A useful new feature in Succeed is the Test Access Log. This allows an instructor to determine whether a student run into problems during a test. Previously it was very difficult to verify reports of problems during a test but the Test Access Log provides detailed information on the student’s interactions. For full details see the Blackboard help pages:
Monthly Archives: November 2013
Opening links from Succeed in a new window
If you are linking from your Succeed module to an external web site, it’s best to set the link to open in a new browser window. This is especially true when linking to a web site whose address begins http:// and not https://. Succeed runs on https:// (secure protocol) and if you try and set up a link in the same browser window to a regular http:// web page then your browser may reject this as being what is called ‘mixed content’, which could potentially cause a security risk (for example, phishing). The default setting when adding a link through the > Build Content > Web Link option is for the link to open in a new window, and we recommend you leave this setting in place for all links.
Sharing Large Files via FileDrop
The University of Stirling File Drop service makes it easy to send and receive files of up to 2.0GB between members of the University (staff and students), and between the University and outside third parties without using email (which comes with restrictions on the size of attachments). Simply log in to the web site with your University of Stirling network username and password, then click the ‘Drop-off’ button to start the process. It’s dead easy to use and instructions are on the web site.
https://filedrop.stir.ac.uk/
Turnitin Student Success Week webcasts
Turnitin held a ‘Student Success Week’ between 28th October and 1st November, with various experts delivering webcasts on topics such as:
- Using Web-based Technology for Interactive, Formative Feedback in Online Learning
- Organic Feedback: Growing through Consistent Adjustments
The webcasts are quite focussed towards the US education system, but you may still pick up some interesting ideas and discussions on assessments and feedback. Access the webcasts here:
http://turnitin.com/en_us/resources/student-success-week
Using Mashups in Succeed – new guide available
A ‘Mashup’ combines elements from two or more sources. In Succeed, you can use Mashups easily to integrate content that resides on an external web site. Succeed offers three default types of Mashup:
1) Flickr – a web site used for viewing and sharing images
2) YouTube – a web site used for viewing and sharing online videos
3) SlideShare – a web site used for viewing and sharing PowerPoint presentations, Word documents, or Adobe PDF portfolios
A guide on how to incorporate such Mashups is now available on the IS web site:
http://www.stir.ac.uk/media/schools/is/documents/succeeddocuments/mash_ups.pdf