News

Five Things Every Instructor Should Know About Digital Accessibility

Quick tips to make your course more accessible today

As educators, we strive to create a learning environment where every student can succeed. But what if the very materials we use, such as digital resources, tools, or technologies, unintentionally...

Posted: August 27, 2025, 7:58 AM

A human figure with outstretched arms inside a circle of two curved arrows, suggesting movement. Below the figure are two words: digital accessibility.

Meet AVA: Blackboard’s AI-Powered Virtual Assistant for Faculty

AVA supports feedback and frequently asked student questions

This fall, UMBC faculty will have the opportunity to test Blackboard’s new AI Virtual Assistant (AVA), a suite of tools designed to support common teaching tasks.  AVA Feedback Assistant will...

Posted: August 12, 2025, 12:29 PM

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New Online Form Available to Request Merge of Blackboard Course Shells

Improved Process Supports Instructor Course Management

DoIT is pleased to announce a new form to help faculty manage their Blackboard course shells with greater efficiency. As part of our ongoing updates to the course creation and enrollment process,...

Posted: August 11, 2025, 4:47 PM

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