{"id":10962,"date":"2025-06-27T19:57:58","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T23:57:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/?page_id=10962"},"modified":"2025-08-14T12:51:57","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T16:51:57","slug":"faculty-tips","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/programs-services\/academic-technology\/ultra\/starter-kit\/faculty-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Faculty Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"intro-text intro-text--shortcode intro-text--lg\">\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_509345401-636x424.jpeg\" alt=\"Smiling woman with glasses works on a computer at a wooden desk, wearing earbuds. Sunlight and plants create a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere.\" width=\"636\" height=\"424\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10997 alignright\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_509345401-636x424.jpeg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_509345401-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_509345401-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_509345401-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_509345401-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/>Setup &amp; Design<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Getting Started<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Take the time to log in frequently<\/strong> during your course setup to become familiar with the interface.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Take advantage of BU\u2019s training resources \u2013<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/events\/\">there are a variety of workshops, office hour sessions, and trainings<\/a> available to faculty who need assistance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Start by organizing the course structure<\/strong> using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/programs-services\/academic-technology\/ultra\/starter-kit\/course-layouts\/\">one of the course layouts that are available<\/a>. Once the structure is in place, then you can work on creating or adding content.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Course Design Tips<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Keep navigation simple<\/strong> &#8211; students should find important content in 3 clicks or fewer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use consistent naming conventions <\/strong>for files and folders (e.g., &#8220;Week 1 Lecture Slides&#8221; rather than just &#8220;Lecture Slides&#8221;).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Create a welcome announcement<\/strong> with course navigation instructions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Add your contact information <\/strong>prominently on the course homepage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Content Management<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Chunk content into manageable sections<\/strong> rather than uploading lengthy documents.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use the built-in content editor<\/strong> rather than uploading Word documents when possible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Preview your course as a student<\/strong> to ensure all content is visible and accessible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Upload files in standard formats<\/strong> (PDF, DOCX, PPTX, MP4) for best compatibility.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Include alternative text for images<\/strong> to improve accessibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/24-1113-CLASSSTOCK1-082-636x424.jpg\" alt=\"A group of students in a bright room collaborates around a table with laptops. An instructor in red points at something on one of the student's laptops, fostering a focused, engaged atmosphere.\" width=\"636\" height=\"424\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10999 alignleft\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/24-1113-CLASSSTOCK1-082-636x424.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/24-1113-CLASSSTOCK1-082-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/24-1113-CLASSSTOCK1-082-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/24-1113-CLASSSTOCK1-082-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/24-1113-CLASSSTOCK1-082-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/>Course Management<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Assessment Strategies<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Create question pools<\/strong> for randomized quizzes to reduce academic dishonesty.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Set up automatic grade release<\/strong> for objective assessments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use rubrics<\/strong> for consistent grading of subjective assignments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Set clear due dates<\/strong> that appear on the calendar automatically.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consider using &#8220;Draft&#8221; mode<\/strong> when building assessments to prevent premature student access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Communication Tools<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use announcements<\/strong> for time-sensitive information.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Create discussion forums<\/strong> for class participation and Q&amp;A.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Enable course messages<\/strong> for private student communications.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Schedule regular virtual office hours<\/strong> using Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Gradebook Management<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Set up your gradebook early<\/strong> with proper categories and weighting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Enter zeros for missed assignments<\/strong> rather than leaving them blank.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use the &#8220;Needs Grading&#8221; feature<\/strong> to quickly find new submissions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Provide substantive feedback<\/strong> using text, audio, or video options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/24-1141-CDS2-095-636x424.jpg\" alt=\"A man writes equations on a whiteboard in a bright classroom. Several students sit at desks, some with laptops, attentively watching, conveying focus.\" width=\"636\" height=\"424\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-11001 alignright\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/24-1141-CDS2-095-636x424.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/24-1141-CDS2-095-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/24-1141-CDS2-095-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/24-1141-CDS2-095-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/24-1141-CDS2-095-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/>Efficiency, Support &amp; Student Success<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Time-Saving Features<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Reuse content<\/strong> from previous courses with the &#8220;Copy Course&#8221; feature.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Schedule release dates<\/strong> for content to automatically appear to students.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use batch download<\/strong> for assignments instead of opening each one individually.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Create assignment templates<\/strong> that can be reused throughout the course.