Getting Started with Instructional Technologies: Spring 2026

As the semester approaches, Technology Services-Instructional Technologies would like to share the following announcements, reminders, and resources:

Blackboard Landing Page Updates for Spring 2026

  • Starting on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Blackboard is updating the landing page/navigation you see when you first log into Blackboard (i.e. Courses, Organizations, Activity, Calendar, etc.).  These changes will improve your experience as you navigate Blackboard, providing larger screen space and reducing clicks.
  • Important: Your courses will not change - the course content, layout, and tools within your courses will remain the same.

 

New Learning Management System in May 2026

  • Villanova is transitioning to a new Learning Management System, Brightspace! Starting with the Summer 2026 semester, all courses will available in Brightspace and courses will no longer be offered or available in Blackboard. More information, such as workshop information and how-to guides/videos, can be found on the LMS Project website.
  • Faculty and staff now have access to Brightspace using their Villanova login credentials. To log in, go to https://brightspace.villanova.edu/. 
  • Technology Services-Instructional Technologies will be hosting new instructional technology workshops throughout the transition. 

Mediasite Capture: Get Ready for Browser-Based Screen Recording!

We’re excited to announce that starting in 2026, Mediasite, Villanova University's video platform, will replace Mosaic (desktop recording application) with an enhanced browser-based recording experience for users.

Capture Quick Facts

  • No installation necessary: Users can record directly from their own browser window.
  • Simplified access: Any Villanova user can access their MyMediasite account and create an "In-browser" recording from any device.
  • Improved compatibility: Capture works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and most browsers.
  • Easy corrections: Users can preview their recordings before finalizing the upload, allowing for easy re-recording.

What Do Faculty Need to Know?

  • Functionality: Capture supports screen capture, webcam, and microphone recording, just like Mosaic.
  • Current Mosaic content: Your existing Mosaic recordings and links will not be affected.
  • Accessibility: Although Mosaic will remain accessible for a limited time, we encourage all users to begin using Capture to ensure a smooth transition.

Learn about Mediasite Capture and how to begin using it by visiting our knowledge article, “Mediasite Capture: Getting Started”.

 

Classroom Lecture Capture (CLC)

On-ground courses taught in Classroom Lecture Capture (CLC) capable rooms are not recorded automatically*. Classroom Lecture Capture (CLC) is an optional service and is only available at the lead instructor's request. Lecture recordings start and stop automatically based on the course schedule in Banner and consist of the classroom’s video feed, microphone audio, and computer content displayed on the projector. After a recording ends, it is uploaded to the lead instructor's MyMediasite account and remains private unless it is unlocked and shared with students..

*Note: In-person Charles Widger School of Law courses will continue to be recorded automatically. Law faculty should contact their Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to remove their courses from the recording schedule.

 

Creating and Sharing Mediasite Content

Mediasite is an instructional technology accessible to all faculty, staff, and students at Villanova University. Mediasite recordings can be posted on your Learning Management System (LMS) course page, embedded on a web page, or shared with your audience via a direct link. Recordings can be created in various ways, including Classroom Lecture Capture (CLC) in eligible on-campus classrooms (see the above section), the Mediasite Mosaic screen recording application, or by uploading external media through your MyMediasite account.

Classroom Technology

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