TLO online professional development program
Introduction to Deakin Studies Online (DSO)
An online self-help module for staff
This module aims to introduce you to Deakin's online teaching and learning environment - DSO - and guide you through the basics of using the Blackboard learning management system, which is DSO's central component.
The module will help you to:
- identify the main technologies that make up DSO
- understand the basic Blackboard terminology, system structure and roles
- access and navigate through a Blackboard unit site
- identify when to use the Build, and Teach and Student views
- perform basic student tasks
- create an html file in Blackboard
- upload files from your computer to your site
- add a folder and a learning module and use them to organise items
- add various other types of content
- make certain files and tools visible and invisible to students
- post an announcement
- create a discussion topic
- compile discussion postings to save or print
- navigate the Grade Book
- access the different kinds of help.
Structure and format
The module is available online through Staff Development Online (SDO), Deakin's Blackboard environment dedicated to training and practice. It is part of the Teaching and learning online professional development program.
After you register you will have access to the module and a sample unit in which you can practise for six months. You can access these resources at any time and undertake learning at your own pace.
The module consists of three tutorials:
- Exploring the Student view
- Exploring the Build view
- Exploring the Teach view.
The tutorial steps you through realistic scenarios within Blackboard. It guides you through the steps for each task as you go.
How long does it take?
Each tutorial should take approximately 20 minutes to complete, but it is recommended that you complete the tutorials in separate sessions rather than all at once in a one-hour block.
Prerequisites
- You will need to have basic competence in using a computer and a web browser.
- You will need a computer with network/Internet access.
- You must be a current Deakin staff member to access Blackboard.
How to register
Contact the Institute of Teaching and Learning.
