We receive a steady stream of product feature requests from StudyMate Class users. Here are three (of many) user suggestions that were recently added to StudyMate Class.

Image Support
Images are a great way to make content more interesting or challenging. Each template in StudyMate Class now enables users to add an image at the beginning or end of an item.

If a user selects an image that is too large, or in a format not supported by Flash, StudyMate Class will automatically convert the image to the most suitable size and format. Simply look for the camera icon when entering items from the Edit tab.

Note that image support requires an update to the Building Block for Blackboard Learn and Enterprise users. Blackboard CE/Vista customers don’t have to update the PowerLink.

Project Information
Instructors wanted a way to provide students with information on StudyMate Class projects. A new feature, available from the Settings tab, allows instructions and grading criteria to be entered. Even hyperlinks and mailto links can be included. The instructions appear to students when they access the project, or can be viewed at any time from the “View project information” link at the top right corner of the screen. Instructions can be updated along the way, so they can also be used for notification purposes (such as “This project is due FRIDAY!”).

Advanced Search
The basic search feature in StudyMate Class searches all fields. But sometimes you want to narrow the search to just one or a few fields. The new “Advanced Search” link (located to the right of the Search field) allows users to narrow searches by activity type, topic, author, and even who last edited the item.

We learned long ago that the best ideas for feature enhancements come from users. If you have a suggestion for a new product feature, simply submit a support ticket with the subject “Feature Request.” Who knows, your idea might appear in our next newsletter!

Related Articles:
New Features in StudyMate Class
StudyMate Class: 4 New Features
Collaboration Tools: Three Ingredients for Success
Spice Up Supplemental Readings with StudyMate Class
What Makes StudyMate Class the "Ultimate" Study Group?

Source: Respondus, Inc. (www.respondus.com)
Originally Published: November 3, 2009

< Back to list of articles