Training Schedule: Fall 2026
Training Index:
- Introduction to Blackboard Ultra
- Blackboard Ultra Gradebook Grid View
- Quick Start Introduction to Generative AI
- Noodle Factory AI: Generative AI Chatbot
- GenAI Tools For Productivity: Microsoft CoPilot Chat/Adobe Firefly/TerrierGPT
- Qualtrics 1 + 2
- NVivo
- WordPress 1 + 2
Introduction to Blackboard Ultra
The course consists of Blackboard classes including setting up your Blackboard Learn course site (Original and
Ultra), harnessing accessibility via Ally, and learning many other features and functions of the learning
management system.
Sections
Instructor: Sammy An (sammyan@bu.edu)
Instructor: Sammy An (sammyan@bu.edu)
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)
Instructor: Sammy An (sammyan@bu.edu)
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)
Instructor: Sammy An (sammyan@bu.edu)
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)
Instructor: Sammy An (sammyan@bu.edu)
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)
Blackboard Ultra Gradebook Grid View
Join us for an overview of Blackboard’s Gradebook Grid View, a powerful new experience designed to help
faculty efficiently manage grading and student performance. During this session, we’ll explore key
functionality, best practices, and time-saving tips for viewing, entering, and updating grades, as well
as workflow options that support effective assessment management. A Blackboard expert will share more
about this new Gradebook experience, highlight key use cases, and provide practical guidance for getting
started. The session will conclude with ample time for questions.
Sections
Instructor: Chi-hsun Chiu (chchiu@bu.edu) Joshua Mackler (JMACKLER@bu.edu)
Instructor: Chi-hsun Chiu (chchiu@bu.edu) Joshua Mackler (JMACKLER@bu.edu)
Instructor: Chi-hsun Chiu (chchiu@bu.edu) Joshua Mackler (JMACKLER@bu.edu)
Quick Start Introduction to Generative AI
This virtual 1.5-hour course will introduce a basic overview of Generative AI to aid beginners in
understanding and applying it to aid in productivity and enhance user confidence. Demonstrations include
dataset analysis, research paper summarization, analysis of available BU data, original text and image
creation, and creation of menus based upon available ingredients, and more. Special focus will be on prompt
engineering and using the 2 currently freely available (to BU community members) generative AI chat tool:
TerrierGPT and Microsoft Copilot.
Sections
Instructor: Anne Spencer (spencer@bu.edu)
Instructor: Anne Spencer (spencer@bu.edu)
Instructor: Anne Spencer (spencer@bu.edu)
Noodle Factory AI: Generative AI Chatbot
Join this hands-on training session designed to help you navigate Noodle Factory AI chatbot via Blackboard.
This session will cover the essential features and functionalities of Noodle Factory AI, including: –
Introduction to Noodle Factory AI: Overview of the platform and its capabilities. – Navigating the
Interface: Step-by-step guide on how to use the user-friendly interface. – Best Practices and Tips: Gain
insights into best practices and tips for maximizing the potential of Noodle Factory AI. **Requires an
existing Blackboard course**
Sections
Instructor: Sammy An (sammyan@bu.edu)
GenAI Tools For Productivity: Microsoft CoPilot Chat/Adobe Firefly/TerrierGPT
Join this training session to discover how Microsoft CoPilot, Adobe Firefly, and TerrierGPT, free generative
AI tools, can boost your productivity. Topics covered: – Introduction to AI tools – Navigating the
user interface – Ensuring privacy and security – Crafting effective prompts
Sections
Instructor: Sammy An (sammyan@bu.edu)
Instructor: Sammy An (sammyan@bu.edu)
Instructor: Sammy An (sammyan@bu.edu)
Instructor: Sammy An (sammyan@bu.edu)
Qualtrics, Level 1
In this training session, you will learn about the Qualtrics survey tool. Topics include: 1. What is
Qualtrics and what can it do? 2. Creating and Editing a Survey 3. Distributing a Survey 4. Viewing
Survey Results 5. Collaborating with Colleagues
Sections
Instructor: Anne Spencer (spencer@bu.edu)
Instructor: Grace Morris (gkmorris@bu.edu)
Instructor: Grace Morris (gkmorris@bu.edu)
Qualtrics, Level 2
Ready to supercharge your Qualtrics skills? This course will cover advanced functionality of the
Qualtrics survey tool, including: – Display/Skip Logic and Form Validation – Blocks and Workflows –
Email Triggers – Automatic Export to Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets – Building Reports
Sections
Instructor: Grace Morris (gkmorris@bu.edu)
Instructor: Grace Morris (gkmorris@bu.edu)
NVivo
NVivo is a powerful tool for social scientists and humanists to analyze large or complex sets of
qualitative data. This hands-on introductory workshop will cover the basics of NVivo including the
interface, ways of coding data, and using queries to analyze data.
Sections
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)
We make every effort to conduct WordPress training at various levels at least twice in each
semester, as well as twice during the summer, depending upon availability of instructors. If
this page is blank, or you do not see a class that meets your training needs, please submit
a support ticket detailing your needs, and a team member will respond as quickly as
possible.
WordPress, Levels 1 and 2
Learn the basics of WordPress in this introductory course, and the specifics of
BU’s WordPress installation. You will learn how to log into WordPress and
navigate the editing and site-management tools, including adding images and
links. You’ll work with custom plugins such as the Restrict Access tools and Add
A Link. You will learn how to get a site at BU for your department or yourself.
Sections
3:30pm
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)
12:00pm
Instructor: Anne Spencer (spencer@bu.edu)
11:30am
Instructor: Anne Spencer (spencer@bu.edu)
3:30pm
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)
3:30pm
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)
12:00pm
Instructor: Anne Spencer (spencer@bu.edu)
10:00am
Instructor: Anne Spencer (spencer@bu.edu)
3:30pm
Instructor: Howard Canning (HCANNING@bu.edu)