Blackboard is the Web-based course management system used at Louisiana Tech University to enhance class communication, organization and presentation by providing customizable, website templates for courses offered. It is designed to provide tools for building online resources for use with regular classes or to support classes offered completely online. Faculty can use Blackboard with minimal formal instruction or technical skills. The degree to which the system is used in a course varies. Tech currently uses Blackboard version 7.3.
The Center for Instructional Technology (CIT) administers Blackboard at Louisiana Tech, with technical support from the Computing Center and guidance from the Blackboard Advisory Group (BAG).
Blackboard course sites enable faculty to:
- Share important class documents, such as the syllabus, handout, and lecture notes
- Host online virtual classrooms, chats, and discussion boards
- Post a calendar with assignment due dates and exam schedules
- Broadcast class announcements
- Collect and return assignments online
- Give tests that can be automatically graded
- Allow students to check their grades online
- Enhance lessons with online videos, PowerPoint slides, and more.
Advanced options within Blackboard include:
- Adding an image to a quiz or survey
- Customizing the "My Blackboard" page
- Exporting grades
- Limiting time for a quiz or survey
- Using audio or video
