eLearning

Blackboard Vista is the university's enterprise-level learning management system for online course preparation, delivery, and management. Using Vista, instructors and students are provided a secure central online meeting space and repository for course materials, section information, and interactive communications.

Vista requires a NetID and password for login and gives instructors the ability to:

• Centrally manage student assignments and assessments.
• Quickly organize and securely manage grades in a spreadsheet-style Grade Book.
• Moderate course discussions and grade student participation.
• Integrate course content and activities into topic-focused learning modules.
• Release personalized content to individuals or groups based on unique needs.
• Facilitate group coursework, even allowing students to choose their own groups.

Vista allows you to choose which tools you want to use for your classes. For example, you may only want to post class materials or use the Grade Book. If you wish to use more features such as announcements or online discussions, you can enable these optional features at any time.

To get started using Vista, go to the Instructional Technology Services web site and select Faculty - Request Vista Section. Once your section is created,

• Log in to Vista at http://elearning.tamu.edu, or
• Log in to the Howdy portal at https://howdy.tamu.edu and click the eLearning icon

Instructional Technology Services, which supports and maintains Vista, also provides a variety of workshops, tutorials, personal consultations, and online handouts. Visit their web site, or contact them at 979.862.3977 or its@tamu.edu.