Course Management System (Blackboard) Upgrades to Version 8.0

Northwestern University 's Course Management System will be upgraded to version 8.0 beginning Monday, June 16 at 5:00 p.m. and ending Sunday, June 22, at 12:00 p.m. During the upgrade period the Course Management System will be unavailable.

The upgrade will bring new features and enhanced functionality that will allow users to more efficiently manage content and access information. The navigation and basic functionality of the system will be familiar, as the additional features are integrated into the existing design.

Faculty, staff and students will be unable to access the University Course Management System throughout the duration of the upgrade.

After the upgrade, users will notice enhancements to manage content, the new Self and Peer Assessment tool, and improvements and new features for the Grade Center (formerly named Gradebook).

Self and Peer Assessment

The Self and Peer Assessment tool provides a way for students to constructively critique their own work and the work of their peers. Instructors are able to track the students' progress, review the assessments, and when the assignment is completed can send the grades to the Grade Center.

Grade Center (formerly Gradebook)

• Improved features include:
  • The ability to freeze panes
  • Scroll easily through the spreadsheet
  • Add columns
  • Modify grades
  • Organize information
• New features include:
  • Creating/Adding Categories tab is for organizing like items, like quizzes, or assignments
  • Weighted Totals/Drop Lowest Grade option make it possible to weight a group of items and drop grades
  • Instructors can add a comment to a grade to help remember details about a grade, or send a short note to the student
  • Smart Views allow instructors and their Teaching Assistant(s) to independently view their specific students and/or student groups
  • Reports are easy to generate and instructors can provide students with a written progress report

Hands-on workshops of Blackboard Version 8.0 will be held throughout the summer and during the first weeks of the Fall Semester.

Visit Course Management System Help & Support Site for updates on the upcoming upgrade, training schedules, and timely vendor related announcements.

Course Management Support, Faculty Support Services
847-491-4044
course-management@northwestern.edu