Digital Accessibility Week 2026: Highlights and Outcomes

Accessibility, Announcement /
'Digital Accessibility Week' title Banner

Digital Accessibility Week 2026 has now come to a close, and we’d like to thank everyone who took part.

During the week, colleagues from across the University attended workshops, accessed support sessions, explored practical guidance, and contributed to the Accessibility Challenge. Together, these activities helped improve digital content and learning materials while highlighting how small changes can make a significant difference to the student experience.

Thank You for Getting Involved

A huge thank you to everyone who attended a session, visited a drop-in, explored the guidance resources, or took part in the accessibility challenge.

Accessibility Challenge

Winner's Cup with a number 1, being held aloft by a hand.

One of the highlights of the week was our Accessibility Challenge, which encouraged colleagues to improve the accessibility of documents within Blackboard using Ally guidance and feedback.

We’re delighted to share that 391 accessibility improvements were made during the course of the week.

These improvements represent hundreds of individual changes, from adding heading structures and alternative text to improving document formatting, layout, and readability.

Alongside the 391 accessibility improvements made during the challenge, 205 new accessibility issues were identified, highlighting the ongoing nature of this work. This reinforces an important message: building accessibility into content from the outset is far more effective – and far less time-consuming – than fixing issues later.

The progress made during the week was extremely encouraging, and the commitment shown by colleagues across the University provides a strong foundation for continuing to improve the accessibility of our digital content.

Session Recordings

If you were unable to attend during the week, recordings of several sessions are now available:

Keeping the Momentum Going

Digital Accessibility Week may have finished, but accessibility remains an important part of creating effective and inclusive learning experiences.

If you would like support with improving the accessibility of learning materials, using Blackboard Ally, or adopting accessible approaches to digital content creation, the TEL team is here to help, tel@worc.ac.uk. Please get in touch.

Digital Accessibility Week 2026: Highlights and Outcomes Read More »

Move from Collaborate to Microsoft Teams for Online Teaching

Announcement, Collaborate, MS Teams /
Remote work, online meeting, video conference, virtual team, office desk, illustration - AdobeStock image by Shawn

Following a review of tools used for online teaching, the University has agreed to move from Collaborate to Microsoft Teams. This decision was confirmed at LTSEC on 20 May.

Our current contract with Collaborate will end in August 2026, after which Teams will become the University’s primary platform for online teaching from 1 September 2026.

The decision reflects a balanced assessment of several factors. While cost and long-term value were important considerations, it was equally significant that the core teaching functionality offered through Collaborate is now available within Teams. This provides a more integrated, familiar environment for both staff and students, bringing online teaching into the same platform already widely used for collaboration across the University.

It was also recognised that continuing with Collaborate would require a move to a newer version in the near future. This version differs substantially from the current system in terms of features and usability, meaning staff would be adapting to a significantly different platform regardless. Given this, transitioning to Teams now offers a clearer and more consistent direction.

Staff feedback has been a key part of the process. Many colleagues are already confidently using Teams for teaching, and overall sentiment supported the move. Where concerns were raised, such as managing student interactions, these can be addressed through appropriate configuration of Teams to ensure sessions remain structured and manageable.

What does this mean for me?

Staff will need to familiarise themselves with using Teams for teaching ahead of the new academic year. Support will be available to ensure a smooth transition. Digital Services and the Technology Enhanced Learning Unit will provide training, guidance, and resources for both staff and students over the coming months, with further details shared via the staff bulletin, TEL and Digital Services websites, and iTrent.

Furthermore, any recordings made in Collaborate that you would like to retain will need to be moved to Panopto before the end of August. Please see the previous TEL blog post that covers this topic, with instructions.

This change represents a positive step towards a more unified and sustainable digital teaching environment, with the tools, support, and flexibility needed to deliver high-quality online learning.

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Get Ready for Digital Accessibility Week

Accessibility, TEL Support, Training /

As we approach our first Digital Accessibility Week (1st – 5th June 2026), it is a great time to review the current accessibility of your digital learning resources. This is particularly important as you prepare to migrate your Blackboard module content for Semester 1. Reviewing your materials now can help you identify and address accessibility issues early.

How to check the accessibility of learning resources?

Blackboard Ally is a valuable tool for identifying accessibility issues within your content and providing guidance on how to improve it.

Many of the issues highlighted by Blackboard Ally can be resolved quickly. Our 5-minute fixes resource offers practical guidance on addressing commonly identified accessibility issues in documents using Blackboard Ally.

