Struggles and Triumphs in Training For and Converting to Blackboard Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, Texas Ruth McAdams, Ph.D. Kevin R. Eason, Ph.D.
Feb 16, 2016
Struggles and Triumphs in Training For and Converting to Blackboard
Tarrant County College DistrictFort Worth, Texas
Ruth McAdams, Ph.D.Kevin R. Eason, Ph.D.
Tarrant County College District
History of Distance Learning
Learning Management System History
Road to Adoption
• Review Committee
• Recommendation Committee
• Negotiations With Blackboard
Challenges
• Planning the Implementation Project• Training 400 DL Faculty and District Staff• Converting 546 DL Courses• Training 1200 Face-to-Face Faculty• Transitioning From CampusCruiser to
Blackboard• Would we Survive?
Conversion Process
Two Aspects:
Training
Course Conversion
Project Timeline
PlanningTraining
Deployment of Courses
Training Program: Five Courses
(1) Introduction (2) Content (3) Interaction (4) Assessments (5) Course Readiness
Course One: Introduction
Course Two: Content
Course Three: Interaction
Course Four: Assignments and Tests
Course Five: Online Course Readiness
Course Conversion
Culminates with Course Assessment
Peer Review
Recommendations
The “Big Picture"
Build Relationships
It’s not about technology – It’s about people using technology.
When Designing the Training Program:
Develop Clear Objectives
Relate Information to What They Know
Focus on Authentic Learning
Recommendations
When Designing Training:
Utilize All Available Resources
Make it as Flexible as Possible
Allow Sufficient Time
Make Sure Trainers are Prepared
Recommendations
When Conducting Training: Articulate Clear Expectations Use the Team Approach Provide Support, Including Individual
Assistance Be Available Provide Timely, Relevant Feedback
Recommendations