Even if you teach face-to-face you can use Blackboard to capture class “attendance.” By posting content and required activities students’ activity can logged to serve as a indicator of intent to attend class.

1. Post content in Blackboard – Posting handouts or other required materials that students need for class forces them to engage in logged behavior in Blackboard. By setting the content to track access, you can see who accessed the item and when.

2. Use quizzes in Blackboard to encourage preparation for class – Blackboard has a test feature that can be used to deliver low-stakes quizzes on reading or other required pre-work. Not only can you capture a student’s intent to attend class but you can also gather information on where your students are having difficulty. Tests logs record when the student accessed any given test/quiz.

3. Collect assignments in Blackboard – No more lugging stacks of paper home to grade. No need to search through email to find electronic assignment submissions. Blackboard provides an electronic workflow for grading.

4. Discuss course topics online – Use the Discussion Board in Blackboard to start, continue, or finish classroom discussion. Shy students often “speak” up in online discussions more than in face-to-face class discussions.

5. Use the Grade Center – Students will use the Grade Center to keep track of how they are doing in class. The Grade Center can be accessed 24/7 and doesn’t require office hours.