Top tips for digital accessibility

The TEL website provides further guidance and resources to support with improving the accessibility of documents and resources. Some key aspects to consider are:

  • Adding alternative (alt) text to images
  • Using high colour contrast to ensure text stands out from the background
  • Structuring content clearly using headings and sections
  • Keeping slides or documents easy to read by limiting text and using clear, readable font sizes
  • Using meaningful link text and file names to support navigation

Further support

For more information about the events throughout digital accessibility week, including TEL drop-in sessions, please see the website link below:

Digital Accessibility Week Website

Need help? Contact us at TEL@worc.ac.uk or book a 20 minutes with TEL appointment via our Microsoft bookings page.

Get Ready for Digital Accessibility Week Read More »

Three Ways to Use Vevox in Your Teaching

Polling Tools, Vevox /
Person viewing large mobile phone, with survey options showing on screen.

Vevox is an interactive polling and Q&A tool that can help increase engagement in lectures, seminars, online teaching, and asynchronous activities. Students can respond using their phone, tablet, or laptop through live polls, quizzes, surveys, and anonymous questions.

There are three main ways you can use Vevox in your teaching.

1. Standalone Vevox Sessions

Vevox can be used independently through the Vevox website to run live polls, quizzes, or Q&A sessions in face-to-face or online teaching. You simply present the session code or QR code for students to join.

This is useful for:

  • Checking what students already know at the start of a session.
  • Gauging understanding during a lecture and adjusting your pace accordingly.
  • Encouraging participation from students who are reluctant to speak aloud.
  • Running revision quizzes to support knowledge retention.
  • Gathering anonymous questions so students can ask without hesitation.

Because it works independently of any other platform, this is often the quickest way to get started.

2. Vevox in Blackboard Ultra

Vevox can be integrated directly into Blackboard Ultra, allowing you to embed polls, surveys, and quizzes within your module areas for students to complete through Blackboard itself.

This is particularly useful for:

  • Setting asynchronous activities students complete in their own time.
  • Checking understanding between taught sessions.
  • Identifying topics students found difficult before the next class.
  • Formative quizzes that give students low-stakes practice and immediate feedback.

Depending on the activity type, results can connect with Blackboard Gradebook, allowing you to track participation and review scores.

3. Vevox in Microsoft Teams Meetings

Vevox can be added into Microsoft Teams meetings to support live online teaching. Polls and Q&A activities run alongside your presentation without students needing to leave the meeting.

This works well for:

  • Checking understanding during online lectures without interrupting the flow of teaching.
  • Identifying misconceptions in real time and addressing them immediately.
  • Increasing participation in sessions where students may be less likely to speak.
  • Gathering anonymous questions that allow quieter or less confident students to engage.
  • Ending sessions with an exit poll to find out what students are taking away — and what might need revisiting.

For setup guidance, examples, and further support, visit the Vevox guidance page

Hand holding mobile with tick boxes on screen

Three Ways to Use Vevox in Your Teaching Read More »

Digital Accessibility Week 2026

Accessibility, Announcement, Training /

Building a More Inclusive Digital Environment

The TEL team is excited to launch Digital Accessibility Week 1st-5th June – a week dedicated to improving the accessibility of digital content across the university through practical workshops, drop-in sessions, guidance resources, and a university-wide accessibility challenge.

Digital accessibility is about making sure everyone can access and engage with digital content, including documents, webpages, presentations, and online learning materials. According to the Office for National Statistics, 17.7% of people in England and 21.1% of people in Wales identified as disabled in the 2021 Census. Accessible content helps remove barriers for many users, while also improving usability, readability, and flexibility for everyone.

Workshops, Support and the ‘500 Document Challenge’

Throughout the week, staff will have opportunities to:

  • Attend practical accessibility workshops
  • Access one-to-one support at drop-in sessions
  • Explore quick wins and five-minute fixes
  • Take part in the 500 Document Challenge to improve the accessibility of learning materials and university documents

As part of the challenge, courses across the university are encouraged to improve the accessibility of documents within Blackboard using Ally accessibility guidance and feedback. Our aim is to improve at least 500 documents to an Ally Accessibility score of 75% or above during the week.

The challenge is also an opportunity for Schools to work collaboratively to improve the accessibility of their learning materials. At the end of the week, certificates will be awarded to the School that achieves the greatest improvement in their overall Ally Accessibility score.

We’ll be sharing practical guidance on topics including:

  • Heading structures
  • Alt text
  • Accessible PDFs
  • Colour contrast
  • Accessible formatting and layout

Why Digital Accessibility Matters

Small changes can make a significant difference. Clear headings, accessible documents, captions, and meaningful structure can improve the experience for students and colleagues using assistive technologies, mobile devices, or alternative ways of accessing information.

“The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.”
— Tim Berners-Lee

Whether you are new to digital accessibility or looking to build on existing practice, Digital Accessibility Week offers practical ways to get involved and make a positive impact across the university community.

