As we prepare to launch another semester, it is time to ensure you are ready for take-off. Here is a handy countdown to help you tick off all those important tasks and ensure a smooth journey.
10… Enrol on your modules
You need to enrol on each of your modules, using the request form on the staff homepage. Please allow up to 24 hours for the request to be actioned and your modules to appear on your dashboard. If you are a new member of staff or taking on a new module, you are also able to sign up for last year’s iteration of the module using the Blackboard Access 2022-23.
9… Migrate your content
All of the new modules are empty and ready to be populated with this year’s content. The easiest way of ensuring that you have everything your students need is to copy the content from last year’s module. Instructions on how to do this can be found here. Please remember to not copy assignments or announcements to your new module.
8… Delete any old files
It is very easy for your course file area reach it’s maximum size and migrating a module is a good opportunity to delete any duplicates or files that are no longer needed. More information about this can be found here.
7… Check your accessibility
Did you know that Blackboard includes Ally – a handy tool to help you check that your content is accessible to all users? The coloured indicators next to the content you’ve uploaded reflects the level of accessibility for that item.
The accessibility indicators are only visible to tutors in the module so students won’t see them and are not a reflection of quality, only indicators of accessibility. If you click on the indicator, Ally will tell you the things that need to be adjusted to make your content more accessible.
Meanwhile, students can select the ‘A’ icon to download the document in a way that works best for them.
6… Check permissions
If you are adding One Drive or Panopto links to your module please make sure that the sharing permissions will allow access to students and colleagues who are enrolled on the module. The best option to choose is ‘share with anyone who has the link’.
5… Set up your new assignments
As previously mentioned, you should not copy your assignments from a previous module as this can cause problems with the Grade Centre. New assignments should be created, under the assignment tab on the left hand menu, and named clearly for the students. More information on creating assignments can be found here.
4… Enrol on relevant Organisations
Unlike modules, the TEL team need to enrol users to Blackboard Organisations. Please let us know if you require access to or removal from any Organisations.
3… Ensure your students have access
Often you will be the first port of call for students who are unable to see their modules which can be very stressful for them in their first few weeks. Please ask them to check that they have registered and selected modules for this academic year on their SOLE page as this controls their student access to Blackboard and is not something that TEL can bypass.
If they are unsure or are having difficulties with their registration, ask them to email studentrecords@worc.ac.uk.
2…Check visibility
Once you have migrated the content, deleted files, checked accessibility and made sure the links work, it is worth double checking that the content that you want the students to see is visible, and the content you don’t want them to see is hidden!
1… Utilise the TEL team
No matter how well you prepare, there are always niggles and problems that pop up once the semester gets underway. The TEL team are here to help with this. As well as being available via our dedicated TEL@worc.ac.uk email address, on 28th September we will be available for you to chat to and ask for help in person! Come and visit us in the main reception at St John’s Campus for advice and cake.
