This document provides an overview of Blackboard and how it is used at the university. Blackboard is a virtual learning environment (VLE) that supports online course delivery and the student experience. It allows for sharing information and resources, communication, hosting learning activities, and submitting and grading assignments. The session aims to give participants an understanding of Blackboard, familiarize them with its tools, and teach them how to post announcements, upload content, and add users.

1. GETTING STARTED
WITH BLACKBOARD

2. 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

3. 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

4. Dominant provider in UK HE
Main VLE in use in UK HEIs
• Blackboard 46
• Moodle 37
• Other in-house 4
• Desire2Learn 2
• Others 3

5. Systems Integration
QLS
Students
Active
Directory
HR
Database
Computer
accounts and
passwords
Student
enrolments
Creation of module
and programme sites
Staff enrolments
Staff
Library
(Talis-aspire)
Reading Lists

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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