What’s New

Poll Everywhere Pilot Adds myUMBC login

Use mobile devices to participate in live polls

At the end of Spring 2022, DoIT announced an intention to pilot Poll Everywhere as an alternative to clickers. After much anticipation, DoIT is pleased to announce the launch of our Poll...

Posted: September 21, 2022, 2:17 PM

Collin Sullivan to be “On Loan” to DPS

“Secondment” will focus on digital credentialing

As part of a continuing collaboration with the Division of Professional Studies (DPS) to advance digital learning at UMBC, DoIT is pleased to announce that Instructional Systems Specialist Collin...

Posted: September 19, 2022, 2:57 PM

Call for Participants DOERS3 Equity Through OER Rubric Pilot

Response due Monday, October 24, 2022

Driving OER Sustainability for Student Success has announced a Call for Proposals seeking participants to pilot the Equity Through OER Rubric with postsecondary education partners across the...

Posted: September 14, 2022, 7:59 AM

Bookstore Discounts/Refunds Turning Clicker "Bundles"

Decision aims to clear pre-pandemic "hardware" inventory

In collaboration with DoIT, UMBC's Bookstore has reduced the price of all clicker "bundles" (hardware + software) to match the direct purchase price for a one year code ($34.99) by Turning Point...

Posted: September 7, 2022, 1:20 PM

Copy Rubrics Between Ultra Courses Starting in September

New features also focus on assessment & grading enhancements

In early September, Ultra courses will receive updates in several key areas that benefit instructors and students. Maintaining the trend focusing on assessment and grading, these updates also...

Posted: August 31, 2022, 9:29 AM

Akindi Bubble Sheet Training

Learn how to implement the paper-based assessments

As we return to the physical classroom, many faculty are planning to employ paper-based assessments during their synchronous class sessions. Akindi is UMBC's tool whereby faculty download bubble...

Posted: August 25, 2022, 10:01 AM

Better Tests & Grading Lead New Bb Ultra Changes

Ultra to reach 95% feature parity with Original by SP2023

After extensive updates to assessments and grading, Ultra is expected to reach 95% feature parity by the end of spring 2023, allowing faculty to migrate their Original courses into the most...

Posted: August 23, 2022, 1:43 PM

Four More Faculty Earn Quality Matters Certification

Nine of 14 USM’s QM certified courses are from UMBC

After participating in rigorous peer reviews of their online and hybrid courses, four additional UMBC faculty have earned Quality Matters certification as part of the campus’ Quality Matters...

Posted: August 11, 2022, 8:31 AM

Free Webinar Series: Teaching with Ultra, Basics to Advanced

Free training opportunities for faculty, TAs, and staff

The Bb Instructor Webinar Series offers free 45-minute webinars designed for instructors who are getting started with teaching using Blackboard Ultra and Collaborate. Topics include getting...

Posted: August 8, 2022, 11:32 AM

FA2022 Courses Created in Blackboard on July 28, 2022

Blackboard course shells for FA2022 were created on July 28, 2022. The Ultra Course Preview setting is again enabled in FA2022 courses, which allows faculty to convert a new Original course to...

Posted: July 29, 2022, 8:13 AM