A new online resource is now available to support staff in designing engaging and effective Blackboard Ultra modules. It draws on research exploring students’ expectations and experiences of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), bringing together key insights and practical strategies for effective VLE design.
As part of the Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, I explored students’ perceptions of Blackboard Ultra and its role in supporting learning.
The findings from this research have been developed into an online resource that highlights key principles of good course design and offers practical strategies that colleagues can apply to enhance their Blackboard Ultra modules. The resource is structured around six student-informed themes, covering areas such as clear structure and navigation, flexible and accessible content, effective communication, and active engagement. Each theme provides actionable guidance that can be implemented within individual modules or across wider course teams.
The aim of this resource is to support colleagues in reflecting on their current modules and identifying opportunities to build on existing good practice to further enhance the student experience.
👉 You can explore the full resource here.
If you would like support in reviewing your Blackboard modules, implementing these approaches, or simply discussing how these principles might apply to your teaching, please get in touch. You can contact me directly: Nisha Atkins – n.atkins@worc.ac.uk, or reach out via the TEL Team at TEL@worc.ac.uk. We are happy to support you individually or as part of a course team.