Find Out More

You can explore the full programme of events and resources here:

Reference
Office for National Statistics (2023). Disability by age, sex and deprivation, England and Wales: Census 2021. Available at: ONS Disability Statistics

Digital Accessibility Week 2026 Read More »

TEL Support for Module Rollover 2026

Announcement, Digital Education Hub, Module Design, TEL Support, Training /
Laptop and graphics showing a map of ideas.

Part 2 of 2

Module Rollover for Semester 1 will occur week commencing the 8th June.

In anticipation of the upcoming module rollover date, we would like to let you know that the TEL team are here to help with any queries you may have. Our Learning Technologists are available to discuss how to get the best out of the university’s technological tools, to enhance your pedagogic approaches.

Departmental or Course teams are welcome to contact us at TEL tel@worc.ac.uk to arrange a meeting.

Online support available from TEL

Module Design support

Our Learning Technologists have developed some insightful Module Design guidance for staff:

If you would like to speak with TEL about module design, please contact us at tel@worc.ac.uk

The Digital Education Hub

The Digital Education Hub is a new SharePoint site with practical guidance and support for online or blended learning. You can find out more about how the hub can be used here.

The Blackboard Manual

Our Blackboard Learn Ultra Manual covers everything from creating new content and setting up assessments, to using interactive tools or features which boost student engagement.

Other support from TEL

If you’d like any extra support, please don’t hesitate to contact the TEL Unit at tel@worc.ac.uk or by using the booking form for a ‘20 Mins with TEL’ slot with a Learning Technologist.

TEL Support for Module Rollover 2026 Read More »

Module Rollover for Semester 1, 2026

Announcement, Blackboard /

Part 1 of 2

Semester 1 Modules are due to be created in Blackboard week commencing 8th June 2026. Modules will be available for staff to self-enrol on from the second week of June to allow time to develop new online course content for next year.

Migrating your Content

Intending to reuse materials from last year?

Once you have self-enrolled onto the newly created modules in June. You can follow our Copying Content guidance to bring across any content from another module you are already enrolled on, you will firstly need to be in the new empty module.

Differences between a ‘Course Copy’ and the recommended ‘Bulk Copy’

Copying an entire course will include all old announcements and assessments. Only use this option if you wish to copy everything on the Content page including Panopto videos that are not held in a learning module or folder.

If you do use the course copy option, we recommend removing any copied assessments and to create new assessments for the current semester / academic year instead.

On the other hand, the Bulk Copy option allows you to select folders using ‘Copy Items’. We recommend copying only the specific items that are needed using the Bulk Copy method. You can also choose to copy individual items at a more granular level.

Copying Videos

Each Blackboard module has a Panopto folder where video content for the module needs to be held. By storing videos in this folder, permissions are granted to all users enrolled onto the Blackboard module to view. If you need to check your module’s videos you can do this by using the Panopto website link. (The Panopto website link is useful for managing your module’s video content, we recommend keeping this hidden from student view.) If you cannot see a video listed in your module’s Panopto folder, you will need to ensure this is copied over.  You can choose to upload and embed to Blackboard if any videos are missing. If you have any problems checking on the location of your videos, or ensuring videos are copied over, please do contact us at TEL tel@worc.ac.uk for further support.

A second blog post will follow (Part 2), detailing the different support available from TEL to assist colleagues with preparations for the new academic year. Part 2 is now available: Part 2: TEL Support for Module Rollover 2026

Module Rollover for Semester 1, 2026 Read More »

New SharePoint site to support the Design and Delivery of Online and Blended Learning

Announcement, Digital Education Hub, TEL Support /
Modern science or technology abstract background. Cyberspace surface illustration. Vector.

Introducing the Digital Education Hub

The Digital Education Hub is a new SharePoint site created to support colleagues in the design and delivery of online and blended learning.

The Hub brings together practical and technology-enhanced guidance, with examples and resources all in one place – making it easy to access support. It can be used when designing a new course or CPD programme, developing online activities, refreshing existing content, or for exploring different approaches to teaching and learning.

You’ll find step-by-step guidance, templates, examples of practice, and support for using digital tools or platforms at the point of need. The Hub is intended to support colleagues involved in teaching and course development, regardless of experience level.

Menu / Sections: Course Design, Content Creation, Student Engagement, Assessment & Feedback, Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence, Course Readiness, Support & Resources

What you’ll find in the Hub

The Hub is structured around key aspects of digital education. It includes guidance on planning and structuring courses, creating engaging content, and encouraging student participation in both asynchronous and live settings. You’ll find advice for designing assessment and feedback, and for making content accessible and inclusive. There is also guidance on course readiness to support reviewing and sense-checking courses before launch, alongside templates, tools and further support.

