Instructional Tools - Summer 2019

Academic Computing will activate in Sum2019 two tools that have been prepared since the start of the year, when version 3,700 of Blackboard came in place and administration through the cloud (SaaS). These are Blackboard Collaborate ULTRA and Ally Technology. This webpage contains basic information about the tools and links for self-training. During Faculty Institute August 2019, Academic Computing will have workshops for faculty on these topics. At the start of Fall 2019 the topics will be included in the workshops that Academic Computing provides to students during the Freshman Seminar, and two sessions in the Student Union Building.

Need more help with Collaborate? Visit Troubleshooting, and Accessibility in Blackboard Collaborate with the Ultra Experience or contact the Academic Computing Staff.

  • Blackboard Ally (Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Bb Ally is integrated into Blackboard Learn to help achieve a more inclusive learning environment, and improve the users experience by helping them take clear control of course content with usability, accessibility and quality in mind.
  • Benefits of Bb Ally for Instructors: Instructor can easily improve their course accessibility and accommodate all students regardless of their learning styles by:
  • Automatically check for accessibility issues and generate alternative accessible formats using advanced Machine Learning Algorithms.
  • Obtain specific feedback for more effective content to save time & resources.
  • Guide you on how to improve the accessibility of your course content and alter future behavior.

Here’s a quick video overview to learn a bit more about Bb Ally. Visit the Ally for LMS Help for Instructors for more training resources or contact the Academic Computing Staff.

  • Benefits of Bb Ally for Instructors:
  • Ally creates alternative files that are easier to use by all students. Ally works within your online course so it's available right where you need it.
  • Alternative files include readable text for screen readers, pictures with captions, and easy-to-navigate content.
  • Ally creates multiple alternatives from the original documents in your course.
  • You can download these alternative formats anywhere that files are used.

Get familiar with downloading alternative formats directly from your course. The Video: Ally for Students explains how to download alternative formats in Blackboard Learn.

Need more help with Ally? Visit Student Help page or contact Academic Computing Staff.