Duke Environmental Leadership Program
Distance Education
Blackboard Platform | Blackboard Tutorial | Online Learning | Technical Requirements
Blackboard Platform
Blackboard is the online course management system from Blackboard
Inc. used to enhance communication, organization and presentation
in courses at all nine Duke schools. The Center
for Instructional Technology (CIT) administers Blackboard at Duke,
with support from the Office of Information
Technology and guidance from the Blackboard
Advisory Group.
Blackboard course sites are used widely in Duke courses to complement and supplement traditional learning. Students use Blackboard to:
- Download important class documents, such as the syllabus, handouts and lecture notes
- Look up assignment due dates and exam schedules
- Post class announcements
- Participate in online discussions
- Take quizzes and tests
- Turn in assignments
- Check on grades
For more information on Blackboard, including tips on getting started, tutorials, troubleshooting and technical information, visit Blackboard @ DUKE Help: Your Online Resource for Using Blackboard.
Blackboard Tutorial
The Blackboard
Student Manual from Blackboard
Inc.offers a contextual explanation of the teaching and learning
environment, and details the tools and functions available to students.
Online Learning
Online learning, or distance education, is an innovation that uses technology
to facilitate learning without the limitations of time or place. This
approach to education is ideal for mid-career professionals who seek additional
training, but want to maintain commitments to job and family.
Distance education students use interactive technologies to connect to faculty members and fellow students. For example, students typically complete their coursework through chat sessions, online meetings, discussion boards, e-mail, videoconferences and conference calls.
Online coursework may include:
- Lectures and assigned readings (from textbooks, coursepacks and online library resources)
- Individual and group assignments
- Literature reviews
- Case studies and problem sets
- Online quizzes and self-assessments
- Final projects or exams
Although online teaching and learning differ in some respects from on-campus courses, the DEL-MEM program maintains the same rigor and high standards as in the traditional classroom.
Is Distance Education for Me?
Success in distance education
courses requires motivation, discipline and the ability to balance work,
family, school and other commitments. Online students also need to have
strong reading and writing skills, believe that high quality learning
can take place outside the traditional classroom, and be comfortable with
computers, email and new technologies.
For more information on what makes a successful online student, please visit:
- What
Makes a Successful Online Student?
Illinois Online Network - Strategies
for Learning at a Distance
University of Idaho, College of Engineering, Engineering Outreach - How
to Succeed in Distance Learning Courses
Terra Community College
The following self-assessments will also help you decide
whether
distance education is the right choice for you.
- Are
Distance Learning Courses for You?
Terra Community College - Self-Evaluation
for Potential Online Students
Illinois Online Network - The
Online Learning.net Self-Assessment Quiz
University of San Diego UCLA Extension
Hardware
Matriculating students receive a laptop computer loaded with the necessary
course software and Microsoft Office suites. This laptop is theirs to
use during their term at the Nicholas School. While enrolled in the program,
the laptop remains Duke property and must be returned upon withdrawal.
Upon graduation, ownership is transferred to the student. No other hardware
is supported by the IT Department. In the event a repair is needed, loaner
laptops can be express mailed. The laptop has both wireless and network
interface cards for network access.
Software
Familiarity with web-based applications, word-processing software and
e-mail applications is required. The program laptop will have all the
software necessary for successful program completion. Students will be
able to install their own software on the laptop; however, we cannot guarantee
any software installed by the student will work properly, nor can we support
the use of other software packages.
Internet Access
Students will need to arrange network access with a local internet
service provider (ISP). We strongly encourage students to arrange for
broadband access to the internet via a cable modem, DSL, or a satellite
connection. Relying on a dial-up ISP is likely to put students at a
disadvantage in their coursework due to the slower connection speed.
We cannot provide support for network connections nor can we help with
any home networking equipment such as firewalls, routers, or switches.
For more information, please contact the Information Technology Department or the DEL Program Staff.
