GETTING STARTED WITH BLACKBOARD

Aims of this session

By the end of this session participants will:

• Have an overall understanding of how Blackboard is used within the university and its relationship to other systems

• Be familiar with a range of Blackboard tools

• Be able to • Post an announcement• Upload content • Add users

What is Blackboard• A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

• A web-based platform that supports the delivery of all programmes of study in the University, and the wider student experience

• Provides spaces for:• Sharing information and learning resources• Communicating with students• Hosting learning activities• Submitting assignments and receiving grades and feedback

Dominant provider in UK HE

Main VLE in use in UK HEIs

• Blackboard 46• Moodle 37• Other in-house 4• Desire2Learn 2• Others 3

Systems Integration

Blackboard

QLS

APMS

Active Directory

HR Database

QLS

Computer accounts and passwords

Student enrolments

Creation of module and programme sites

Staff enrolments

Staff

Students

Library (Talis-aspire)

Reading Lists

What Sites are Created?• Module Sites• Programme Sites• Programme Sites by level• Subject Sites• School Sites

All sites are created as ‘unavailable’. Students only see sites that staff choose to make available

What are sites used for?• Communication

• Announcements• Email• Discussions

• Learning Materials• Lecture notes and handouts• External links – video-based resources

• Assignment submission• Electronic submission / grading / feedback

• Interactive Tools• Blogs / Wikis / On-line tests and surveys

Activity• Login to Blackboard as:

• Username: staffdev01 – staffdev06• Password: linc0ln

• Access the site “Research Skills for Geographers”

• Follow the instructions on the home page

• As you become familiar with the environment, feel free to experiment with additional tools and features