Our final Blackboard homepage, “Hidden Gem,” features the Assist tab, which may be the most valuable gem of all. Here, students are connected to important CMU resources and services that specifically address their needs. Student support services have never been more accessible like those offered through the Counseling Center, Food Pantry, Writing Center, Student Emergency Fund, LGBTQ, OCRIE, Student Disability Services offices (and more). Along with brief descriptions of each resource, direct links can take students (and instructors) to the associated webpage providing easy access with one simple click.
But wait, there’s more! Located within the curated resources of the Assist tab is a brand new Blackboard tool called Ally File Transformer. This tool converts any document into alternative file formats to meet individual student needs by increasing access to different learning preferences and using alternate devices. Want to listen to an article rather than read it? Does a student need a document in electronic braille? No problem with the Ally File Transformer! Once a document is uploaded into the Ally File Transformer, the file can be converted into a variety of different formats, including audio or electronic braille. Check out the image below to get an idea of the different formats the Ally File Transformer can provide.
We hope you are ready to take advantage of the Assist page, Ally File Transformer tool, and other “Hidden Gems” of the new and improved Blackboard UBN Homepage (and help your students do the same). Check out this video for more information about these and other enhanced teaching and learning features from the new Blackboard Homepage.
Still have questions or need assistance? Contact us at CIS for more help.