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For questions, assistance, or to report an issue, please contact the COLTT Help Desk at 956-665-5327 or 956-882-6792.
Browse Help Articles Submit a TicketFaculty Support FAQ's
Teaching Online
I will be teaching a fully online course for the first time, what do I need to do?
First, you must complete the mandatory Quality Matters (APPQMR) certification to teach online or hybrid. This certification can be completed online or face to face. You may visit the Faculty Support tab in Blackboard to find more information about the next Quality Matters training available.
Second, submit a Faculty Help Request to request a course development shell. Include your name, department, course, and term that the course will be launched in your ticket. From here the on-call Instructional Designer will reach out to you with the next step. A course should begin development 4 to 6 months before the launch date.
I will be teaching a fully online/hybrid course and would like some course development assistance, what do I need to do?
First, verify that you are certified to teach online. You must complete the Quality Matters (APPQMR) certification to teach online or hybrid. This certification can be completed online or face to face. You may visit the Faculty Support tab in Blackboard to find more information about the next Quality Matters training available.
Second, submit a Faculty Help Request with your request for course development. Include your name, department, course, and term that the course will be launched in your ticket. From here the on-call Instructional Designer will reach out to you with the next step. A course should begin development 4 to 6 months before the launch date.
Blackboard Learn
Why do I not see my courses listed in Blackboard Learn (Bb Learn)?
First, login to the ASSIST Self Service and verify that you are listed as the instructor of record for the particular course you are trying to access in Bb Learn.
If you ARE listed as the instructor of record for the course, submit a request to add you to the course in Bb Learn by filling out a Faculty Help Request at the Center for Online Learning, Teaching & Technology (COLTT) website.
If you are NOT listed as the instructor of record for the course, request your Department Chair to submit a Faculty Help Request, requesting that you are added to the course in Bb Learn.How do I add or remove users (TA's, students, other professors) in my course?
Submit a Faculty Help Request. Make sure to provide all names, ID numbers, UTRGV email addresses, and the course in which they need to be added or removed.
How do I merge or unmerge my courses?
Where can I learn how to use software such as Blackboard, Softchalk, Tegrity or other?
The Center for Online Learning Teaching and Technology provides online and face-to-face software training. For more details, visit our training website.
How can I copy my course material from a UTRGV Blackboard course to the current semester?
How do I create a calculated formula to get my student’s final grades?
How do I provide extra time on an assessment for students with disabilities?
You can edit the test options and add a user or group in the test availability exceptions area. If the settings exist for a test, you can create these exceptions: number of attempts, timer, availability, force completion and restrict location. For more information, check out the Test Accommodations page.
Alternatively you may use Adaptive Release, with this tool you will be able to customize the release of content to meet the needs of individual students. For more information, check out the Rules for Releasing Content.
How do I upload quizzes and exams to Bb Learn?
Respondus 4.0 Test Generator provides a simplified method for converting MS Word-formatted exams and uploading them into Blackboard Learn. Tutorials are available on the Respondus website. You may also refer to the Importing Exam Questions instructions. Additionally, COLTT provides Respondus training. See COLTT Professional Developmental Series website for details.
How can I add files/folders in my Blackboard course?
Blackboard provides a central location for organizing and storing content. You can move files and folders from your computer to your course. Files can then be linked anywhere in your course where attaching files is available. Learn more about adding files in Blackboard.
How can I show a video to my students in Blackboard?
Please be sure to address copyright licensing’s and permissions before showing any videos to students. If you have questions about what is permissible, please visit the library's Copyright Guide or contact Justin White, the Copyright & Scholarly Communications Librarian.
If you are the owner, you can host the video on Panopto and embed the video in your Blackboard course. Learn more about adding multimedia to your course.
Is there an instructor app to grade assignments?
Yes! Blackboard offers the Blackboard Instructor app which allows instructors to view course content, grade assignments, connect with students in discussions, and launch Blackboard Collaborate sessions. The app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices. Learn More about Bb Instructor.