ITSpotlight is designed to keep the campus up to date on ITS activities and services.
Announcements - Teaching with Tech
Webinar Recording: From Checklists to Check-ins — Accessibility, AI, and Human Judgment in EdTech
Posted April 08, 2026
by IDLT
Accessibility is most effective when technology and human insight work together. This engaging panel discussion explores how AI-driven tools are reshaping accessibility in higher education while highlighting the continued importance of reflection, ethical decision-making, and human judgment in course design.
IDLT highly recommends this webinar, as it offers practical ideas and timely strategies that connect directly to the accessibility and course improvement work many faculty ar...
Blackboard Ultra Transition: New Self-Paced Trainings, Open Labs, and Course Shell Updates
Posted March 11, 2026
by IDLT
As previously announced in campus communications, Blackboard at SIUE is transitioning all courses to the Blackboard Ultra experience, with full adoption required by Fall 2026. To support you through this process, IDLT has launched an ITS KnowledgeBase transition guide that walks through what’s changing, what remains the same, and how to begin working in Ultra.
Available Support Resources
In addition to the new self-paced trainings, we offer:
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Open labs for ...
Course Remediation Support for Digital Accessibility
Posted March 11, 2026
by IDLT
Need help getting your course content ready for the April 24 ADA Title II compliance deadline? Remediation assistants are available to assist with remediating course materials to improve digital accessibility. This service is for help with Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, PDF, and contentectly input to Blackboard. and select other files. Remediation assistants cannot assist with remediation of items that require content knowledge expertise including but not limited to image alt t...
Blackboard Ultra Modernization Updates
Posted February 11, 2026
by IDLT
As previously announced in campus communications, SIUE is transitioning fully to the Blackboard Ultra course experience, with the Original view being retired by Fall 2026. While this change is required, it is designed to be a smooth and well-supported transition. Ultra offers a streamlined layout, improved accessibility, and a more consistent learning experience, making courses easier to build, navigate, and maintain.
Current resources to help you prepare:
What’s New with Respondus Monitor
Posted February 11, 2026
by IDLT
Respondus Monitor is a fully automated online proctoring solution that works alongside LockDown Browser to help support academic integrity during online exams. Using a student’s webcam, Monitor records the testing session and flags potential concerns, allowing instructors to review key moments rather than watching entire videos.
Recent enhancements make Respondus Monitor more flexible and accurate than ever, including improved sensitivity levels, Respondus Vision for better...
January 2026 Respondus Webinar Opportunities
Posted January 14, 2026
by IDLT
Respondus is hosting several webinars throughout January for faculty who want to learn more about LockDown Browser, Respondus Monitor, and/or the Respondus 4 test authoring tool. The webinars will provide demonstrations of the tools and how to utilize them in your Blackboard courses.
If you plan to use any of these tools this semester, please consider registering for one of the upcoming Respondus webinars at this link: Respondus Webinars - Registration
ITS provides support for...
Blackboard Learn Ultra – A New Way to Teach
Posted December 10, 2025
by IDLT
SIUE will be transitioning from Blackboard Learn Original to Blackboard Learn Ultra by Fall 2026, in response to Anthology’s decision to phase out support for the original interface. This change is not optional for institutions, and we are working to ensure the transition is smooth and well-supported for faculty and students. Learn Ultra offers a cleaner, more intuitive design, mobile-friendly access, and powerful learning analytics to support student success.
We know change br...
Complete These End-of-Semester Activities for Course Management
Posted December 10, 2025
by IDLT
As the term nears completion, the following tips will be useful for faculty in wrapping up their courses.
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Check your Grade Center Total and/or Weighted Total column(s) to be sure they are set up to calculate correctly. The Mercer University Online Weighted Average Grade Calculator is a useful tool for checking your Weighted Total calculations. If you find errors and need assistance, please contact ITS at 618-650-5500 or at help@siue.edu for assistance.
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Make sur...
Classroom Technology Brief & Smart Classroom Survey
Posted November 12, 2025
- Recent classroom technology upgrades, including 25 new standardized classrooms in the Health Sciences building
- Current and upcoming equipment and touch panel refreshes across campus
- Progress on the 7-year upgrade cycle and plans for FY26 (including new lectern standards and an AV-over-IP pilot)
- Top instructional pain points, items still needing investment, and plans for faculty walkthroughs before upgrades
Support Students’ Time Management with the Blackboard Calendar Tool
Posted October 08, 2025
by IDLT
Blackboard offers options for date management that help students and faculty organize their workflow and time management. Faculty can create assignments with due dates , establish dates of availability for content and assignments , and schedule announcements to post at a certain time.
Students benefit from transparency of due dates and timelines to help them manage their responsibilities across their personal and educational commitments, and there is another tool that is av...
