Technology Tips for Faculty

Start the semester off strong!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This webpage is a hub of information for getting started with academic technology.

Quick Tips for the Start of Semester 

1. Create and copy over content: Navigate to the Blackboard Course Generator to create and copy previous semester's course content.  
2. Enroll additional users: Use the Add User or Elevate Role feature though the Blackboard Course Generator to add a colleague or TA to have access to your course.
3. Use Batch Edit to make course changes: Use the Batch Edit feature in Blackboard to change all your assignment due dates and availability in one spot. 
4. Review and remove unused files: Streamline your course by deleting any unused files using the Unused File Management Tool in Blackboard.  
5. Check your Accessibility Report: Take a quick peek at your Accessibility Report and create a plan for prioritizing and remediating documents.  
6. Clean up gradebook settings: Tidy up your gradebook and review the overall grade column to make sure it aligns with your syllabus.  
7. Upload your updated syllabus: Replace your old syllabus with an updated version. Try uploading your document to the new Blackboard Document feature to streamline how students can access and view your documents. 
8. Explore new tools: Review new features and tools that are now available for you to add to your course!  
9. Review your notification settings: Check your Activity Stream notifications to make sure you are getting messages and notifications about your course.    
10. Subscribe to the IT status page: If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to the IT outage site to receive timely for important updates on system outages or issues throughout the semester.  
11. Use student preview for one final review: Before you make your course available to students, try using the Student Preview to view how students will view your course.
12. Make your course available: As a reminder, if you didn’t already, make your course available to students when you are ready. 

Classroom Support 

Classrooms have gone through summer maintenance and are ready for use! We encourage you to visit your classroom prior to the start of the semester to ensure you are prepared to use the classroom technology. Review the classroom guides to find additional information about classrooms, including the list of equipment per room and support information.

As a reminder, IT support personnel will be sent to your classroom only when remote support cannot resolve the problem and is based on technician availability. If you are in a classroom and run into a problem, you can contact IT by calling 757-221-4357 (HELP).   

Microsoft Teams 

Faculty, students, and staff all have access to Microsoft Teams for messaging and other collaborative functions. Consider uto connect with your students for one-on-one and group discussions.  Learn more about Microsoft Teams. 

The university also uses Microsoft Teams Calls as its phone system. Learn more about Microsoft Teams Calls.  

Support & Training

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our Technology Support Center. Our hours during the semester are Monday - Friday from 8am – 5pm.

• Phone: 757-221-4357 (HELP)
• Email: [[support]]
• Chat support is also available.

If you would like to learn more about the academic technology available at W&M, please join us at an upcoming training, or review our on-demand resources. If you would like to learn more about instructional approaches for the coming semester, please request an appointment or email [[stli]]. 

Best wishes for a successful semester!