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Troubleshooting Tips<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Clear your browser cache<\/strong> if experiencing display issues.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use Chrome or Firefox<\/strong> for best compatibility.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Contact IT support early<\/strong> when experiencing technical problems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Document steps<\/strong> that led to any errors to help support staff troubleshoot.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep copies of important content<\/strong> on your local computer as backup.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Student Success Strategies<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use the Performance Dashboard<\/strong> to identify struggling students early.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Create &#8220;Getting Started&#8221; modules<\/strong> with technology requirements and navigation guidance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Provide sample assignments<\/strong> so students understand expectations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use conditional release<\/strong> to ensure students master prerequisites before advancing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Send encouraging messages<\/strong> to students who show improvement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><figure class=\"blockquote blockquote--shortcode theme--cardinal \"><blockquote>\n<p><strong>Simplicity<\/strong> and <strong>consistency<\/strong> are key to an effective Blackboard Ultra course. Focus on clear organization, regular communication, and thoughtful assessment design.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote><\/figure><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Created by:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/excellence\/files\/2024\/04\/Bronwyn_Keefe_headshot-e1712162651391-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"Bronwyn Keefe Headshot\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-8706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2024\/04\/Bronwyn_Keefe_headshot-e1712162651391-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2024\/04\/Bronwyn_Keefe_headshot-e1712162651391-636x636.jpeg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2024\/04\/Bronwyn_Keefe_headshot-e1712162651391-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2024\/04\/Bronwyn_Keefe_headshot-e1712162651391-550x550.jpeg 550w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2024\/04\/Bronwyn_Keefe_headshot-e1712162651391-710x710.jpeg 710w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2024\/04\/Bronwyn_Keefe_headshot-e1712162651391-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2024\/04\/Bronwyn_Keefe_headshot-e1712162651391-600x600.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2024\/04\/Bronwyn_Keefe_headshot-e1712162651391-100x100.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2024\/04\/Bronwyn_Keefe_headshot-e1712162651391-500x500.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2024\/04\/Bronwyn_Keefe_headshot-e1712162651391-166x166.jpeg 166w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2024\/04\/Bronwyn_Keefe_headshot-e1712162651391.jpeg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/profile\/bronwyn-keefe\/\">Bronwyn Keefe<\/a>, PhD, MPH, MSW<\/strong><br \/>\nAssistant Dean, Workforce and Professional Development &amp; Research Associate Professor<br \/>\nResearch Assistant Professor<br \/>\nDirector, Center for Aging &amp; Disability Education &amp; Research (CADER) &amp; Network for Professional Education<br \/>\nCoordinator, Aging Specialization and Lowy-GEM Program<br \/>\nSchool of Social Work<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Karen Jacobs Headshot\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-7048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot-636x636.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot-768x769.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot-550x550.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot-710x710.jpg 710w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot-166x166.jpg 166w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2023\/02\/Karen-Jacobs-Headshot.jpg 1389w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sargent\/profile\/karen-jacobs\/\">Karen Jacobs<\/a>, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA<\/strong><br \/>\nAssociate Dean, Digital Learning and Innovation at the Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences<br \/>\nClinical Professor<br \/>\nProgram Director, Online Post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program<br \/>\nDepartment of Occupational Therapy<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/Lyndsey-McMahan-Headshot-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Lyndsey McMahan Headshot\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-10987\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/Lyndsey-McMahan-Headshot-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/Lyndsey-McMahan-Headshot-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/Lyndsey-McMahan-Headshot-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/Lyndsey-McMahan-Headshot-550x550.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/Lyndsey-McMahan-Headshot.jpg 637w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/profile\/lyndsey-mcmahan\/\">Lyndsey McMahan<\/a>, PhD, LCSW<\/strong><br \/>\nAssistant Dean, Teaching and Innovation<br \/>\nSchool of Social Work<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"intro-text intro-text--shortcode intro-text--lg\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">If you&#8217;re looking for more Ultra support and resources, continue checking out our Ultra Starter Kit!<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"actions actions--shortcode\" data-actions-align=\"center\">\n\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"button button--shortcode theme--cardinal button--has-icon\"\n\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/ultra\/starter-kit\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"button__text\">Learn More<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"button__icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg\n\tclass=\"icon icon--icon-arrow  icon--md\"\n\theight=\"18\"\n\twidth=\"18\"\n\tstyle=\"--icon-ratio: var(--icon-arrow-ratio, auto);\"\n>\n\t<use href=\"#icon-arrow\" \/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n<\/div><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Created by: Bronwyn Keefe, PhD, MPH, MSW Assistant Dean, Workforce and Professional Development &amp; Research Associate Professor Research Assistant Professor Director, Center for Aging &amp; Disability Education &amp; Research (CADER) &amp; Network for Professional Education Coordinator, Aging Specialization and Lowy-GEM Program School of Social Work Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA Associate Dean, Digital [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22504,"featured_media":0,"parent":10344,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/no-sidebars.php","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10962"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22504"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10962"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10962\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12091,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10962\/revisions\/12091"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10344"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}