news-category: Academics Gardner-Webb Begins Transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra on Dec. 19 By Office of University Communications On November 17, 2023 New System Has Enhanced Features and Mobile Capability BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Beginning on Dec. 19, Gardner-Webb University will start the process of migrating to Blackboard Learn Ultra. In addition to a modern, clean look, this new version of Blackboard has enhanced features, such as a mobile app for Apple and Android. The change is necessary, because technical support will end next year for Blackboard Original, the learning management system currently used by the University. “Throughout our pilot test period, we have found Blackboard Ultra to be user-friendly, feature-rich, mobile ready, and reliable,” shared Dr. Wendy Athens, Director of Academic Innovation and Digital Learning. “Yes, there will be a learning curve because the layout has changed, yet overall, we view this as an upgrade.” All Blackboard users will experience a new institution page starting on Dec. 19. During the 2024 Spring term, students will likely experience a mix of Ultra and Original courses. By Summer 2024, most courses will be in Ultra. Gardner-Webb will complete the migration process by the 2024 Fall Semester. All students are encouraged to complete a new student orientation called “Learning with Technology” that will be available on the new institution page. The orientation takes about 1-1.5 hours to complete and covers essential features of Blackboard Ultra as well as Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Reader, Zoom, Teams, and video creation. Other features of Blackboard Ultra include: Mobile first — Stay connected to Blackboard from anywhere; download the free Blackboard app: Apple Store or Google Play. Global calendar — All due dates for all assignments in all courses in one place, color-coded. Notifications — Set your preferences. Pins — Pin your favorite courses. Activity stream — Up to the minute course activity; jump in and finish a task. As always, support for Blackboard is available 24/7 every day by phone or chat support. More help is also offered at Blackboard Learn. See a video tour of Blackboard Learn Ultra. Additional questions may be emailed to [email protected]. Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.
News Article Gardner-Webb’s Department of Music Ushers in the Christmas Season with Festival of Lights Community Joined the Annual Musical Celebration and Official Lighting of the Campus Christmas Tree BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb’s annual program to welcome the Christmas season—Festival of Lights—featured performances by GWU music groups, the reading of the Christmas story and carol singing. Additionally, for the first time in the celebration’s history, the GW Orchestra participated in the […] Office of University Communications | December 5, 2023
News Article Gardner-Webb’s First Living-Learning Community Helps Students Transition to Campus Life Honors Pilot Group Values the Relationships and Community Created by the Program BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb’s Division of Student Success and Office of Housing and Residence Education offered the University’s first living-learning community (LLC) this semester. An LLC is a program where first-year students live together on campus and participate in a shared academic endeavor. They […] Office of University Communications | December 5, 2023
News Article Gardner-Webb Class Travels to Cataloochee Valley to Study Elk Behavior Students Take Pictures and Present Their Observations in Poster Format BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University students in Biology 315 (animal physiology) recently made a trip to Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where they viewed elk in their natural habitat. Assistant Professor of biology Jay Zimmer teaches the class and noted that the fall […] Office of University Communications | December 5, 2023