eLearning@UQ, The University of Queensland

Building Blocks

A Building Block is a piece of software developed to integrate with the Blackboard system to add new functionality or enhance its existing functionality.

Blackboard Building Blocks provide:

the flexability to customise the Blackboard system to meet the needs to the university
the ability for the university to develop new functionality in response to feedback given by staff and students using the Blackboard system
an opportunity for innovation in eLearning.

Below is a list of Building Blocks currently under evalutaion, development or purchase:

Name	Functionality	Type	Progress
Turnitin Anti-Plagarism	Instructors can add an online assignment to their Blackboard site. Turnitin compares the submitted files against digital repositories of intenet sites, journals, books and other student submissions.	Assessment	Pilot scheduled for Summer Semester
LCMS	Content can be stored online and accessed from anywhere across multiple courses. Content can be shared with other users. The system also provides workflow management and version control.	Content Management	In tender
Online Collaboration Tools		Communication	Evaluation commencing in December, 2005

Building Block Aquisition/Development Process

To initiate the process for aquisition or development of a Building Blcok you need to identify the need and search the existing catalogue of building blocks to see if there is a commercial product that suits your requirements.

Step 1 - Submit the short business case form which will include information about purpose, cost, benefits and possible source of funding for development or aquistion of the Building Block. This form will be received by the chair of the Building block committee who will convene the committee which will consist of members representative of ITS, TEDI and the eLearning Power User Network. You will receive notice to move to Step 2 or you will receive feedback on your proposal.

Step 2 - You will need to scope and cost the project associated with developing and implementing or buying and implementing the building block in consultation with the Building Block Committee. This will need to include a budget and cost/benefit analysis and source of funding. This scope along with an executive summary will be forwarded to the eLearning Working Party or its chair for approval.

Step 3 – When approval is received the project can commence, unless additional funding is required – in which case the full submission will need to go to the ITSPP for funding approval.

*Please note that an ITS and TEDI representative must retain a consultative role on all projects.

Future Upgrades

Below is a list of functionality proposed for future upgrades and new versions of Blackboard:

Name	Functionality	Progress
Bb Application Pack 3	Click here for the release notes	Pilot scheduled for Summer Semester
Blackboard Version 7	Click here for the Academic Suite brochure (Note: currently UQ is only using the Learning System)	Implemented with version 7.1
Blackboard Version 7.1	Not yet available	Implementation timeline under discussion

Other Blackboard Products of Interest

The following products will be evaluated upon release:

Name	Functionality
Blackboard Backpack	Backpack enables students to download course materials from Blackboard into an offline environment. Click here for the brochure
Community System	The Community System enhances the sense of community for students, faulty and administrators by channeling and personalising the flow of information. Click here for the brochure.
Caliper	Caliper will address the growing assessment and evaluation needs of educators in both traditional and e-Learning programs. Caliper will enable instructors and administrators to better plan, measure and report on their instructional and programmatic objectives.