JumpStart Program Policy (#857)

For instructors who have never used Blackboard for teaching and need help getting started
Policy Statement and Purpose:

The JumpStart program is for first-time faculty/instructor users of Blackboard.  The purpose of the program is to provide faculty/instructors with an easy entry into using Blackboard.

Who Should Read this Policy?

Faculty/Instructors at VCU who have never used Blackboard or created a Blackboard course

Related Documents: 
JumpStart Program

Contacts:

Technology Services Help Desk:

Procedures:

Responsibilities of First-time Faculty/Instructor User of Blackboard

I. The first-time faculty/instructor user of Blackboard will:

    1. Submit a Remedy (Help Desk) ticket that include: Course ID (ex. ACCT-101-001), an attached Word document version of the syllabus, contact information, and staff information (staff information is optional).
    2. To create a Remedy (Help Desk) ticket go to: http://www.ts.vcu.edu/helpdesk/

Responsibilities of Technology Services Learning Systems, End-User Support 

II. The Learning Systems group in Technology Services will:

    1. Create a new course shell for the faculty/instructor making the request.
    2. Upload the course syllabus.
    3. Provide instructions via VCU email informing the faculty/instructor of the next steps that need to be taken in order to benefit further from the system.  The next step will include basic information for the following items:
      • Logging into Blackboard
      • Making a Bb course available
      • How to add/remove buttons
      • How to add documents
      • How to use the gradebook
      • Where to get Bb Tip Sheets
      • How to use online Bb FAQs
      • How to use the Content Management System (CMS)
      • Where to find additional help
    4. Follow-up phone call
      • User will receive a follow-up phone call* within one business week; unless phone information is not provided in remedy request. Otherwise, user will be contacted via VCU email.

Note: Instructors who need more than 30 minutes of consulting will be referred to the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) and/or for training classes.

Related articles:

This article was updated: October 07, 2009

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What is Technology Services?

Technology Services is responsible for implementing and supporting the technology used around campus, such as the network, phones, enhanced classrooms, and Internet-based systems including myVCU, Blackboard, email, and more.