Blackboard™ is a course management system used campus-wide at NIU. The system allows faculty to post materials, deliver tests and surveys, hold online discussion and many other course-related functions. All currently-enrolled students and teaching faculty have access to the Blackboard system. We are running Blackboard version 8.0, having upgraded the system May 25, 2009. Login to the NIU Blackboard site at: http://webcourses.niu.edu
Scheduled Blackboard Outage and Upgrade to Version 8.0
Date Posted: 04/17/2009
A major upgrade is scheduled to be performed to the Blackboard system over Memorial Day weekend. The outage is scheduled to begin at 8 AM on Saturday, May 23rd. The new version of Blackboard, version 8.0, is scheduled to be available at 9 PM on Sunday, May 24th. The Blackboard system (http://webcourses.niu.edu) will be UNAVAILABLE during this time.
Version 8.0 will bring many new exciting features, including a revamped grade center and new portfolio and self and peer assessment tools. To learn more about these new features please visit http://www.niu.edu/blackboard/resources/version80.shtml.
We regret any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at 815-753-8100 or helpdesk@niu.edu
NIU Blackboard Notices Now Available on Twitter
Date Posted: 04/17/2009
Twitter users can now receive NIU Blackboard notices of new Blackboard workshops, tutorials, resources, and new features via Twitter. Simply go to http://twitter.com/niublackboard and follow @niublackboard.
New Master Course Tool Available in Blackboard
Posted: 4/1/2009
NIU faculty can now use the Blackboard Faculty Tools (BFT) to combine one or more course sections into a master course in Blackboard. By combining enrollments of related or cross-listed courses, you will save time by managing only one course in Blackboard.
The new master course functionality, which had been previously available only by request, will allow you to:
The tool can be accessed by logging in to Blackboard and following the 'Blackboard Faculty Tools' link under the Services tab.
To learn more about the new tool and/or to watch a 2 minute tutorial, please click here.
If you have any questions please contact the ITS Helpdesk at 815-753-8100 or helpdesk@niu.edu.
