CHANGE NOTICE: New Blackboard Default Layout for Winter 2021

With each new semester, courses are created in Blackboard with a default menu and layout. Faculty can then personalize the menu and layout to meet the needs of their class.

WHAT IS CHANGING?

Beginning in the Winter 2021 semester, the default course layout in Blackboard will be updated. 

  • NOTE: If your school, department, or program has a customized Blackboard course menu, the new default layout will not apply.

WHAT DOES THE NEW LAYOUT LOOK LIKE?

The layout is sorted into functional categories with dividers, along with new “Begin Here” and “Weekly Content” menu items. Sample content (which is hidden from students) is also included to offer effective practice suggestions and faculty guidance.

To best take advantage of this new layout, a hidden to students “Instructor Guide” is readily available on the menu of every course. 

Here is a comparison of the OLD and NEW menu in Blackboard:


WATCH A VIDEO TOUR OF THE NEW LAYOUT
 

Play Bb Default Layout Video


WHY IS THE DEFAULT LAYOUT CHANGING?

The change is designed to establish a uniform learner experience.

The new default layout, created in concert with GVSU’s Online Education Microcredential Council, is intended to:

  • Provide a clear, consistent, and uniform learner experience.
  • Reduce cognitive load and to increase ease of navigation for students.
  • Leverage effective practices and focus on quality design principles through organizations such as Quality Matters and the Online Learning Consortium.

WHEN WILL I SEE THE NEW DEFAULT LAYOUT? 

The new layout will appear to all faculty in Winter 2021 courses, which will be available to faculty on November 9.

WILL I SEE ANY CHANGES TO MY CURRENT MENUS?

To ease in the use of course copy and to reduce workload in preparation for the upcoming Winter 2021 semester, please note that EXISTING FALL, SUMMER, and WINTER 2020 courses will have the following 4 menu changes:

  1. Syllabus menu items will change to Syllabus and Schedule
  2. Email will change to Send Email
  3. Grades will change to Check my Grades
  4. Help will change to Blackboard Help

HOW CAN I GET HELP?

 Please contact the eLearning team at:  bbadmin@gvsu.edu

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