The latest release of Blackboard Academic Suite builds on the student engagement tools in earlier releases, improves the performance of the software, enhances the gradebook to make it easier to use, and brings new features such as self assessment and peer review, social bookmarking, and facebook integration to build student engagement.
The following list describes some of the KEY teaching and learning enhancements that are available in Bb 8.
The grade book has been transformed into the GRADE CENTER.
Faculty will be able to enter scores much more efficiently, select from dual display of gradebook data, access audit/grade history changes, provide gradebook comments, freeze names for easier scrolling, upload multiple columns at once, build custom views, drop lowest scores, and print progress reports. This brand new, easy-to- use gradebook increases efficiency and enables new customization, powerful analysis and flexibility capabilities.
A brand new SELF AND PEER ASSESSMENT tool.
This new feature allows instructors to give students more individualized feedback, as well as to focus on critical thinking skills. Self-assessment tools give students better insight as to what the evaluation criteria is and help build critical thinking skills, as well as promote active learning. Peer assessment tools give students the opportunity to provide constructive feedback to their peers and help faculty easily manage group assignments.
Blackboard SCHOLAR.
Scholar provides self-directed research and student contributions to course resource collections. It allows students and faculty to share resources, develop relationships, and collaborate across institutions across the globe.
Blackboard Sync.
Sync provides a safe and secure student engagement tool for Facebook that keeps students continually connected to their academic studies and promotes online social learning opportunities. It delivers course information and updates through the Facebook interface to keep students in touch and engaged with their academic studies. It enables students to connect with their classmates through Facebook, thus creating social networking opportunities.
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