywhere. Evaluation is showing that students use the recordings in a range of ways such as reviewing segments of lectures, accessing missed material and as resource for revision.
Blackboard Learning System – Enterprise License, Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Pedagogy
13 Roads to Rome, Unity Through Diversity: Professionalizing Avans
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 1
Speakers:
Rudi Clause, Senior Consultant e-Learning, Avans University of Applied Sciences
Eky Fioole, e-Learning Consultant, Avans University of Applied Sciences
The Learning and Innovation Centre of Avans University uses a broad range of instruments to professionalize staff in accordance with their view on learning, in a creative and innovative way. We have developed a model containing both analog and virtual elements which is fully integrated with our VLO. Students, staff members and educational policy advisors all play an active part by collaborating, sharing knowledge and experiences and co-makership (weblogs, wikis, podcasts, roadshows, etc.). We’ll share our model that caters to all types of users (staff, students and educational policy advisors alike) and practical examples of using the model to engage and support users.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Training and Support
Can Subject Matter Experts create Engaging e-Learning?
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Rossini 2
Speakers:
Bruce Ogilvie, Vice President, Global Education, Atlantic Link
Sean Reddington, Vice President, Sales, Atlantic Link
Development of Content has always been Expensive, Time Consuming and Resource Intensive. Discover how Subject Matter Experts can become experts in Flash Development of Learning Materials without programming skills. Creating SCORM, Accessibility Compliant and Engaging Learning materials has never been easier with our 10 Times Award Winning Authoring Tools.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Course Design
Communication in the Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License: This Time It's Integrated and Personal!
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 2
Speakers:
Peter Bird, Doctoral Researcher, Manchester Metropolitan University
Mark Stubbs, Head of Learning and Research Technologies, Manchester Metropolitan University
In its third year of operation, Manchester Metropolitan University's institutional VLE (Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License) is used by over 1,200 staff and 26,000 students. As use has grown and multiple areas of the VLE are used, feedback has highlighted concerns about information overload and a desire to integrate information published via the VLE with that from other university sources.
In this session, we’ll describe the steps being taken to personalise, integrate and improve electronic information in the VLE and share our initial research findings. Vista users will benefit specifically from an overview of the technical architecture adopted and all will appreciate the speakers' dilemma of investing time in improving the Blackboard software Version 8 experience, even with Blackboard Learn (Version 9) around the corner.
Blackboard Learning System – Vista Enterprise License, Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Systems Integration
Performance Manage Your Mission Critical Application
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
Speakers:
John O'Brien, Senior Director, Blackboard Consulting, Blackboard
Are you looking to add load-balancing because demand for your online courses is outstripping your ability to supply? Is your Blackboard application spiking at key moments of the day? Are you looking at upgrading this summer to take advantage of Blackboard Learn, Release 9 and not sure what is involved? We will discuss best practices for effectively performance managing your existing Blackboard infrastructure and look at strategies for future upgrades.
Session Applicable to Users of All Products
Topics
Blackboard-led, Scalability and Growth
Piloting SafeAssign at the University of Botswana
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Vivaldi 1
Speakers:
Molefe Motshegwe, Instructional Designer, University of Botswana
This session will discuss the pilot project of SafeAssign implemented by the University of Botswana. Both lecturers and students found the software relatively easy to use, both in creating and submitting assignments. While a higher percentage of participants agreed that it can help curb plagiarism at the university, there were operational and bandwidth challenges that the pilot uncovered. If you’re considering implementing SafeAssign, join us and learn from our experiences.
Blackboard Learning System – CE Enterprise License
Topics
Plagiarism Prevention
Closing Session
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
The Fira Palace Hotel - Salon Rubi
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Print