Printing Discussions from the Hub

Although the Hub is designed for viewing and engaging in discussions online, there are occasions when you may need to print a discussion to hard copy. Provision for this is made through the Collect button, which allows you to collect together multiple postings and then print directly from the Collection window. However, a bug has been identified whereby the discussions in some cases run off the side of the page in the printout. This bug should be repaired in upgrades to the Hub in the summer of 2013, however, until then 2 suggestions to avoid this problem are outlined here:

 

Option 1.    Copy and paste to Word

When you used the Collect button to collect all your discussion post together, click the print preview button. This will open a new Collection Window and a Print window too. Close the print window and maximise the collection of posts. Right-click and choose select all and then right-click again and select Copy. 

Open a new Word document and right-click in the document. Under Paste Options you will see 3 icons – choose the middle one Merge Formatting. You will get a message:

“This operation will require copying many different styles – do you want to use Normal style instead”. Choose Yes and this will copy all the posts into Word.

Advantages:

·         Easy to do

·         Standardizes the font size

·         Easy to reformat the font size once copied

·         Posts do not run off the page

Disadvantages

·         May require a bit of editing to get rid of spaces and to make post content more distinct from info about posts, etc

Option 2.    Printing Collection from Hub after changing margins

Again, first use the Collect button to collect the required posts and click print preview button. Close the Print options window and maximise the Collection of posts.

Right-click anywhere on the collection window and choose Print Preview. You then need to make some adjustments to the margins and orientation:

Click the cogwheel icon

Change the orientation to landscape and change all the margins to 10

Click OK and then click the printer icon from the Print Preview screen to print.

Advantages:

·         All formatting is same as viewing on line – no need to rearrange

·         Posts do not run off the page

Disadvantages

·         A bit fiddly

·         Font sizes are still erratic dependant on the font size of the original post

·         No option to reformat

Where to store your answers when creating quizzes

When you create a Test in the Hub, each question type will display an answer field as well as a question field. If you have answers which you will use to assist you in marking you should enter these in the Answer Field.

When creating questions you are also presented with an Instructor Notes field. This field can be used to record information about the question which can be recalled if you reuse the question again. Please note, however, that the Instructor Notes are not visible when grading so if you have added set answers to this field you will not be able to access them whilst marking.

When you have finished marking and you edit the test options, you have the choice as to whether to release the correct answer field to students when they get their results and feedback - if you do not want them to see your own set answers then you do not have to make these visible.

Access to WebCT

From Thursday 21^st December 2012 at 4pm WebCT will no longer be available for students to access content and submit assessments.

 

From Thursday 28^th February 2013 at 4pm WebCT will no longer be available for tutors. Please remove all materials from WebCT asap.

 

Further information – hub@qmu.ac.uk

Workshop 16/1/13 - assessing online discussions

Wednesday 16^th January 2013

10.15am – 12.30pm

 

We have been using online discussions to support learning and teaching for many years. Much has been learnt in this time about online behaviours and we have developed scaffolding and support models. However, one aspect that is still often debated is the assessment of online discussions. In this workshop, we shall discuss and explore some models and how they may inform assessment strategies. We provide exemplars and guidance on implementing an effective and sustainable approach for you, and your learners. This workshop is run by Jacquie Kelly from JISCinfoNet.

 To book this workshop go to:

http://apps/capforms/workshopbooking.asp

Student View Tool

Before the start of Semester 1 the Student View tool was removed from the Hub as it was identified that the tool only worked with areas that were currently available to students. Once the semester started the tool was turned on again, with the caveat that it would not work with Semester 2 modules until they became available to students in January.

 

After consulting with the Building Block developers we have been able to put a fix in place, which now allows the Student View tool to work with Semester 2 modules. Unfortunately, the fix has meant that the Control Panel will appear when the Student View is active. This is more of a cosmetic change due to the way roles are checked within the Blackboard system.  Staff should note that the control panel in this instance has very few items available and those which are, are highly restricted.

With the exception of the control panel (which students never see), the tool mirrors the standard student role exactly and provides exactly the same level of interaction, including being able to complete tests and assignments.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Hub@qmu.ac.uk.

Mobile Apps for Hub@QMU

Blackboard Mobile Apps Launched for Hub@QMU

 

Mobile apps are now available for Android, iPad and iPhone devices.
The mobile apps afford a number of benefits for mobile access of the Hub especially communication and notifications, but it is important to note that there are also some things that the apps cannot do. Guides and recommendations for students and tutors, together with a list of the different apps’ respective functionalities are available here: http://www.qmu.ac.uk/cap/Hub/mobile.htm

The apps cost $1.99 per year or $5.99 for lifetime use. UK prices are dependant on the current exchange rate but equate roughly to £1.50 and £4.50 respectively. The apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store (android) or App Store (iPad and iPhone). After downloading the app you should search for Queen Margaret University and it is at this point you will be charged if you wish to complete the purchase.

The Blackberry app is not available for Hub@QMU.

Please note: the apps are an add-on to the core web-based Hub functionality and in this respect are not essential – you do not need an app to take part in or complete your programme of studies. The Hub is generally accessible from any mobile device without an app; however ease of use of will depend on the screen size of the device and the browser capabilities

For further information please contact hub@qmu.ac.uk

 

Personalised Module timetables now available in The Hub!!

It is now possible for users to access all their module timetables from the one screen! This builds on the timetable tool available in module areas, by creating a list of the modules you are enrolled on in The Hub with links to the overall timetables for your modules as well as the current week’s timetable.

If you cannot see the link on you’re my Hub page, click on Add module and click Add under the Personalised Module Timetables section. This will then appear on your My Hub page.

The link will be available to all QMU staff & students; however, will only be relevant to those modules being taught at QMU’s Musselburgh Campus