Technology Information and Resources

The Virginia Consortium for Teacher Preparation in Vision Impairment program uses several distance education technologies to share course content, engage in interactive class discussions and see participants in real time across the five universities.

Technology Overview

Below is an overview of the technology used in the program. Please take the time to review the reference guides.

Blackboard Learn 9.1

Blackboard an on-line learning system that provides online course delivery and content management. Using Blackboard Organizations, students can download course content, participate in class discussions, submit assignments, and view grades.

IMPORTANT: BB Organizations are available in the myMason Portal.

Organizations 9.1 can be accessed using the following instructions:

  • Open a browser, type in the web address: http://myMason.gmu.edu
  • Login
    • GMU Students: Enter your Mason NetID (the first portion of your e-mail address, before the @) then enter your Password (PatriotPass credentials).
    • NON-GMU Students:

Username: x_firstname.lastname
Password: bbcommunity

  • Click the Login button.
  • Choose the Organizations Tab, located across the top of the myMason Portal.
  • Locate the Bb 9.1 Organizations List Module.
  • Click the title of your class to access course materials.

Resources and Support

Phone: (703) 993-9772
E-mail: tschwein@gmu.edu

Blackboard Collaborate v. 11

Blackboard Collaborate (formerly Elluminate) is a web-conferencing software program, which is integrated into Blackboard Learn. It allows for synchronous course web-conferencing and recorded presentations.

Resources and Support

Phone: (703) 993-9772
E-mail: tschwein@gmu.edu

ConferenceMe

ConferenceMe is a video conferencing software program that is used by those students who do not live within close proximity to one of the participating universities or video conferencing sites. It allows participants to access a conference without a hardware-based endpoint.

Resources and Support

Phone: (703) 993-3895
E-mail: dgieckel@gmu.ed,