Distance Learning Updates

Blackboard Updates

Difficulties attaching files using any Vista tool—such as assignment, email, or discussion—are arising when more than one version of java is installed on a computer.  Blackboard is acknowledging this as a known issue and that future versions of Vista will have little or no reliance on java.  In the meantime, having only one version of java is critical for Vista to work properly.  Steps for checking and removing  java versions are shown on the Important Java Instructions page. 

Students who are using computers at work or other locations may not be able to remove unwanted java versions  (computers are locked down).  For those students, faculty may have students:

• Submit text directly in the tool rather than as an attachment (copy & paste from Word), or
• Submit the document as an attachment using your college email.

Important Java Instructions

Fall Catalyst 2008 

The Fall 2008 Catalyst Mini-Conference is set for Friday, August 15, 2008. This conference is a semi-annual event planned and hosted by the Center for Teaching and Distance Learning (CTDL). The Fall conference will continue with the CTDL tradition of hands-on sessions, presentations and faculty demonstrations which promise to bring you up to date on best practices and shared experiences of teaching and learning online.
Whether you are an experienced online instructor or new to this exciting and innovative field, come and join your colleagues for food, fun and as always, new ideas for helping students succeed in your class.

Upcoming Training 

Summertime is just around the corner and things are heating up for eCollege Vista training. The summer training schedule will include opportunities for faculty to participate in the Level I and Level II Online Teaching Certification programs, as well as focused, basic teaching and learning workshops across the System. The eCollege Vista System-wide schedule for Summer 08 will be announced soon.