Moving
from the
CampusCruiser Academic Module (CC) to
the Blackboard Learning
System (Bb)
Perhaps the logical first question one has when considering moving course material from CampusCruiser to Blackboard is "Where should I put my course material in Blackboard?"
And the answer might be, "Where do you want it?"
You see, Blackboard is a good deal more flexible than CampusCruiser (or Anlon, if you've used it before).
In CampusCruiser's Academic module, you'll find course navigation menus on
the left side. There are standard links within standard sections – no
customization is possible.
Blackboard
also provides course navigation using menus on the left side. A "standard" student
menu is also provided (see example at left ).
Blackboard's "standard" menu items may be easily customized.
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On the other hand, you may want to stick to the "standard" menu in order to provide consistency to students who are using Blackboard in other COD courses.
Organizing your Course: It Pays to Plan!
Many instructors use Blackboard folders to group content items into units or modules. For basic information about organizing your course and using folders, items, and learning units, see Organizing Your Blackboard Course.
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If you decide to organize your course using folders, here's a tip: create all of the folders you will need first (Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, etc.). Then insert course pages in the correct folder. Otherwise, you’ll have to move items around, which you’ll find isn’t as easy as putting the items in the folders in the first place. Also, moving a page with any sort of embedded multimedia (graphics, sound files, etc.) will cause the link to break. You’ll have to re-link the multimedia item. At that point, you might just want to start over! |
Getting Started
For a thorough introduction to Blackboard, it is highly recommended that you attend a TLC workshop (or two). Start with the Orientation workshop. Then, plan to attend the "advanced" workshops to gain experience with Blackboard features that you wish to use. Register through the Teaching and Learning Center.
Other ways to learn to use Blackboard:
- Online websites. Since Blackboard is used all over the world, many questions can be answered by a quick Google search Type “Blackboard” and the main subject of your question (for example: “extra credit” “gradebook”) and you may find the answer in moments.
- Blackboard Central. Explore Faculty Resources on Blackboard Central
- Online Tutorials. Search the web for them or see these COD Blackboard Tutorials
- Blackboard Instructor Manual. The manual is available in an online searchable format. To access it, go to the Blackboard Control Panel (in any course), and select Manual in the Help section.
- One-on-one consultation. Call the Help Desk, 942-HELP.
This guide is intended to make your transition smoother. To successfully work through the instructions, you will need basic computer skills. You will need to know how to:
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Campus Cruiser Tools
The information linked below compares frequently used CampusCruiser tools with Blackboard tools. Use the links below to find suggestions about how you might use a similar Blackboard tool.
CampusCruiser tool: Announcements
Editor
CampusCruiser tool: Assessments
Editor (CC trial
feature)
CampusCruiser tool: Assignments Editor
CampusCruiser tool: Customize Welcome
CampusCruiser tool: Syllabus Editor
CampusCruiser tool: Bookmark Manager
CampusCruiser tool: Calendar Manager
CampusCruiser tool: Chat Room Manager
CampusCruiser tool: Message Board
Manager
CampusCruiser tool: Email Members
CampusCruiser tool: Class Import Manager
CampusCruiser tool: Gradebook Manager
CampusCruiser tool: Member Manager
CampusCruiser tool: Photo Album Manager
CampusCruiser tool: Shared File Manager
CampusCruiser tool: Student Tracking
CampusCruiser tool: Attendance
Manager (CC trial
feature)
Send comments to:
rathke@cod.edu