FAQ
- Who is eligible to use OTL's services?
- Where can I find a listing of OTL workshops?
- How do I register for an OTL workshop?
- What are classroom observations?
- I'm new to Blackboard. Where would I learn how to set up my course site and use Blackboard's features effectively?
- My Blackboard site isn't working properly. Who should I contact for help?
- Are there online resources for Blackboard at WSU?
- What if I have an alternate Web site on another server that I want to use to link to from Pipeline?
- Where can my students get information on using Blackboard?
- Some of my students have said they can't open certain documents I've posted on Blackboard. Is there any way to correct this?
- Can I export my grades from Blackboard into Pipeline?
- What is Respondus?
- I would like to use Respondus to create assessments in Blackboard. How do I get the software?
- I already have Respondus, but my license key doesn't work any longer. What should I do?
- What is CPS, and how do I learn about using it in my classes?
- How do I find out which classrooms are equipped with CPS receivers?
- Where can I get help with Pipeline?
- How do I review student evaluations of courses I have taught?
- I would like for my students to do their class evaluations (SETS) online. Who should I contact?
- Who do I contact if I need training on the use of a particular technology; for example, on how to use a particular software such as PowerPoint or to use a scanner?
- How do I find out which classrooms have Internet access?
- Can I download software from the Internet onto the computers in the instructional labs for use in my class?
- Who should I contact to order data projectors, televisions. VCRs, screens, and overhead projectors?
- Can I have special software loaded onto the computers in the instructional lab where I will be teaching?
Who is eligible to use OTL's services?
The Development Lab, OTL Library, workshops, and consultations are available to anyone who teaches at WSU. This includes WSU full-time, adjunct faculty and graduate teaching assistants.
Where can I find a listing of OTL workshops?
An online calendar of workshops is available at events_index.php.
How do I register for an OTL workshop?
To register for workshops online:
1. Use your access ID to log on to http://www.pipeline.wayne.edu.
2. Under the "Faculty" tab, click on the link for Training, Seminars, and Workshops.
3. Select Office for Teaching and Learning from the drop-down menu to self-register.
You may also call 313.577.1980 or e-mail otl@wayne.edu
What are classroom observations?
OTL offers classroom observations to provide feedback on teaching. For more information, link to:
support_others.php.
I'm new to Blackboard. Where would I learn how to set up my course site and use Blackboard's features effectively?
OTL offers workshops and private consultations on designing course sites and Blackboard's assessment and discussion features. To schedule a consultation, call 313.577.1980 or e-mail otl@wayne.edu. To view the current workshop offerings online a calendar is available at
events_index.php.
My Blackboard site isn't working properly. Who should I contact for help?
For technical support, e.g., if you can't to get into your course site, or Blackboard functions aren't working properly, contact:
- C&IT's Blackboard help page at
http://computing.wayne.edu/blackboard/index.php/ - The Blackboard Administrator at bbadmin@wayne.edu
- C&IT Help Desk at (313) 577-4778, weekdays (8am-8pm, Fall and Winter; 8am-6pm Spring/Summer).
Are there online resources for Blackboard at WSU?
C&IT's Blackboard site is at
http://computing.wayne.edu/blackboard/ or click on the "help" button located within Blackboard. This page includes a link to Quick Start Guide for Faculty.
What if I have an alternate Web site on another server that I want to use to link to from Pipeline?
http://computing.wayne.edu/blackboard/faculty-guide.pdf focuses on setting up your link from within Pipeline to either Blackboard or your own alternative Web site.
Where can my students get information on using Blackboard?
A Blackboard FAQ for students can be accessed at
http://computing.wayne.edu/blackboard/faq-student.php or students can click on the "help" button located within Blackboard to view student-related Blackboard information.
Some of my students have said they can't open certain documents I've posted on Blackboard. Is there any way to correct this?
