Final checks of PebblePad Resources and Workspace settings

PebblePad, TEL Support /

For those of you who are about to deploy PebblePad resources to your students for assessment, now is a good time to ensure that the resource and workspace settings are up to date.

  1. Check that your PebblePad workbook or portfolio template is current.
  • Have you changed the name of the resource to reflect the current academic year (if appropriate)?
  • Have you checked that all links still work inside your workbook  / portfolio template?
  1. When the TEL team create a PebblePad workspace for you, we place a PebblePad icon within your Blackboard module to control PebblePad student enrolments.
  • This is set by default to be ‘Hidden from students’. If you would like your students to be able to access PebblePad from within your Blackboard course, set the PebblePad icon to ‘Visible to students’.
Image of 'PebblePad and ATLAS via LTI 1.3' Icon to be taken to PebblePad from Blackboard.
  1. Have you entered a due date and time into the submission deadline and revision deadline on the workspace, or are you planning on manually ‘pausing’ your assessment?
'Pause assignment' button is shown at the top, with the 'Assignment deadlines' button shown below, as they appear in PebblePad.
  • Remember to set a reminder in your diary if you have decided to manually ‘Pause’ the assessment.
  • Individual student extensions for PebblePad assessments can be added where required. If you think you may need to add an assessment extension, then you must use an assessment deadline when setting up your assignment.
  1. If you have students who inform you that they do not have access to PebblePad, then you (as tutors) can click on the PebblePad icon in Blackboard to update your PebblePad student enrolments (see point 2, above). This will automatically add any students who have registered late.
  1. If you are taking a class session and instructing your students in the use of PebblePad, it is a good idea to advise students to ‘Favourite’ their work. This will ensure that it is always easy for them to locate.
Image of an example of 'Favourites', as they appear in Pebble+

    If you have any questions about any of the above settings or features of PebblePad then please contact a Learning Technologist who will be happy to guide you through the process.

    Final checks of PebblePad Resources and Workspace settings Read More »

    Browser Support for the Blackboard VLE

    Blackboard, TEL Support /

    With the new academic year underway, we wished to provide new browser guidance to help both staff and students experience the full functionality of the Blackboard VLE.

    Chrome is our recommended browser for the Blackboard VLE

    The main browser we recommend for the Blackboard VLE is Google Chrome.

    Staff and students need to be aware that Safari, Internet Explorer, or Brave are NOT supported.

    Enable Third-Party Cookies for the VLE

    Within Blackboard there are several integrated tools which require third-party cookies to be allowed. These include, Panopto, Turnitin and PebblePad.

    Chrome have guidance about how to allow third-party cookies for a specific site.

    An Alternative if you have any issues

    • We now recommend Microsoft Edge (MS Edge) as the preferred alternative browser.

    Previously, Mozilla Firefox was recommended but due to recent updates, some integrations within the VLE may not function as expected when accessed through Firefox.

    • A ‘New Incognito window’ in Chrome can also be used as an alternative option.

    Troubleshooting tips:

    If you have any issues, such as pages or integrations not loading, even after a page refresh – there are troubleshooting steps you can take:

    • Log out of Blackboard and try clearing the cache on your browser (Ctrl+Shift+Del keys – you may wish to unselect clearing any saved passwords). Then log back into MyDay (MyWorcester), then Blackboard.
    • Or try opening a ‘New Incognito window’ in Chrome and log into MyDay, then Blackboard using this window instead.
    • Or try logging in using an alternative browser instead – MS Edge.
    • Ensure you have allowed third-party cookies for the VLE website https://worcesterbb.blackboard.com
    • Check the Chrome ‘Eye’ is visible when you are within the VLE or when using integrations, like Turnitin. This means third-party cookies are enabled.
    Third-party cookies eye icon, with cookies enabled in Chrome browser.

    (The eye icon is located in the top right-hand side of the Chrome address bar.)

    Eye icon with a line through it. Meaning third-party cookies are blocked for a website.

