During the winter holiday break, http://my.unl.edu/ was upgraded to Blackboard Learn, version 9. This change brings a more customized learning environment for UNL students, and added functionality for instructors.

The new interface introduces traditional drag and drop editing capabilities to customize the look and feel of an instructor's courses and employs in-line editing throughout all pages of a Blackboard course. The use of drop-down contextual menus allow instructors to be much more efficient in their maintenance of courses rather than clicking through multiple links in the control to make simple individual edits to materials.

What’s new in Blackboard?

• Blackboard looks different—it is fresher, more contemporary and similar to other applications you probably use on the Web. This updated Web 2.0 look-and-feel includes drag-and-drop ability, drop-down menus, and contextual help options.
• The Edit Mode button (top right corner of your course) is integral to developing your courses. Make sure it is on the on position so you can start developing your courses.
• The Notifications Dashboard allows you to view tasks to be completed in one central place, assignment to grade and new discussion board posts to review, monitor at-risk students and receive course notifications.
• Improved group features, such as multiple group creation, group sign-up sheets and group assignment grading.
• The assignment tool has can accept more than one attempt, just like quizzes and tests.

More information will be coming, soon.

What’s changed in Blackboard?

• Student Homepages are gone. You now can use a Blog to share the same kind of information you previously posted there.
• The Blackboard e-Portfolio Wizard is no longer available, the Personal Portfolio feature is enhanced with new design options and a step-by-step layout that makes it easy for you to create and share e-Portfolios.

Information Services offers online resources, face-to-face and online training opportunities… check them out today on the Blackboard 9 Information tab, at http://my.unl.edu/.