- Make sure that the course is available to students;
- Make sure that the document in question is viewable by students;
- Check your document size before posting to Blackboard. It's recommended that document size doesn't exceed 1 MB. Methods to reduce document size include: Using the "save as" function (rather than "save") in Microsoft applications such as MSWord and PowerPoint; converting documents to PDF files; cropping out extra space and any black borders on photocopies before scanning them; reducing scanning resolution to 150 DPI; and breaking up large documents into two or more files. If students are still unable to access the documents, suggest they use computers at the library to view or download presentations.
- Students with dial-up connections are unable to access Blackboard or other WSU services.
Can I export my grades from Blackboard into Pipeline?
Not at this time.
What is Respondus?
Respondus is a software program that makes it easy to create, edit, and reuse assessments that can be uploaded to Blackboard and taken by students online.
I would like to use Respondus to create assessments in Blackboard. How do I get the software?
Respondus is available free of charge to WSU teaching faculty. Call 313.577.1980 or e-mail otl@wayne.edu for a copy or a consultation on using Respondus.
I already have Respondus, but my license key doesn't work any longer. What should I do?
You may need to update your registration key. To get the updated registration key, contact the Blackboard Administrator at bbadmin@wayne.edu, or call 313.577.1980 or e-mail otl@wayne.edu.
What is CPS, and how do I learn about using it in my classes?
The Classroom Performance System (CPS) is a classroom tool that allows students to use hand-held "clickers" to participate in assessments, quick surveys, games and activities in the classroom. OTL offers workshops on the mechanics of creating CPS assessments and using CPS to promote active learning. Check the OTL calendar to determine when workshops are offered, or call 313.577.1980 or e-mail otl@wayne.edu to schedule a consultation.
How do I find out which classrooms are equipped with CPS receivers?
Information is available at
http://www.lib.wayne.edu/services/labs/rooms.php.
Where can I get help with Pipeline?
Consult the WSU Pipeline FAQ at
http://stuweb.wayne.edu:8080/luminis_faq/index.html
How do I review student evaluations of courses I have taught?
SETS are returned to your department and are also made available to you through e-mail. Contact your department to determine who coordinates evaluations.
I would like for my students to do their class evaluations (SETS) online. Who should I contact?
Online SETS are available only if you are teaching an online course. For more information, click here to contact the Office of Testing, Evaluation, & Research or call (313) 577-3400.
Who do I contact if I need training on the use of a particular technology; for example, how can I learn to use a particular software program such as PowerPoint or to use a scanner?
The Office for Teaching and Learning is a good place to start. We offer workshops on a number of software applications and provide training for faculty on different types of computer peripherals.
Please click here to see our calendar for a listing of current workshops or call 577-6448 for an individual consultation.
How do I find out which classrooms have Internet access?
A list of classrooms and the technology in each is available at:
http://www.lib.wayne.edu/services/labs/rooms.php.
Can I download software from the Internet onto the computers in the instructional labs for use in my class?
No. However, specific software can be loaded onto the computers in the labs provided that you meet the specific guidelines established by Library Computing and Media Services and your request is made well in advance of when you will need it. For example, trial software can only be loaded if a CD-ROM or disk of the software is provided and all licensing requirements have been met. Trial software cannot be downloaded from the Internet.
Requests should be made using the Software Submission Request Form at least four weeks in advance for semester courses and three weeks in advance for other classes. Questions can be directed to the Computer Support Team Leader. More information can be found online at
http://www.lib.wayne.edu/services/labs/instructlabs.php#software.
Who should I contact to order data projectors, televisions, VCRs, screens, and overhead projectors?
Instructions for ordering equipment from Faculty Support and Media Services is at
http://www.lib.wayne.edu/services/media/order_guide.php.
Can I have special software loaded onto the computers in the instructional lab where I will be teaching?
Yes, under the guidelines and policies established by Library Computing and Media Services. Requests should be made using the Software Submission Request Form at least four weeks in advance for semester courses and three weeks in advance for other classes. Questions can be directed to the Computer Support Team Leader. More information can be found online at
http://www.lib.wayne.edu/services/labs/instructlabs.php#software