As the first semester gets underway and new colleagues join the university, we thought it would be helpful to signpost where and how staff can access support from the Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Unit. Whether you’re exploring new digital tools or seeking guidance on best practices for online learning, we’re here to assist.
Online Support Resources
- Our TEL Tools page provides an overview for staff of the main technologies used to support learning, teaching and assessment at the university.
- Our Support Resources page links to a range of online guides, manuals and instructional videos for both staff and students. You will be able to find support for the Blackboard VLE (including Class Collaborate), Turnitin, PebblePad and Panopto. You can share suitable links from our student support pages with your students. For example, you can choose to include the most appropriate student resources within your module content: Adding Links
Our TEL Blog:
Staff members are welcome to subscribe to our Blog posts. These keep staff updated about recent changes to the VLE and its’ integrations and also provide handy hints or tips for using our suite of Learning Technologies. We have included some blog highlights below, from last year, which are helpful to refer to early on in a semester:
- You can use the Blackboard access forms to enrol and unenrol from modules as needed: Your 2025–26 Blackboard Modules Are Now Available
- Did you know that Module Leaders and Deputy Leaders can make themselves a Primary Instructor? Understanding Instructor Display in Ultra Modules: A Guide to Course Staff Visibility and Primary Instructor Settings
- Our Updating Your Blackboard Courses for Semester 2! blog post includes module content strategies and uses of Blackboard features, such as, AI, Analytics and Discussion boards.
- A recent Knowledge Checks blog outlines the benefits of these short informal quizzes.
- We have helpful Assessment advice about submission tool choices: Assessments in the Blackboard VLE and specific guidance for Turnitin: Turnitin Assignments and Submissions in Blackboard Ultra
Additional help and training:
We run staff training sessions through the year. Our workshops are included in Staff Development / iTrent bookings. In addition, our team of Learning Technologists are available for departmental or small group training sessions for staff. So, if you or your colleagues have any Learning Technology training needs, please do get in touch. Also, if you have any questions or queries about the systems we manage, please contact us at TEL tel@worc.ac.uk.
