Technologies in the Classroom
The Office for Teaching and Learning (OTL) provides support for the pedagogical uses of instructional technologies endorsed by Wayne State University. We collaborate with Computing and Information Technology (C&IT) to provide consultations and workshops that address how to select, implement, and assess instructional technologies.
To schedule an individual consultation, click here or call 313-577-0001.
Blackboard
Blackboard is a learning management system that allows faculty to manage student data (e.g., assignment grades, exam scores), upload, organize, and manage documents and multimedia content such as PowerPoints, videos, audio, and documents. Faculty can also create and manage blogs, discussions, and exams. Use Blackboard to:
- manage student scores and lesson content
- allow students to view, download, and/or print lesson materials
- keep students engaged by allowing them to participate in online discussions and blogs
- allow students online access to multimedia content directly related to lessons
Blackboard Collaborate
Blackboard Collaborate is a collaboration system that assists faculty in facilitating effective blended and mobile online learning. Use Blackboard Collaborate to engage students in:
- web conferencing
- class and meeting participation via mobile devices (e.g., androids, iPhone/Pad, and Kindle Fire)
- instant messaging
- voice authoring (used for creating quick lectures, notes, and student feedback)
Camtasia
Camtasia is video recording and editing software available in the OTL computer lab. Camtasia allows instructors to:
- record high-quality videos
- edit and enhance videos, including clickable links and quizzes
- add closed captioning to recorded videos
Echo 360 Lecture Capture
Lecture Capture is a tool that allows faculty to audio and/or video record classroom lectures and upload the media files to Blackboard for students to review anytime. When faculty request this tool, C&IT remotely turns on Lecture Capture in the classroom and audio and/or video recordings are set to begin at the scheduled course time. Use Lecture Capture to:
- allow students to view and take notes on lecture material at their own pace
- provide additional resources for students such as tutorials for laboratory work or presentations by guest speakers
- allow students to view missed lectures
Echo 360 Personal Capture
Personal Capture is video recording tool that allows faculty to record their classroom lessons and lecture presentations on their personal computers. Use personal capture to:
- build rapport with students by recording a brief introduction of the instructor and the first lesson
- create mini lectures for students to review ahead of time to prepare for class
- create weekly lesson summaries or provide feedback to students to help them prepare for future lessons
- make time for active learning during class by having the lecture available for viewing before the class meetings
iClicker
iClicker is a polling response system that enables instructors and students to interact dynamically in the classroom. Use iClicker to:
- quickly know how well students understand lesson materials (formative assessment)
- allow students to anonymously respond to questions asked in class
- administer quizzes/tests and receive student scores instantly
Respondus
Respondus is a tool that allows faculty to create quizzes/tests. Exams can be stored, modified, printed or published directly to Blackboard. Use Respondus to:
- create exams with multiple question types (e.g., multiple choice, True or False, essay)
- create a test question databank, which can be accessed anytime
- create exams that can be scored automatically
Respondus Lock Down Browser
Lock Down Browser is a tool that works as an aid to Respondus. It prohibits students from opening computer applications and visiting internet sources while taking an exam. Use Lock Down Browser to: 
- increase integrity during exam administration by preventing access to the internet
- prevent printing and copy/paste functions during exams
Safe Assign
Safe Assign is an anti-plagiarism tool that allows faculty to check the integrity of student submitted documents. Use Safe Assign to:
- check students’ papers against Web resources, other Safe Assign users, and the Safe Assign internal database.
- view an originality report and/or text matching to determine if a student has plagiarized
Additional Resources
Instructors can access Blackboard-related Quick Start Guides and instructional videos prepared by C&IT under the Faculty Resources and Blackboard Videos tabs when you log-in to your My Blackboard account.
