Struggles and Triumphs in Training For and Converting to Blackboard

Tarrant County College DistrictFort Worth, Texas

Ruth McAdams, Ph.D.Kevin R. Eason, Ph.D.

Tarrant County College District

History of Distance Learning

Learning Management System History

Road to Adoption

• Review Committee

• Recommendation Committee

• Negotiations With Blackboard

Challenges

• Planning the Implementation Project• Training 400 DL Faculty and District Staff• Converting 546 DL Courses• Training 1200 Face-to-Face Faculty• Transitioning From CampusCruiser to

Blackboard• Would we Survive?

Conversion Process

Two Aspects:

Training

Course Conversion

Project Timeline

PlanningTraining

Deployment of Courses

Training Program: Five Courses

(1) Introduction (2) Content (3) Interaction (4) Assessments (5) Course Readiness

Course One: Introduction

Course Two: Content

Course Three: Interaction

Course Four: Assignments and Tests

Course Five: Online Course Readiness

Course Conversion

Culminates with Course Assessment

Peer Review

Recommendations

The “Big Picture"

Build Relationships

It’s not about technology – It’s about people using technology.

When Designing the Training Program:

Develop Clear Objectives

Relate Information to What They Know

Focus on Authentic Learning

Recommendations

When Designing Training:

Utilize All Available Resources

Make it as Flexible as Possible

Allow Sufficient Time

Make Sure Trainers are Prepared

Recommendations

When Conducting Training: Articulate Clear Expectations Use the Team Approach Provide Support, Including Individual

Assistance Be Available Provide Timely, Relevant Feedback

Recommendations

Questions?

ruth.mcadams@tccd.edu

kevin.eason@tccd.edu