Keep Teaching: clt E-Learning Supervisor Delivers University-Wide Webinar on Blackboard
On March 10, 2020, a university-wide workshop, titled 'Transformation to Full E-Learning,' was conducted by the E-Learning Unit Supervisor, Mohsin Khan. The Deanship of E-Learning's Training Manager, Mohammed Jarallah, supervised the workshop. Aimed to equip faculty members, both seasoned and novice users, with key knowledge on creating and posting documents, assignments, quizzes, tests, videos, and engaging in discussion boards, the workshop was a grand success, with nearly 200 attendees. The session was particularly beneficial in providing an in-depth understanding of Blackboard Collaborate and Blackboard Ultra's features and functionality.
In response to the evolving public health situation due to COVID-19, precautionary measures were taken at King Khalid University to enhance teachers' online teaching capabilities. Mr. Khan emphasized the importance of leveraging technology for educational success. "Blackboard Collaborate, a synchronous video conferencing tool, can greatly enhance your teaching experience. I suggest using the virtual whiteboard for an interactive session," said Mr. Khan. He further elaborated on 'Collaborate: Ultra Experience' and 'Collaborate: Original Experience'. The key distinguishing feature between the two offerings is that 'Ultra' is a completely web-based interface, while 'Original' requires Java installation.
Mr. Khan also introduced the eight Quality Matters standards, a set of best practices aimed to ensure course content quality and instructor readiness for online teaching. These standards support the university's goal of delivering high-quality online learning. This set the foundation for the suggested online classroom model, focusing on platform capabilities and interactivity.
The webinar was later adapted and presented to teachers of the English Language Center on March 11, 2020. Dr. Munassir Alhamami, the English Department Chairman, expressed plans to hold similar webinars in the future. "We will discuss best practices, available tools, and support for online teaching in our upcoming webinar on Monday. I will be part of that session and I strongly encourage you to attend," said Dr. Alhamami.
The Faculty of Languages and Translation's Bachelor of Arts in English program is committed to fostering a supportive academic environment focused on student-centered teaching and learning strategies. Ensuring an active learning environment for students remains a high priority, accomplished through continuous professional and academic development programs for the teaching staff.