How to use the Hub

You can use the Hub in a way that suits your needs:

  • Work through sections step-by-step when designing a new course
  • Dip into specific topics for quick guidance
  • Use templates and checklists to support planning and review
  • Revisit sections as part of ongoing course development

The Hub focuses on small, actionable guidance to assist colleagues in designing clear, consistent and well-structured online and blended learning. This includes aligning learning outcomes, activities and assessment, making effective use of digital tools, and ensuring content is accessible and easy to navigate.

The Hub’s guidance is intended to be practical and flexible – you don’t need to use everything, just what’s most helpful for your context.

Explore the Hub

Visit the Digital Education Hub (SharePoint site, UW login required).

We recommend adding the site to your
favourites or following it in SharePoint so it’s easy to find again and remains visible in your navigation.

Gif showing how to select 'Following' in SharePoint

While the Hub provides an on-demand resource, the TEL team are also here to offer one-to-one assistance where needed. If you’d like to talk through your course or project, or explore how the Hub can support your teaching, please feel free to get in touch: tel@worc.ac.uk

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Planning Ahead: Moving Your Blackboard Class Collaborate Recordings to Panopto

Blackboard, Collaborate /

You may be aware that conversations are currently ongoing about the future of Blackboard Class Collaborate and the move to Microsoft Teams for online teaching. While no final decisions have yet been confirmed, now is a good time to ensure that any Class Collaborate recordings you wish to keep are safely stored elsewhere.

To help safeguard your teaching materials, we strongly recommend downloading your Blackboard Class Collaborate recordings and uploading them to Panopto for future use. This blog post outlines the steps involved in the process.

What you will need

Before you begin, please ensure you have access to the following:

  • The Blackboard Class Collaborate session recordings that you wish to retain
  • A Panopto link added to your Blackboard module
  • Sufficient space on your computer to download and temporarily store the recorded files

If the Panopto LTI link is not already present in your Blackboard module, you will need to add this before uploading your recordings, which can be added through the content market.

Step 1: Download your Blackboard Class Collaborate recording

  1. Log in to Blackboard and open the relevant module.
  2. Click the three dots (⋮) next to Class Collaborate and select ‘view all recordings’.
Under Details & Actions - 'View all recordings' option shown within the 'Class Collaborate' three dot menu.
  1. Locate the recording you want to save.
  2. Click the three dots (⋮) next to the recording and choose ‘Download’.
  3. The recording will download as an MP4 file to your computer.
Drop-down menu options shown, with 'Download' highlighted.

Step 2: Upload the recording to Panopto

  1. Click on the Panopto website link within your Blackboard module.
Course Content - 'Panopto Website' link
  1. Navigate to or create a folder for the module’s recordings. You can use your existing module folder if this is already set up.
  2. Select Create > Upload media:
'Create' button shown on left and the 'Upload Media' option shown in the main menu on the right.
  1. Drag and drop the downloaded MP4 file or browse to select it.
Drag and Drop 'Upload to Panopto' window
  1. Wait for the file to upload and finish processing.

After your recording appears in Panopto, you may want to check playback to ensure the audio and video are correct.

Your recording will now be available in Panopto for students on the module to view.

We recommend completing this process before August, particularly for any recordings you may need again in the future. Once the future of Class Collaborate and Teams has been approved, we will communicate the outcome.

Need help or want someone to walk you through it?

If you would like support with downloading or uploading recordings, or advice on managing your Panopto content, please contact TEL@worc.ac.uk or book a 20 minutes with TEL appointment via MS bookings.

Planning Ahead: Moving Your Blackboard Class Collaborate Recordings to Panopto Read More »

AI Knowledge Checks in Documents

Accessibility, AI, Blackboard /

The Blackboard ‘Document’ tool now includes a new AI feature for Knowledge Checks. This option enables you to either enter a question manually or autogenerate a question using the built in AI knowledge check generator. Knowledge Checks in Blackboard enhance the learning experience, they allow students to access and engage with content, then receive immediate feedback. Tutors can also view the students’ responses.

How to use documents created elsewhere

'Convert a file' option highlighted under 'Select a type of content to add a block'.

Tutors can convert word, pdf or PowerPoint files directly into html format using the Blackboard ‘Convert a file’ option.

Converting a file in this manner will result in a more accessible experience for students. Once the file has been converted, any additional formatting can be added from the formatting tool bar.

Example of a converted file.

How to add a Knowledge Check

Once the file has been converted, a knowledge check can be added to the document.

'Select a type of content to add a block' - 'Knowledge check' option highlighted.

You can create your own question or use the built in ‘Auto-generate question’ tool to create one for you. (Auto-generated questions use the Blackboard AI Design Assistant.)

'Enter my question' or 'Auto-generate question' options shown.

The question will then appear at the end of your converted document.

Examples of auto-generated questions based on content.

AI Knowledge Checks in Documents Read More »