    If you can see a line through the eye icon, click on this to alter your cookie settings for the page:

    If you continue to experience any problems, please feel free to contact TEL for support with the Blackboard VLE TEL@worc.ac.uk.

    Summary:

    • Chrome is the recommended browser for the Blackboard VLE (or MS Edge as an alternative choice). 
    • Safari, Internet Explorer, or Brave are NOT supported.
    • Add the Blackboard VLE address in your browser settings as a website ‘exception’ to allow third-party cookies for the site: https://worcesterbb.blackboard.com (Integrated tools require third-party cookies to be enabled for the VLE. These include Panopto, Turnitin and PebblePad.)
    • The Blackboard browser checker can help you confirm that your settings are correct.
    • Contact TEL for support with Blackboard specifically TEL@worc.ac.uk. Digital Services can also help with browser troubleshooting.

    Browser Support for the Blackboard VLE Read More »

    Getting ready for the New Academic Year

    Blackboard, PebblePad, TEL Support /

    As we prepare to welcome students for the new academic year, now is the perfect time to make sure your digital learning spaces are ready. Taking a few minutes to review your Blackboard modules, PebblePad resources, and online learning tools can help ensure a smooth start to teaching.

    1. Check what students can see when they access your Blackboard module

    When students access your Blackboard module for the first time, they should be able to find key information quickly and easily.

    Before teaching begins, it is beneficial to use ‘Student Preview’ to check what content is visible to your students. If you have been developing content over the summer, check that everything students need for the first few weeks has been made visible.

    If you need to update the visibility of multiple documents and/or learning modules, you can use the ‘batch edit’ option to select all of the content you want to make visible.

    1. Check any links are working

    Over the summer, resources can move, files may be updated, and links can change.

    Before teaching begins:

    • Open key documents and presentations
    • Test external website links
    • Ensure embedded media still works
    1. Ensure PebblePad Resources and Workspaces are requested

    If you use PebblePad as part of your module, please ensure you have requested a new resource for the upcoming academic year and for the workspace to be set up by the TEL unit, if you have not done so already.

    It is particularly important to let us know if there are changes needed to your PebblePad resource, before it is made available to students.

    At this time of year, enquiries can be high, so giving as much notice as possible is appreciated. Getting this done early means your students will have access to their PebblePad resource when they need it.

    1. Make sure you are familiar with Microsoft Teams for online sessions

    From this academic year, online teaching sessions will take place through Microsoft Teams. If you are unfamiliar with Teams or would like a refresher, take a look at our previous blog post containing useful guidance videos. For additional support or training, please contact Digital Services.

    1. Reminders for student inductions
    • As part of your student’s induction week, ensure you check that students have access to their Blackboard modules. If they do not, it may be because they have not yet completed their registration. Information for students is available through our ‘Student Blackboard Ultra FAQs’ webpage.
    • You may also choose to share suitable links from our student support pages with your students.
    • Please also point out the ‘Alternative formats’ available to students on Blackboard, to support them with using your Blackboard pages. Information for students is available via our new Blackboard Ally guide for students.
    1. Plan your first Blackboard announcement

    Announcements are a great way to establish communication with students and can be scheduled in advance.

    Consider scheduling a message which:

    • Welcomes students to the module
    • Highlights where key information can be found
    • Explains expectations for the first week
    • Encourages students to get in touch if they have questions

    Taking a little time now can make the start of the academic year smoother, clearer, and more welcoming for both staff and students.

    Need support? The Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) unit is here to help with Blackboard, PebblePad and digital learning tools more broadly. Get in touch if you need any advice before teaching begins. TEL@worc.ac.uk

    Getting ready for the New Academic Year Read More »

    Blackboard Ultra Organisation pages are now ready

    Announcement, Blackboard /

    The new Blackboard Ultra Organisation pages have now been created and are ready for use. You may want to copy some content from the original organisation. Due to the differences between Blackboard Original and Blackboard Ultra, we would advise that you copy individual items or folders and be aware that you will likely need to move content around.

