Academic Computing Training for Faculty & Staff

Blackboard Modernization 

Blackboard Learn Faculty Synchronous (instructor-led) Training

This training uses both face-to-face and online delivery methods. Please see the workshop schedule below.

Join any session or email helpdesk@bowiestate.edu and Cc academiccomputing@bowiestate.edu for a reminder. 

Location: Virtual - https://bowiestate.zoom.us/j/85975816309  ,  Meeting ID: 85737378790

 

Streamlined Grading in Blackboard: Best Practices for Educators -HYFLEX

Dates: March 5, 2026; 12:00 pm –1:00 pm

In-person presenters: Azubuike Enwere and Andrew Rider

Virtual Presenters: Tolulope Oladipo, Sara Ibrahim, and Oluwatoyin Parrish

This training explores the grading process and methods to make it easier than ever to grade learners’ work. In Blackboard, instructors can provide feedback, post grades, and check the originality of a learner’s work with ease. Instructors can provide audio and video feedback to the learner, helping them understand areas of their work that may need some attention. Attend this informative session on how to use Blackboard’s grading tools to make your online teaching experience more efficient and less time-consuming.

 

Navigating Blackboard Gradebook: Tips for Instructors and Course Builders- VIRTUAL

Dates: March 10, 2026; 12:00 pm –1:00 pm

Presenters: Andrew Rider and Azubuike Enwere

This training is designed to introduce you to the power of Blackboard’s gradebook. The Gradebook is more than just a location to record learners’ grades; it is an interactive tool that allows instructors to utilize the different views to filter, sort, and access data, calculate grades, and monitor student progress. Attend this session to learn the basics of efficiently managing your learners’ work and grades.

 

Blackboard Assessments Simplified: Training for Instructors- VIRTUAL

Dates: March 24, 2026; 12:00 pm –1:00 pm

Presenters: Chukwuyem Obima and Oluwatoyin Parrish

This training is structured to explore how to effectively set up and manage assessments within a Blackboard course. Instructors will gain knowledge and skills on how to use assignments, rubrics, and tests to evaluate learners’ performance and engagement. By the end of the training, instructors will understand how to leverage assessments to enhance the learner's experience in their courses. This training is intended for instructors who will be creating, using, or managing courses using Blackboard.

 

Inclusive Design in Action: Maximizing Accessibility in Blackboard: Hyflex

Dates: April 7, 2026; 12:00 pm –1:00 pm

In-person presenters: Azubuike Enwere and Andrew Rider

Virtual Presenters: Tolulope Oladipo, Sara Ibrahim, and Oluwatoyin Parrish

During this training, our accessibility specialists review common accessibility issues while working with digital content in online learning. We analyze why these issues are so crucial, explore tips for creating more accessible content, and use Ally to help you learn and expand access to more inclusive content. Now is a great opportunity to review your course materials and activities to ensure maximum engagement for all learners.

 

Blackboard Essentials for Instructors: Exploring Course Structure and Content Creation (In Person)

Dates: April 21, 2026; 12:00 pm –1:00 pm

Presenters: Dr. Matthew Crosston, Chukwuyem Obima, and Azubuike Enwere

This training is focused on providing an overview of the Ultra course structure and understanding how to include a variety of content types, including documents, presentations, images, knowledge checks, and videos. Learn how to add content that supports your course objectives and enhances the learning experience for all learners through consistent structure and navigation.

 

Blackboard Assessments Simplified: Training for Instructors- VIRTUAL

Dates: May 5, 2026; 12:00 pm –1:00 pm

Presenters: Chukwuyem Obima and Oluwatoyin Parrish

This training is structured to explore how to effectively set up and manage assessments within a Blackboard course. Instructors will gain knowledge and skills on how to use assignments, rubrics, and tests to evaluate learners’ performance and engagement. By the end of the training,

instructors will understand how to leverage assessments to enhance the learner's experience in their courses. This training is intended for instructors who will be creating, using, or managing courses using Blackboard.

 

Navigating Blackboard Gradebook: Tips for Instructors and Course Builders- VIRTUAL

Dates: May 19, 2026; 12:00 pm –1:00 pm

Presenters: Dr. Mathew Crosston, Andrew Rider, and Azubuike Enwere

This training is designed to introduce you to the power of Blackboard’s gradebook. The Gradebook is more than just a location to record learners’ grades; it is an interactive tool that allows instructors to utilize the different views to filter, sort, and access data, calculate grades, and monitor student progress. Attend this session to learn the basics of efficiently managing your learners’ work and grades.

 

Asynchronous (self-paced) Training

The training is available on Blackboard. Please visit the links below and self-enroll in the courses. (Cost: FREE)


If you need assistance in the course, send a message to helpdesk@bowiestate.edu

Self-Help Resources

  1. LOTTO Training, in LOTTO Step Workshop
  2. Blackboard Learn and associated tools (Starfish, Bb Collaborate, Zoom, Respondus, Turnitin, CENGAGE, etc.), in Getting Started with Blackboard Self-Paced Course

Additional Resources: 

 

Synchronous (instructor-led) Training

This training uses both face-to-face and online delivery methods. This is designed for all BSU students, Graduate and Undergraduate. Please see the workshop schedule below.

Other Training Formats

  • Asynchronous (self-paced) training: The training is available in Blackboard. Please, self-enroll in the course through this link. If you need assistance in the course, send a message to the instructor using the corresponding course menu item 'Send Email to Instructor'. Cost: FREE
  • Synchronous Training: This training uses both face-to-face and online delivery methods. 
  • Chat and Videoconferencing: This real-time training is conducted by Academic Computing instructors in Blackboard Collaborate. Please contact Academic Computing to schedule a session; use the contact link on the menu of this page. Cost: FREE

NOTE: In addition, the Academic Computing team offers on-request online appointment hours for advisory on course technology and troubleshooting. Send a request by email specifying the course section. 

Contact

Email us at helpdesk@bowiestate.edu