Blackboard Collaborate
Camtasia
MS Power Point
Laulima
Resizing Images
Google Drive
Blackboard Collaborate, formerly known as Elluminate, is a virtual classroom used for synchronous sessions, and recordings, among other things. It is free to use, and is compatible with both Macs and PCs.
New to Blackboard Collaborate? This video, created by BrainShark, is a great place to start. It will show you how to get started with web conferencing, whether you are the host or the participant of the web conference. The video is approximately 7 minutes and 20 seconds long.
Having trouble logging in to a Blackboard Collaborate Session? This tutorial will show you the step-by-step process of how to log in to a session, an overview of Blackboard Collaborate's layout, checking Java for updates, and clearing the Java cache.
Learn more about the features of Blackboard Collaborate such as the Quiz Manager, Breakout Rooms, and Blackboard Collaborate Mobile.
Camtasia is a screencasting (records your computer screen) software that is available to for both PC and Mac users. It is a robust software that is often used by distance education providers to create lesson content. Features of Camtasia include screencasting, basic video editing, and more. Camtasia is a user friendly software, and is available through TechSmith. Special pricing is available for Educators.
Start here to learn the basics such as how to navigate through the different tabs, import PowerPoint slides into Camtasia, as well as Record and Edit your Audio.
*Note: This tutorial is only applicable for those using a Windows OS. The Mac versions of PowerPoint do not support the Camtasia Add-in.
Want to record your presentation, but don't have the time to edit? This may be the option for you. Do all of your audio recording in PowerPoint, retain your PowerPoint Transitions and Animations, and quickly export your recording when you're done.
Accessibility is a hot topic for Higher Education, especially in Distance Education. Add captions to your videos to make your presentations universally accessible.
Callouts are a great way to focus your viewer's attention. Emphasize aspects of your presentation by adding arrows, text, boxes, and highlights.
Microsoft PowerPoint is a popular program that most computer users own. Aside from creating presentation slides, it can also be utilized to record audio and then be published as video. Using MS PowerPoint, can be convenient option for faculty and staff, and potential guest lecturers.
The Resources tab is often used in Laulima to store class files for students to utilize. However, uploading resources one-by-one can be tedious. Utilizing a WebDAV will allow users to save time when upload resources to Laulima, and it only requires an internet connection.
Please note that this tutorial is for computers running a Windows OS of 7 or higher. For a Mac tutorial, click here.
The Resources tab is often used in Laulima to store class files for students to utilize. However, uploading resources one-by-one can be tedious. Utilizing a WebDAV will allow users to save time when upload resources to Laulima, and it only requires an internet connection and a free-to-use program called Cyberduck.
Please note that this tutorial is for computers running a Mac OS. For a PC tutorial, click here.
Laulima quizzes are a secure and simple way to administer exams online. However, don't think that your quizzes have to be limited to text. Sometimes using images in quizzes helps to better engage students despite the distance between the instructor and fellow peers. This tutorial will show you how to insert pictures into quizzes you already have on Laulima.
For tips on how to incorporate images into your quizzes, click here.
Pictures are a great way to engage students and challenge them in a different way than by simply using text alone. This tips sheet gives you examples of how some courses utilize images in their quizzes. Hopefully you can find some inspiration for how to incorporate images into your own quizzes as well!
For a tutorial showing you how to insert images into the quizzes, click here.
Adobe Photoshop is a popular software that is commonly used for editing photos. This simple step-by-step tutorial will show you how to resize your images to ensure that they will fit perfectly on your webpages, PowerPoint slides, and any other distance education media that you choose to use.
Please note that Photoshop is NOT a free-to-use software, and does require a one-time payment, or a Creative Cloud subscription to use.
Photoshop is compatible with both Macs and PCs.
iPhoto is a software that comes standard with Apple computers. It is often used to manage and organize photos, but it can also be used to resize your photos! This simple step-by-step tutorial will show you how, to ensure that they will fit perfectly on your webpages, slides, and any other media that you choose to use.
Please note that iPhoto is a Mac-only software, and requires that you own an Apple computer to use it. It cannot be purchased for use on a PC. PC users, please refer to the Photoshop tutorial (above) or the Microsoft Paint tutorial (below).
Microsoft Paint has come a long way, and now it is often used by PC-users for simple photo-editing jobs, including resizing your photos! Paint comes pre-loaded on devices running on a Windows OS. This simple step-by-step tutorial will show you how to resize your images to ensure that they will fit perfectly on your webpages, slides, and any other media that you choose to use.
Please note that Microsoft Paint is a Windows-only software. It cannot be purchased for use on a Mac. Mac users, please refer to the Photoshop and iPhoto tutorials (above).
Google Forms is an easy, free tool, that comes with your UH account. Use Google Forms to create surveys for your classes, department, and more!
If you require information in an alternative format, please contact us