e-Learning Support Services

E-Learning System

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E-Learning is the centrally supported course management system at UF. E-Learning provides instructors and teaching assistants with several tools to facilitate teaching and learning.

New instructors or teaching assistants looking to put their course on E-Learning can request an account here.

E-Learning at UF: An Introduction for Faculty

What is the E-Learning system?

Originally developed by WebCT and now known as the Blackboard Learning System Vista Enterprise License, the E-Learning system is a course management system: a collection of online tools to support teaching and learning. Instructors can use the system to supplement face-to-face courses with online materials and tools. Likewise, courses can be developed and delivered entirely over the Internet.

For Faculty

Administration. The E-Learning system provides a variety of tools to increase efficiency of course administration:

  • Posting documents and files, e.g. syllabus, readings, lecture notes (including PowerPoint), etc.
  • Scheduling and time management, e.g., calender, announcements
  • Machine scoring of objective, online tests
  • Online submission of files and documents
  • Online, customizable gradebook
  • Securely posting grades
  • Student activity tracking

Pedagogy. The E-Learning system's customizable interface allows instructors to build courses to support their teaching style and methods. Instructors are not required to adapt instruction to the tool but can adapt the tools to meet their needs. E-Learning tools support:

  • Reflective response to readings, content questions
  • Submission of written assignments with both formative and summative instructor feedback
  • Interaction (learner-content, learner-learner, learner-instructor)
  • Individual and group assignments
  • Constant feedback
  • Controlled release of course components

For Students

E-Learning supports student learning by providing to students tools to facilitate:

  • Student-to-student communication
  • Group work and collaboration
  • Online note-taking
  • Practice quizzes with immediate feedback
  • Reflective writing
  • Progress tracking
  • Constant access to grade information at the instructor's discretion

What do I need to use E-Learning?

Gatorlink ID

The E-Learning system is connected to Gatorlink; so you will login to the system using your Gatorlink username and password. For example, if your email address is jdoe@ufl.edu, your Gatorlink username is jdoe. Also, students will login using their Gatorlink username and password. If you or your students do not have a Gatorlink ID or cannot remember Gatorlink login information, visit the Gatorlink website or the UF HelpDesk (HUB, 352-392-4357, helpdesk@ufl.edu) for assistance.

Course Account

If you are faculty or staff, or a graduate student teaching a class at UF, complete the form by clicking the Faculty: Request an Account link on the left. e-Learning Support Services (LSS) will create your account within three business days of receiving the form and notify you by email when your account is ready and how to access it.
Important: Please enter your section number(s) in this form. Also, tell us if you want one E-Learning section for ALL Registrar sections you've been assigned to teach or a corresponding E-Learning section for each Registrar section. LSS must create your E-Learning section(s) in order to load your student rosters. Student rosters are loaded a few days prior to the beginning of the term and updated throughout the term.

Computer with Internet Access

Because the E-Learning system is an Internet-based application where the software is installed on a remote server, the user does not need to download and install software on their computer. However, all files you want students to access in your courses must exist on the system's server. Therefore, you must move these files from your computer to the E-Learning system while you are connected to the Internet.

Java from Sun Microsystems

Without Java, certain tools in the E-Learning system will not function correctly. To check if you have Java installed on your computer, or if you have the correct version, navigate to the LSS home page and look for the Java Checker in the upper portion of the page. If updating is needed, follow the instructions below the checker.

Supported Web Browser and Properly Adjusted Browser Settings

The web browser is your interface to the E-Learning system, so it is critical that you are using a supported browser and the browser settings are properly tuned. The most common browser used on Windows systems is Internet Explorer (IE). Other browsers that work with the E-Learning system include Netscape and Mozilla, with Safari proving to be a reliable browser choice for the Mac. To check whether you have a supported browser version and to learn how to configure your browser for the E-Learning system, click the Browser Tune-up link on the left. Even though the E-Learning system claims it supports the AOL browser, AOL is not always reliable.

Pop-up Windows Enabled

The E-Learning system uses pop-up windows; so pop-up blockers can be a problem. As a result, if you plan to use a pop-up blocker on your computer, you must learn to override pop-up blocking or disable the pop-up blocker while using the system. Note that a pop-up blocker is automatically included in Windows XP SP2. Consult the Browser Tune-up page for examples of common pop-up blockers and how to find them on your computer.

How do I get help designing and teaching in the E-Learning system?

To help you learn to use the E-Learning system, we have three major sources of assistance. First, you can get information about training classes. Second, online documentation and tutorials for how to use the various features and functions of the system can be found on the LSS website. Third, you can contact LSS to talk to a staff member. LSS staff are currently available 8-5, M-F; can be reached at 352-392-4357 or learning-support@ufl.edu; and are located in the HUB at the UF Computing HelpDesk.

How do my students get help using the E-Learning system?

As the instructor, you are responsible for showing students how to access your course, find the materials you post in your course, and how to use the tools you add to your course. Online demos of how to use common tools in Vista are also provided for students. For students needing assistance with the computer and technical requirements for using the E-Learning system, refer them to the UF Computing HelpDesk (HUB, 352-392-4357, helpdesk@ufl.edu). The UF Computing HelpDesk can also assist students who are having trouble logging into the system.

What do I do if I get a message that the server is unavailable?

First go to http://lss.at.ufl.edu and check for notices of service outages. If there are no outage notices, and if it is M-F, 8-5 contact the UF Computing HelpDesk to report the problem. If it is after hours or on the weekend, contact Computing and Networking Services: 352-392-2291 or click here to report a problem.