Thursday, December 13, 2012

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.

Monday, December 10, 2012

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


 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

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



Friday, November 16, 2012


Student guide to using turnitin

Following on from the recent issues with turnitin and the need to re-create turnitin links, our student guide to using turnitin has now been updated. This reflects the slightly different appearance and small changes in functionality of the new turnitin links in the Hub.

The student guide is available here:


You can also access the student guide via:

·         the Effective Learning Service web page: http://www.qmu.ac.uk/els/Turnitin.htm

·         the ‘Understanding and avoiding plagiarism’ wiki under the turnitin section: https://sites.google.com/a/qmu.ac.uk/plagiarism/students#TOC-What-support-is-available-  


For further information, please contact turnitin@qmu.ac.uk

Friday, November 9, 2012

Update on Turnitin


Over the last few days, we have been experiencing issues with accessing Turnitin through the Hub. After discussions with iParadigms who supplies Turnitin, a technical issue has been identified with the link between the Hub and Turnitin. To overcome this technical issue,  it will be necessary for the links to Turnitin to be re-created. The CAP and School Office will be re-creating the links to Turnitin and hope to have this work completed by early next week. If you have students who are submitting in the next week, please contact Hub@qmu.ac.uk and we will prioritise your area to ensure there is a fully functioning link to Turnitin for students.

 
Please note: as a consequence Turnitin will appear slightly different in the Hub and the CAP will be providing updated documentation shortly.

 
For further information, please contact turnitin@qmu.ac.uk.

 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Workshop 1: Introduction to the Hub

A repeat of Workshop 1 'Introduction to the Hub' is being held for staff who were unable to attend previous sessions during the summer.

The workshop is taking place on Wednesday, 14th November between 09:15am and 12:15pm.

If you have not previously attended an introductory session and would like to come along, please book via the CAP booking form: http://apps/capforms/workshopbooking.asp 

or contact us at CAPadmin@qmu.ac.uk to reserve a place.

Information about the introductory session is available on our web page: http://www.qmu.ac.uk/cap/Hub.htm

and in our Hub@QMU wiki:
https://sites.google.com/a/qmu.ac.uk/hub/workshops/building-and-understanding

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Discussion tool demonstration by Blackboard Thursday 8th November 2012

From summer 2013, a new discussion tool will be available in the Hub.

On Thursday 8th November at 2pm, there will be a short demonstration by Blackboard of how the discussion tool may be refined and enhanced. We need your feedback on this. This is our chance to influence how this tool can be improved and ensure that it is fit for purpose for use with our students.

The session will last approximately 45 minutes and refreshments will be available.

If you would like to attend, please contact Susi Peacock (Speacock@qmu.ac.uk) for further details.