Connect with Blackboard Students Early

Instructors and students at MHCC have access to OneDrive, a hosting service that allows users to sync files and later access them from web browsers and mobile devices. The Syllabus and Student Info templates linked below are hosted on MHCC’s OneDrive. Storing your files in the cloud means you can easily access and link them.

Another benefit to using OneDrive is the ease with which you can update files and not worry about which versions you’ve shared. Wherever you link them, the documents or files will always be current since you edit a single source file in the cloud. Also, you’ll find that linking files is much less cumbersome than attaching versions to emails and other communications.

Likely the first communication with students, your welcome message establishes your instructional tone and to some extent, your teaching philosophy. It’s a great place to communicate a bit about yourself or to share your goals for the term. You can also take care of housekeeping issues such as providing textbook info, links to your syllabus and your first week’s instructional content.

It seems obvious, but having the syllabus before the start of term makes a big difference. Students know course outcomes, required texts, websites, or applications. They see your course activities, understand grading weights and any other expectations you have. They are prepared should you have a syllabus quiz or scavenger hunt once in class. Be sure your document is ADA compliant and includes the support information, resources and links required by the Office of Instruction. Want to update your syllabus? Contact an instructional designer in Online Learning and we'll get a copy of our accessible online syllabus to you.

Getting information about your students helps you meet them where they are. Knowing and understanding our students’ circumstances and goals is the first step in helping them succeed in our courses. Follow this link to a survey form template. Copy the template and edit to make sense for your course and program. Student Info Survey Form Template.

Linking your first lesson with instructional content, readings, resources and assignments is a game-changer for the start of term. Students have everything they need to be successful well in advance of getting access to your course or entering your classroom, whatever modality you employ.

1. Log in to 365, Select OneDrive
   
   
2. Create folders
   
   

1. Select files to set sharing permissions
   
   
2. If providing link to students, do not allow editing
   
   

Click the links in the list below to open images of the steps.

1. Open the course shell and under Control Panel/ Content Collection, Select the course ID.
2. Navigate to the folder or files you want to share outside the course and Blackboard and click on the action link beside the folder or individual files. Select “Permissions”
3. Choose "Permit Anyone”
4. Select item and add to window. Select “read” permission and Submit.
5. Enter public folder to get to pages
6. Click file action link Select Edit Settings
7. Highlight and copy Web Folder URL OR Right click filename and select "Copy Link Address"
8. Paste address in a document or in email.
9. Repeat for any pages to share in Blackboard

Before you take the steps linked below, have links to Blackboard files ready.

1. In Full Grade Center Select all Students.
   
2. Compose Email with linked files.