    Please see the section Copying Individual Items in the link below.

    https://lttu.uk/support/Blackboard/UltraManual/migrating-content

    A quick check for course teams

    To make sure the right staff and students have access, please let the TEL team know:

    • The names of any colleagues who need to be enrolled on the Organisation as Leaders.
    • Module codes for student enrolments – this is needed so that enrolments can be synchronised with the Organisation, and the relevant students are automatically enrolled. These will either be:
      • the core module codes for specific course organisations
      • module stem(s) (the first four letters), usually used for larger or school-wide organisations, where all modules with the same stem need to be added

    If you have already provided this information, there is nothing further you need to do.

    Need an Organisation?

    If your course doesn’t currently have a Blackboard Organisation but you think one would be useful, get in touch with the TEL team TEL@worc.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

    Blackboard Ultra Organisation pages are now ready Read More »

    Blackboard Design Studio

    Announcement, Blackboard, Training /
    Decorative - Laptop on a desk. Adobe stock 1832613960

    Getting your Blackboard modules ready for the new academic year? Whether you’re building a new module, refreshing existing content or just want a second opinion on something you’ve set up, our new Blackboard Design Studio is here to help.

    The Blackboard Design Studio is a practical, hands-on support session where you can work on your own Blackboard modules with guidance from the TEL team. There’s no presentation or set agenda – instead, bring along your module, questions or ideas and use the time to work on whatever you need.

    What can we help with?

    The support is tailored to you and what you’re working on. This could include:

    • Module design, structure, and navigation
    • Activity design and student engagement
    • Assessment setup
    • Blackboard tools and functionality
    • Accessibility
    • Blackboard best practice
    • Reviewing your module and offering a second opinion

    Whether you have a quick question, need help setting something up or want to spend some dedicated time developing your module, the TEL team will be on hand to work through it with you.

    What will you get from the session?

    You’ll have the opportunity to make practical progress on your Blackboard module while developing your confidence in using Blackboard tools and functionality. We’ll help you apply Blackboard best practice to your own context and provide personalised advice, recommendations and practical next steps for continuing to develop and enhance your module.

    September Blackboard Design Studios

    7th September | 11:00–13:00 | St John’s Campus – Room TBC

    10th September | 13:00–15:00 | Jenny Lind – Room TBC

    Room details will be confirmed with attendees before the session.

    Book your place via iTrent, then drop in at any point during the session and stay for as long as you need. You don’t need to attend for the full two hours.

    Bring your laptop and your Blackboard module and we’ll help you take it from there.

    If you have any questions about the Blackboard Design Studio, please email TEL@worc.ac.uk.

    Blackboard Design Studio Read More »

    Moving from Collaborate to Teams for Teaching Sessions 

    Collaborate, MS Teams, Training /
    Decorative Image of a person presenting in a virtual meeting on a laptop screen. The laptop is located on a desk. Adobestock 351415256

    As you will be aware from previous communications, Blackboard Collaborate will no longer be accessible after 31 August 2026. If you are delivering live online teaching sessions through Blackboard, these should now be scheduled and delivered using Microsoft Teams via your Blackboard module. 

    To support colleagues with this transition, the TEL Unit and Digital Services ran a joint LDTE session on 7 July, demonstrating the key tasks involved in using Teams for teaching within Blackboard. The session covered everything from creating meetings and adjusting settings through to managing recordings and making them available to students. 

    The videos below are taken from the LDTE session and provide a quick reference guide to each stage of the process. 

    1. Creating a Teams Meeting in Blackboard 

    Creating a Teams meeting directly from your Blackboard course allows students to access live sessions from a familiar location within their module. This approach helps keep teaching materials, communications and live sessions connected in one place. 

    In this video, you’ll see how to create and schedule a Teams meeting from within a Blackboard course: 

    2. Amending Meeting Settings 

    Teams provides a range of meeting options that allow you to tailor sessions to your teaching needs. These settings can help you manage who can present, control the participant experience and ensure meetings are configured appropriately before students arrive. 

