Blackboard

Blackboard is the University’s virtual learning environment or VLE. It is built on the Blackboard platform. The University Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) strategy requires all programmes to provide core information on Blackboard. This core information is detailed in the Digital Learning Thresholds. Beyond this, the system can support programmes by enabling them to provide information and communication, and learning and teaching activities and resources.

Blackboard also has a range of further tools integrated within the system: Turnitin (e-submission, originality checking and e-feedback), Collaborate Ultra desktop video conferencing, ReCap digital learning capture service and PebblePad a personal learning space.

WHAT CAN BLACKBOARD BE USED FOR?

  • Post announcements
  • Post files
  • Post images
  • Stream audio and video
  • Send messages to students and/or staff enrolled on a Blackboard site
  • Enable collaboration through blogs, wikis, discussion boards and also through video conferencing
  • Test student’s knowledge and understanding of a topic or subject area through Blackboard Tests

With the recent migration there are now 2 versions of Blackboard running side-by-side. Blackboard Original and Blackboard Ultra. The majority of Ultra sites will be modules commencing in September 2022.

Please see the full Blackboard Index pages for either Blackboard Original or Blackboard Ultra for a full list.

WHAT DO I NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBOARD?

Staff and students (not including associate staff) automatically have access to the Blackboard system. However, they need to be enrolled on their Blackboard module or course site – i.e. the courses they are studying or teaching on. If a student is not seeing a Blackboard module or course they think they should be enrolled on, they should contact the academic administrator. If staff do not see a Blackboard module or course which they should be on they should ask their colleagues that own the site to add them.

When accessing Blackboard, where possible please use Google Chrome.

ACCESSING FROM OFF-CAMPUS

Blackboard and its tools can all be accessed off-campus and from home, in-browser*. Just go to https://learn.canterbury.ac.uk and login using your normal username and password.

General Help, Support and Guidance

*Note: do not use Remote Desktop Service (RDS) to use or access Blackboard as this opens a virtual desktop on your device which will not only slow your connection to service but may cause issues with saving and navigating.