Getting Started in BeachBoard - Instructors
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BeachBoard will be available until Summer 2023 as the CSULB campus transitions to Canvas. Instructors can choose either system to deliver their courses starting in Fall 2022.
- Access both BeachBoard or Canvas courses via SSO or go directly to BeachBoard and Canvas Login.
- Visit Canvas at the Beach for resources and updates.
Each semester, a BeachBoard shell is automatically created for all courses; the instructor has the option to activate it at any time. Once activated, it will be visible to enrolled students. It's recommended that instructors become familiar with the tools and set up their course while it's deactivated in preparation for student use. To access your BeachBoard course:
- Login to BeachBoard via Single Sign-On
- Activate Your Course
- Request a BeachBoard Course Template (optional, but recommended)
BeachBoard Course Set-Up Instructions:
- Faculty Resource Guide to BeachBoard and Zoom [PDF]
-A comprehensive list of links to video tutorials and articles - BeachBoard Tools Video Tutorials [PDF]
-List of links to quick instructional videos for all BeachBoard tools
These optional tools can be used to communicate with your students while away from campus.
Send email through BeachBoard with Classlist:
- Use Classlist to see who's enrolled in your course and who's online; a green dot appears beside the names of students who are logged in.
- Stay organized with Classlist as it keeps messages contained within the specific course site. This may be more manageable than using your personal email account.
- Get step-by-step instructions for using Classlist to send emails.
Post announcements and updates on the BeachBoard News Tool:
- News items appear on the home page and are clearly visible when students log in.
- Encourage students to sign up to receive notifications when items are posted to the news feed.
- Get step-by-step instructions for using the News Tool.
Stay connected with the BeachBoard Discussion Tool:
- Post question prompts or topics to start a discussion with your class. Instructors and students can read and reply to comments from others in each thread.
- Create a "General Questions" thread for students to share their concerns about miscellaneous topics.
- Get step-by-step instructions for using the Discussion Tool.
- View these tutorials to learn more:
Use Zoom for live meetings or to record lectures:
- Consider using Zoom to hold virtual office hours and to keep appointments with students.
- Chat with students via Zoom (disable the video camera if you choose not to be on screen).
- Get written instructions for using Zoom.
Upload Course Materials with the Content Tool:
- Upload and organize course materials such as documents, images, media files, URL links, and more.
- Include your syllabus and any notes about your contingency plan during the closure.
- Get step-by-step instructions for using the Content Tool.
- View these video tutorials to get started:
Source LinkedIn Learning to build your skills and your content:
- Although not a BeachBoard tool, LinkedIn Learning has a generous library of online courses and tutorials to support digital skill-building.
- Modules on personal and career development are also available to share with students as a supplement to your course materials, if desired.
Using recorded lectures and announcements helps students maintain a sense of instructor presence and connection with the course.
Use Zoom to deliver a live lecture or record a lecture
- Be creative! Zoom can be used in many ways. Try virtual advising, short video announcements, live class discussion or chat (with the camera off, if you prefer).
- Get written instructions for using Zoom.
Create media in BeachBoard with KalturaCapture:
- Kaltura Capture is a tool available through BeachBoard Media that provides an easy method of creating your own videos, presentations and podcasts.
- Everything captured is uploaded to your BeachBoard Media Library and available for you to share with your students.
- Get step-by-step instructions for using Kaltura Capture
Use Camtasia to capture presentations:
- Camtasia is an easy-to-use tool for screencasting/recording interactions on your computer.
- Record and import PowerPoint presentations and turn them into videos.
- Download Camtasia from the CSULB Software Depot; Camtasia is not integrated with BeachBoard but files can be exported and uploaded to BeachBoard.
Upload media to your course with the BeachBoard Media Tool:
- Upload, and organize video/audio files into a dedicated, secure space called "My Media Library." Students do not have access to your My Media Library.
- Publish content from your Library into the Course Gallery where students can view your uploaded content.
- Get step-by-step instructions for using the BeachBoard Media Tool
Organize student assignment submissions with Dropbox in BeachBoard
- Set up folders on BeachBoard where students can upload their assignments.
- Track the day and time when assignments are submitted.
- Provide feedback on student assignments
- Get step by step instructions for using Dropbox
- Learn more about Dropbox from these video tutorials:
Set up Quizzes in BeachBoard
- Use the Quizzes tool to create, manage, and grade your assessments
- Watch these videos to get started:
- More Quiz resources are available in our BeachBoard Help Topics
Manage and share grades with students using the Grades Tool
- Share individual student grades and comments.
- Show class averages and feedback.
- Share final grades
- Learn the basics from these quick videos:
- Find more video tutorials in our BeachBoard Help Topics
