Language Improvements On the Way in May

Language changes to update and improve user experience in BOLT are coming our way May 20, 2016. Please note this is a display change only- the functionality of the tools will remain the same!




Based on the results of usability testing conducted by Brightspace, the terms changing in BOLT are:

• News to Announcements
• Dropbox to Assignments
• New to Upload / Create
• Add Existing Activities to Existing Activities

Again, please note these are language term changes and that functionality will remain the same. 

For more information on the changes and for ways we plan to support your transition, follow the jump cut...

The Changes 

Brightspace's testing indicated that users had a better experience with the learning environment when using the updated terms. According to the testing, instructors prefer terms to reflect their practices and present a clear idea of functionality.

For example, instructors think of the Dropbox tool as a place to submit assignments. Therefore the tool should be called Assignments which is clear and reduces confusion about the online storage solution at dropbox.com.

In Content, the New button will be changed to reflect the practice of uploading or creating content. The Add Existing Activities button will be changed to note the difference between adding new items and linking to existing ones. 

Finally, News will be changed to Announcements to clarify the function of the tool. 

Find Out More

We plan to support you during this transition in several ways.

Webinars

The IMDC has been hosting live webinars on the term changes so you have all the information you need. You can join us at http://tinyurl.com/BOLTChanges 

The remaining webinar schedule is:

• Monday, April 25 11:30AM
• Friday, April 29 8:30AM

Hands on Help

You can stop by the IMDC in Andruss Library 206 to get hands on help. 

Our BOLT Support staff will help you prepare for your Summer and Fall courses by

• Helping you modify your course documents 
• Helping you modify descriptions in your course content or tools

Our Semester Hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm.

Our Summer Hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm.

Online Resources

All of our online resources will be updated to reflect the language changes in BOLT. 

The BOLT Help Course documentation and video tutorials will be updated. Additionally the documentation and tutorials on the Student Support Page will be updated.