    This video demonstrates where to find the meeting settings and how to make changes:

    3. Using In-Meeting Features to Support Teaching 

    Teams includes a variety of tools that can help increase engagement and support learning during live sessions. Features such as chat, reactions, screen sharing, breakout rooms, polls and attendance reports can all contribute to an effective online teaching experience. 

    This video provides an overview of the key in-meeting features available to teaching staff and demonstrates how they can be used during a live session:

    4. Accessing, Downloading and Sharing Recordings 

    Unlike Collaborate, Teams recordings are stored within Microsoft 365 and need to be downloaded before being added to a Blackboard course. Sharing recordings through Blackboard ensures students can access previous teaching sessions alongside other course materials. 

    This final video explains how to locate a Teams recording, download it and make it available to students within your Blackboard module by using Panopto:

    Need Further Support? 

    If you’re preparing for the transition from Collaborate to Teams and would like additional guidance, please contact the TEL Unit, TEL@worc.ac.uk, or Digital Services.

    Moving from Collaborate to Teams for Teaching Sessions  Read More »

    Grades Journey Project Update

    Leave a Comment / Uncategorised /

    We’re pleased to share that the first phase of the Grades Journey Project is nearing completion.

    Grades Journey allows marks entered in the Blackboard Gradebook to be transferred directly into SITS in just a few clicks. Previously, grades had to be entered separately in both Blackboard and SITS, requiring the same information to be recorded twice. Grades Journey removes this duplication, streamlining the process and reducing the time it takes to finalise grades, particularly for modules with large cohorts. It also helps improve accuracy, as grades only need to be entered once.

    This was one of the most requested features during the Blackboard Ultra upgrade, and we’re pleased to be delivering it as part of our ongoing work to improve the assessment process.

    The results from the first phase of the project have been very encouraging. Staff who took part found the process quick and straightforward, and their feedback has helped us refine both the workflow and the supporting training materials.

    Over the coming months, we’ll be running further small-group trials as we prepare for a wider rollout in Semester 1.

    If you’d like to find out more about the Grades Journey Project, or volunteer to take part in the next trial phase, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at tel@worc.ac.uk.

    Grades Journey Project Update Read More »

    Creating and formatting documents in Blackboard

    Blackboard, Training /

    Converting a file in Blackboard

    Rather than uploading your files directly to Blackboard, you may want to consider using the ‘Convert a file’ option:

    Image of 'Document type of content' options, with 'Convert a file' highlighted in a red box.
    • Select Create, Document, then ‘Convert a file’
    • Browse for your files on your PC.
    • Once selected, the system converts the file into the Document format.
    • Supported file types include PDF (.pdf), PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx, .pps), or Word (.doc, .docx, .odt).
    • Converted content should be reviewed for accuracy

    Why use a Blackboard Document?

    Blackboard documents are more accessible than uploading files because they are designed as native, responsive web pages (rather than attachments). The documents will also use a more standardised font style, so provide consistency across your Blackboard module.

    Using Auto-generate layout

    After creating your document, you can then auto-generate the layout.

    Image of an exemplar Blackboard Document with the 'auto-generate' icon, highlighted in a red box.

    In a document that already has content, select the auto-generate icon (shown in red above). This optimises the layout, reorganises text or image content, and optionally creates a knowledge check.

    1. Select the Auto-generate layout icon.
    2. Review the layout and adjust as needed.
    3. You can select Settings and update options, such as, which images are included, or if a knowledge check is needed.
    4. Select Apply layout.

    Creating and formatting documents in Blackboard Read More »

    How to Download a copy of your assignments and feedback from the Blackboard VLE.

    Assignments, Blackboard, Turnitin /

    The TEL Unit have put together some tips and advice for students who wish to obtain copies of their work and feedback from tutors.

    Staff are welcome to share this information with their students.

    Guidance for Students – Downloading Assessments

    While you are a current University of Worcester student, any assignments which you have uploaded to the Blackboard VLE or Turnitin can be downloaded at any point for your own records.

    This is particularly important if you are a student who is finishing your course:

    Finishing your University of Worcester Course?

