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, Kaltura streaming media service and the PebblePad
e-portfolio tool.
What can Blackboard be used for?
Blackboard can be used to:
• Post announcements
• Post files
• Post images
• Stream audio and video
• Send email to students and/or staff enrolled on a Blackboard site
• Enable collaboration through blogs, wikis, discussion boards and also through video conferencing
What do I need to access Blackboard?
Students and staff (not including associate staff) automatically have access to the Blackboard system. However, they need to be enrolled on their Blackboard course – i.e. the courses they are studying or teaching on. If a student is not seeing a Blackboard course they think they should be enrolled on, they should contact the programme administrator. If staff do not see a Blackboard 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.