Step 1

Create a content area on your Blackboard page and in this area, create one content folder that contains preparatory work and one that contains the meeting. In the folder description for the preparatory work, add your estimation of time to be spent on this part and any deadlines. In the folder description for the meeting, add a date and time for the meeting.

Step 2

Create a new item and add written instructions or an instructional video that guides students in how to proceed and what to expect of the module. For the instructional video, use Zoom and add the video to the item.

Step 3

Access the folder with preparatory work, create an Item that describes any required readings.

Step 4

In the preparatory folder, create a preparatory student activity that allows students to reflect on their preparatory work. The submission can be anonymous or public. For public submissions, use Padlet, Blackboard Discussion Board or Blackboard Blog. For anonymous submissions choose Mentimeter or Blackboard Survey.

Step 5

Finally set up the meeting. For a live meeting with students, use Zoom that also allows you to create break-out rooms for groups of students. We recommend that you read our tips for webinars before conducting the meeting. If you prefer a meeting that is not live, combine a series of short pre-recorded presentations (use either Zoom or Soapbox for this) or screencasts (use Soapbox, Zoom or Loom) with student activities. When developing your videos, make several short videos (no more than ten minutes long) instead of one long video lecture. Use Padlet, Blackboard Discussion Board or Blackboard Blog to facilitate the student activities. Use Peergrade in Blackboard if the activity should involve students providing peer-feedback to each other. Structure the meeting in Blackboard by creating an item for each element and number the elements in the right order.

In the end, your Blackboard page might look something like this:

Click image to enlarge

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3M8eU6DnkXh7sjCCFmRcxyS2yDs-rk4N9QFGfu893btjOqCQtMcC0FlS_cwqS3Snr0ze7Kn6Pq99x_8Z_9J1QEPLNLAUtvxVCpEGHjLXETTRihLZyK2CRocugP_94Q8-FfZcPtw-