    Turnitin Assignments

    Access uploaded work through a Turnitin submission link in Blackboard. You can select your assignment title to review your work.

    After the feedback release date, students automatically see any tutor feedback (Classic View) as well as a grade. You can also view rubric comments if one has been used (Classic view). You can view everything from within the ‘Feedback Studio’.

    Downloading from Turnitin – Feedback Studio View

    Once you have opened your assignment, ensure you have the feedback and similarity layers activated. (You can use the blue and red buttons on the right.)

    Example of an Assignment and the Feedback Studio layers activated - Red and Blue buttons in the panel on the right

    Then click the grey download arrow to show the different options to select:

    Download options menu - Current View, Digital Receipt, and Originally Submitted File
    Current View

    This will download as a .pdf file document

    Digital Receipt 

    Shows the time and date of submission

    Originally Submitted File

    Your work as you uploaded it

    We recommend choosing to download the Current View with layers showing, if you would like a copy of your assignment, similarity matches, grade, and feedback.

    The downloaded ‘Current View’ .pdf file will contain:

    1. Submission details
    2. Your Assignment
    3. Originality Report (Similarity checks)
    4. GradeMark Report (Grade and Feedback comments)

    Your feedback and grade can be found at the end of the .pdf document:

    GradeMark report example, showing grade and tutor's comments

    Blackboard Assignments

    You can view Submissions and Feedback for a Blackboard Assignment in different places.

    How do I download my original assignment from Blackboard?

    If you only need a copy of your original file you can select the smaller download document icon, above the tool bar options:

    Original File download icon, above tool bar

    How do I view and download my Written Feedback?

    Please see the most common written feedback types in the labelled image below:

    Feedback locations labelled - showing Right-hand feedback panel: 1 Overall Feedback document, 2 Overall Feedback Comment, 'Show more' 3 Rubric and comments, Document In-line comments and annotations: 4a Speech Bubble / Callout comment, 4b Annotated text.

    In the right-hand Feedback Panel, you may see:

    1. An Attached File – Select the three dots to show the document download icon, and click to download a copy to your device:
    Gif of where to locate the three-dot menu on the right of a feedback file, to reveal the 'Download' option.
    1. Overall Feedback – You can click ‘Show more’ to see comments in full.
    Overall Feedback Comment highlighted with cursor over the 'Show more' link to reveal full comment.
    1. Rubric and comments – View this feedback in the panel, by scrolling down.
    Rubric comments labelled with yellow arrows to show location in right-hand Feedback Panel.

    Within your Assignment / the on screen document view:

    1. Document Annotations and Comments
    1. Comments can show as a Speech Bubble / Callout
    2. Or as typed text

    4a and 4b- Comments / annotations are included in a .pdf download of your work. Clicking on / hovering over the speech bubble reveals comments. You can select the large download arrow in the tool bar options to get a .pdf file copy of your work and feedback:

    Gif of how to download a current view .pdf document - containing any comments or annotations which tutors have added directly to the document - using the larger download arrow in the tool bar.

    Audio or Video Feedback

    Sometimes, tutors may include Feedback Recordings. (It is not possible to download recorded feedback from Blackboard.)

    Downloading Blackboard Assignments with Turnitin enabled

    Blackboard assignments can have Turnitin enabled. You can download feedback in the same way. Please see Turnitin’s guidance for how to view your Turnitin similarity report in Blackboard.

    Why can’t I download certain feedback or files?

    • 1. Overall Feedback
    • 3. Rubric comments Feedback

    For other written feedback, it is not possible to download a copy straight from Blackboard. You could instead copy and paste tutor comments into a new document on your computer. Or take a screenshot for your own records to store outside of the VLE.

    • Embedded Video Assessments

    Embedded video assignments are not stored in Blackboard, so cannot be downloaded from here as they are held in Panopto.

    Further support

    Please contact your tutors if you cannot see your work or feedback, but please also feel free to contact TEL for technical support: TEL@worc.ac.uk

    How to Download a copy of your assignments and feedback from the Blackboard VLE. Read More »

    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 »