Blackboard publishes the most current service availability in table form. I love this idea and wish D2L had something similar. It's nice to be able to go there and say to a student or instructor having trouble, oh, yes, there are some status issues with that software.
CourseSites by Blackboard is a free learning management system for K12 and Higher Ed Instructors enabling blended & eLearning.
I have used this tool a few times before. This is great because it is exactly like BlackBoard. With CourseSites you can do trial and error, and it's ok because students will not see it. Also, CourseSites allow you to add students, if you do not have BlackBoard or any other online learning site that your campus offers.
This course site and presentation will illustrate how the "Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education" (Chickering and Gamson, 1991) can be supported using the features of Blackboard Learn. Several online course design rubrics will also guide our showcase of quality instructional design options related to course structure, navigation, activities, assignments (individual and group), and communication. "Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education" (Chickering and Gamson, 1991), states a quality teaching and learning environment is one that: (1) Encourages contact between students and faculty, (2) Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students, (3) Encourages active learning, (4) Gives prompt feedback, (5) Emphasizes time on task, (6) Communicates high expectations, and (7) Respects diverse talents and ways of learning.
How to integrate technology into the classroom: PowerPoint, Blackboard, Video, iclickers, online discussions, ePortfolios, blended learning, survey tools, etc.
Video Everywhere is a new technology tool that I am exploring as a way to introduce video into my online classes. I plan to use this tool to introduce my students to each module in my online classes. Video Everywhere recordings benefit all students who need repetitive review of material and feedback. Video assists deaf students as well by allowing them to record and share sign language. Video Everywhere helps students who are enrolled in classes that are taught in non-native languages, giving them exposure to vocabulary and pronunciation according to their Web Site. I am looking forward to incorporating this tool into my classes.