An Introduction to the Texas A&M eLearning System

	eLearning is a secure, enterprise-level learning management system and features:
	•	grade books
	•	assignments
	•	quizzes and surveys
	•	chat rooms
	•	discussion forums
	•	blogs and journals
	•	email
	•	content management

May 18, 2009

Get an Overview of Blackboard Vista, the University-wide Learning Management System

Are you searching for an easy way to quickly assemble course materials and have them available online? Do you need to stay in contact with your students beyond (or outside) your personal email inbox? Or do you simply need a secure, Web-based space to manage assignments and post student grades? The Texas A&M eLearning System, powered by Blackboard Vista (formerly WebCT Vista), offers all of these features and more.

About eLearning

eLearning is the university-wide learning management system for uploading syllabi, managing grades, and teaching courses in either a hybrid format or completely online.

eLearning features a file manager for personal files and a repository for sharing files among peers who have the same level of access. Through a process called selective release, you can display or hide course materials, assignments, and assessments based on dates and times. An intuitive tabbed interface with a "student view" allows for easy testing to see how your content will appear to your students before you publish it.

A Complete Set of Teaching Tools

Beyond tools for creating and managing content, eLearning also features secure, FERPA-compliant grade books, which can be imported and exported to and from Microsoft Excel.

Additional features include assignments and grading forms (rubrics); assessment and evaluation tools, such as quizzes and surveys; and collaboration and communication tools, such as discussion forums, chat rooms, and email.

Extending the Experience

ITS has several third-party PowerLinks installed for eLearning: Respondus LockDown Browser, Turnitin, Scholar, SafeAssign, eInstruction "clickers," and  Atlassian Confluence Wiki. PowerLinks from higher education publishers, such as Wiley, Thompson, and Pearson, are also in production.

ITS has also developed a set of in-house eLearning Tools with which you can create, combine, and manage Vista sections based on SIMS sections, including individual, cross-listed, or stacked sections. You can also add TAs, co-instructors, auditors, and designers as well as request to retain sections. For example, as an instructor of record you can assign roles to TAs and instructional designers and allow them access to assist in managing your sections.

eLearning Tools will soon transparently connect with the new Compass student information system when it launches next fall, just as it currently functions with SIMS.

ITS Is Here to Help

ITS has more information about eLearning, including best practices for developing your Web-based course content and getting the most out of the learning management system.

We conduct numerous training sessions and one-on-one consultations throughout the year specifically for eLearning. Register for ITS training and let us help you discover your own ways of using the robust features of the eLearning system.