November 2008 Archives

"Free Open Source Software is Costing Vendors $60 Billion," (annually) as recently reported in an April 2008 report from the Standish Group.

Open Source software is available without cost, and support is usually available via the developers and dedicated users posting comments, tips, and updates on various blogs and websites.

Probably the biggest advantages of utilizing Open Source software is in its flexibility to the needs of the end-user. If there is sufficient demand for a new feature, an update is usually available in a matter of weeks or months (developed by multiple people working around the globe) versus waiting for the next major release from traditional software vendors.

Some well known examples of Open Source include:

• Linux :: operating system


• Open Office :: office productivity suite


• Open Project :: project management

Source Forge, one resource for locating Open Source Software, is organized by topics.

Blackboard course shells for the Spring 09 semester have been created for all courses listed with the University Registrar. Use materials from other courses that you have already developed to develop your Spring 09 course. Click here for instructions on importing, exporting, copying and archiving a course.

Whether you teach an online, hybrid or face to face course, developing engaging activities can be a difficult task. What information does the student need to successfully complete the activity or assignment? Illinois Online Network, part of the University of Illinois, developed an extensive index of online teaching activities ranging from art projects to wikis. Each activity offers goals, objectives, examples, strategies and suggestions for assessment allowing faculty to customize the activity to suit their course while providing necessary information to students for completing the activity. This is a great resource for all faculty and will help get your creative juices flowing! If you see an activity you feel would be perfect for your class, contact your Instructional Designer to answer any questions you have about implementing such an activity. To access the information, click here, Select "Educational Resources", then "Online Education Activities"

Educause hosts an annual computer security awareness video competition where students submit videos for other college students regarding a variety of computer security issues, such as computer viruses, spyware, sharing information online, etc. The 2009 competition is now underway, but winning videos from prior years are available for viewing from the Educause website at the following URL. The terms of use for the videos are available on the website: http://www.educause.edu/SecurityVideoContest/7103

These videos are an excellent way to make other students aware of computer security issues in a fun and engaging way!

Learning the new technologies has not always been an easy task to accomplish with the constant changes and the newest editions to the hardware/software collection. However, Sony has made it possible to adapt to what's out there at your own pace. The Backstage 101 service was developed by Sony in an attempt to help users understand and utilize the emmerging technologies such as MS Office 2007, digital photography and videography techniques, amongst other. The best thing about the service is that it is free and only requires a registration account to be setup. This will be the best opportunity to take advantage of such a comprehensive service because it will broaden abilities and inspire creativity. Please click on the link for more details -> Backstage 101

With the Wiki tool in Blackboard, creating a sign-up sheet that the entire class can edit and update is a snap!

Click on the link below to download a quick guide on creating, deploying, and editing a Wiki in Blackboard!

Blackboard Wiki_SignUp Sheet.pdf


For further assistance with utilizing Wiki's in your class, please contact your instructional designer.