Blackboard

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 »

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 »

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.

Move from Collaborate to Microsoft Teams for Online Teaching 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 »

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 »