E-Learning Team Meets with New Faculty Members
Under the patronage of Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, the Dean of the College, the E-Learning Unit organized a workshop specifically designed for new faculty members. The workshop took place on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, in E-Learning Lab A/3/86.
Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan, the Supervisor of the E-Learning Unit, began the workshop by introducing the new teachers to the fundamental concepts of the E-Learning system at King Khalid University. He emphasized the importance of strategic goal no. 5, which focuses on activating technology to build a knowledge-based society. Mr. Khan familiarized the new faculty members with the rules and guidelines of the Deanship of E-Learning, as well as the core tools of the Blackboard platform. Topics covered included Start Here, Home Page, Announcements, Lectures, Assignments & Tests, Discussion Board, and Course Messages. Both the supportive level and blended levels of E-Learning were discussed in detail. Mr. Khan stressed that supportive E-Learning is mandatory for all university courses, without exception. However, he also emphasized that the mere implementation and access to Blackboard are not sufficient to fulfill the academic purposes and objectives of teaching and learning. To ensure efficiency and effectiveness, the Deanship of E-Learning has subscribed to the Quality Matters Program. Instructors should refer to the eight general standards and forty-three specific standards of the QM program to ensure the quality of e-learning courses.
Mr. Rizwan Ghani and Mr. Jawed Ahmed addressed practical issues related to Blackboard, highlighting common problems and offering remedies for online assessment challenges.
Dr. Khalid Mohanna, the E-Learning Team Manager, provided an overview of the major options available in Blackboard 9.1 and explained how they can be effectively utilized.
Mr. Abdullah Al-Zubain, the E-Learning Specialist, extended a vote of thanks and assured the new faculty members of the unit's comprehensive support at all levels.
To begin the workshop, Mr. Farooque Hajji, the Registrar of the College, warmly welcomed all the new faculty members. He discussed important issues such as usernames, passwords, access to the University's registration website, and Blackboard.
The workshop served as an invaluable platform for new faculty members to familiarize themselves with the E-Learning system and its associated tools. Through comprehensive discussions and practical guidance, the workshop aimed to equip educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilize technology in their teaching endeavors. The collective efforts of the E-Learning Unit and the College demonstrated their commitment to providing a supportive and technologically advanced learning environment for faculty members and students alike.
