UAF CTL has created a Blackboard template that can be used as a starting place for those developing an online course. The template is based on best practices for higher education online students.
The template navigation contains standard areas for instructor-created content, basic Blackboard tools and activity areas for student interaction, as well as areas that provide overall support to students enrolled in any UAF course.

Why might I want to start with this template?

• it is optimized for engaging students
• it is designed following many  Quality Matter Standards
• it can save you time because
  • many of the most commonly used student resources are pre-loaded
  • a sample module provides a model for you to revised and duplicate for the entire course
  • a template for a syllabus that follows Faculty Senate guidelines is provided
  • a course schedule template is available for planning your course and for students to use as a checklist
• template items can be customized for your preferences or removed if they aren’t relevant
• examples are provided to give you perspective and ideas about possibilities
• quick access to UAF CTL support

Access the template inside of Blackboard

1. Log in to Blackboard with your UA credentials.
2. Go to Template  or Go to Courses tab and search for “Course” that “starts with” “CTL Course Template.”

1. If you get an error message click on the “enroll” button to be enrolled to see and interact with all of the template pieces.

Main page description

A – Course Navigation
B – Add your own banner by going to Control Panel->Customization->Teaching Style
C – Access student view
D – Toggles between edit and view mode

Course Content description

E – It is highly suggested that you have some kind of low-stakes early contact assignment that is due within the first three days of classes. This assures you that students are accessing the course and paying attention!
F – Change the name of this folder to be appropriate for your course. Be sure to add an introductory statement so that students have an idea of what to expect inside the folder. List any specific due dates that might help students manage their time.
G – Copy this for each of your modules. Inside this folder you’ll find placeholders for:

• introduction and Learning Objectives,
• Reading/Viewing assignments
• Lecture material
• Additional Resources
• Direct link to Discussion Forum

H –  This is an example of what a completed module might look like.