This document outlines a workshop on designing an exemplary course according to the Blackboard Exemplary Course Program rubric. The workshop aims to help participants identify elements of interaction and collaboration from the rubric. It discusses what a learning community is and provides information on establishing one through communication strategies, developing a sense of community, and establishing interaction logistics. It also gives examples of best practices for quality communication and interaction tools in Blackboard.

1. Designing an Exemplary
Course

2. 22
Workshop Objective
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
– Identify the elements of interaction and
collaboration from the Blackboard Exemplary
Course Program Rubric.

3. 3
What is a Learning Community?

4. 44
Blackboard Exemplary Course Program
Exemplary Course Program

5. 5
Exemplary Course Program Rubric
Course Design
Interaction and
Collaboration
Assessment
Learner Support

6. 6
Interaction and Collaboration
Communication
Strategies
Development of
Learning Community
Interaction Logistics

7. 77
ECP Winner 2012 Course TourExemplary Course Tour

8. 88
Establishing a Learning Community
1. Communication Strategies
– Opportunities for synchronous/asynchronous
interaction
– Asynchronous communication promotes critical
reflection
– Synchronous activities benefit from real-time
interactions and “rapid response”
communication

9. 99
Establishing a Learning Community
2. Development of Learning Community
– Communication activities build a sense of
community
– Student-to-student interaction is required
– Student-to-instructor interaction is encouraged
– Collaborative activities reinforce course content
and learning outcomes

10. 1010
Establishing a Learning Community
3. Interaction Logistics
– Guidelines explaining required participation
– Expectations regarding quality of
communication
– Rubric included to explain evaluation
– Instructor actively participates and provides
feedback to students
– Instructor uses communication tools to provide
course updates, reminders, announcements

11. 1111
Establishing a Learning Community
Blackboard Communication Tools
– Announcements
– Email
– Messages
– Groups
– Discussion Board
– Chat
– Virtual Classroom
– Blogs
– Journals
– Wikis

12. 1212
Best Practices for Quality Communication
– Provide opportunities for students to work in small
groups
– Clearly communicate expectations for
participation in the groups and criteria for
evaluation
– Use discussion boards and other interactive
activities to encourage critical thinking and inquiry
– Establish rubrics for evaluation of discussion
posts
– Provide feedback to students via announcements
and email as appropriate

13. 1313
Designing an Exemplary Course
https://open.coursesites.com
– Presentation Video
– Course Tours
– Scholarly Readings
– Hands-On Activities

14. 14
Interaction and Collaboration
Communication
Strategies
Development of
Learning Community
Interaction Logistics

15. 1515
Questions?
Thank
You!