Events, Trainings, & Workshops
- Matthew Warne
- LC
Teaching and Technology Resources, Training, and Events
Online Learning Services (OLS) and Information Technology Services (ITS) are committed to supporting University instructors through a wide range of resources focused on enhancing teaching and learning with technology, with a primary emphasis on effective use of Blackboard. Recognizing that faculty—especially those new to the University—have varying needs and timelines, OLS offers flexible support through synchronous training sessions in different formats and schedules, as well as asynchronous materials available anytime. To further support this commitment, OLS regularly hosts events, trainings, and workshops designed to help instructors engage with Blackboard and other ITS-supported tools, with additional resources available to meet individual needs.
Table of Contents
Online Learning Services (OLS) Resources
Explore tutorials, training sessions, live and one-on-one support for Blackboard and the tools that support your teaching.
Answers Articles "How to Guides"
Answers articles are quick how-to guides created by OLS to help instructors navigate Blackboard’s core features. Each article includes step-by-step instructions designed to address common questions and support efficient course management. You can browse topics using the sidebar to quickly find what you need.
Kaltura Channel "Video Tutorials"
The OLS Kaltura Channel features quick video tutorials that walk instructors through key Blackboard features and setup processes.
Zoom Office Hours
Zoom Office Hours are open sessions hosted by Online Learning Services staff, offering instructors live support and answers to questions about Blackboard. Join us Mondays from 9:00–10:00 a.m. or Tuesdays from 2:00–3:00 p.m. via Zoom—no appointment needed.
MS Booking Individual Consultations
Microsoft Bookings allows instructors to schedule 30-minute one-on-one consultations with Online Learning Services staff. These personalized sessions provide direct support for Blackboard and related teaching tools, tailored to your specific questions and needs. All appointments are held via Microsoft Teams.
HelpDesk
Emailing the Help Desk is a convenient way for instructors to get support from Online Learning Services. To ensure a timely and accurate response, please include a detailed description of your question along with relevant course information.
Sandboxes
Blackboard sandboxes are private, blank course shells that instructors can request to explore features, test tools, or begin building a course before the semester starts. Sandboxes are not visible to students and offer a flexible space for experimenting or organizing content.
Blackboard
Blackboard provides in-depth documentation for instructors on it's features. When browsing Blackboard's documentation, look for text at the top of the page reading "You are viewing Ultra Course View content" to ensure that the page is for your ultra course.
Events, training, and workshops
Discover, opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with Online Learning Services. Email help@syr.edu to request a group session, include information about the size of your faculty group and interest for a consultation and assistance on creating a group.
Workshops
Online Learning Services hosts a variety of workshops to support instructors in using Blackboard and related teaching tools. These sessions are listed on our Events page and include opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and professional growth.
Lunch and Learn
Online Learning Services hosts short, focused Lunch and Learn sessions that highlight Blackboard features and third-party teaching tools. Upcoming sessions are shared in the monthly ITS Technology Tips email, and recordings are provided to registrants when available
Teaching Squares & Faculty Learning Communities
Online Learning Services supports faculty groups interested in exploring teaching and learning together. Whether you're forming a Teaching Square or a Faculty Learning Community, we can help structure and facilitate your group based on your goals and availability.
Event On-Demand Recordings
Available recordings from Lunch and Learn sessions and other training events are hosted on our Kaltura channel. Browse past sessions to revisit key topics and explore helpful content at your convenience.