Start the semester off right with our August Jumpstart Workshop Series! Whether you are new to Blackboard, looking to explore updated tools, or interested in enhancing your teaching with instructional technologies, we have workshops designed to help you prepare for a successful semester.
To register for any workshop, please email actech@hartford.edu. We will send you the invitation and connection information for your selected session, whether it is offered in-person or virtually.
Blackboard Basics
New to Blackboard or looking for a refresher? This workshop provides an introduction to Blackboard's core features and tools. Learn how to navigate your course, upload content, communicate with students, create assignments, and utilize the most commonly used course management features. This session is ideal for faculty who are new to Blackboard or who would like a review before the semester begins.
Sessions:
The NEW Gradebook
Blackboard's newly redesigned Gradebook offers a more streamlined and flexible grading experience. In this session, you'll learn how to navigate the new interface, manage and organize grades, create calculations, use grading workflows, and provide timely feedback to students. Whether you're new to Blackboard or transitioning from the previous Grade Center, this workshop will help you make the most of the updated tools.
Sessions:
Getting Started with Kaltura
Kaltura is the University's video platform for creating, managing, and sharing media content. This introductory workshop will demonstrate how to record and upload videos, organize media, add videos to Blackboard courses, and share content with students. No prior experience is required.
Sessions:
Microsoft Teams for Instruction
Discover how Microsoft Teams can support teaching and learning both inside and outside the classroom. This workshop explores instructional uses of Teams, including course communication, file sharing, online meetings, virtual office hours, collaboration spaces, and integration with Microsoft 365 tools. Learn practical strategies for using Teams to foster engagement, streamline communication, and support student success.
Sessions:
Assignments & Rubrics
Learn how Blackboard Assignments and Rubrics can support efficient grading and clear expectations for students. This session covers creating assignments, configuring submission settings, building and attaching rubrics, grading student submissions, and providing meaningful feedback. Participants will leave with practical techniques for improving consistency, transparency, and efficiency in student assessment.
Sessions:
Blackboard Drop–In Sessions
Need assistance preparing your Blackboard courses for the semester? Stop by our Blackboard Drop–In Hours for individualized support with course setup, content organization, assessments, gradebook questions, Kaltura integration, and other Blackboard–related topics. Faculty may attend for as little or as much time as needed. No appointment is necessary for in–person sessions. Faculty interested in a virtual consultation should email actech@hartford.edu to schedule a virtual drop–in appointment.
Sessions:
Need a One-on-One Appointment?
If none of our workshop times or topics fit your needs, we’re happy to meet with you individually. Faculty and staff can schedule a one-on-one appointment for tailored support with Blackboard Ultra, course design, Organizations, or other academic technology tools. Appointments are available in-person or virtually via Microsoft Teams—whichever works best for you. Let us know what you’d like to focus on, and we’ll match you with the right team member to assist you. Email us at actech@hartford.edu to schedule your appointment.
Please Note: Due to the increased volume of support requests at the beginning of the semester, appointment availability may be limited between Aug. 17 and Sept. 4. We encourage faculty to attend Jumpstart workshops and Drop–In Hours whenever possible, and to contact actech@hartford.edu as early as possible for individualized assistance.