We are currently in the process of installing some exciting new Microsoft integrations to our Blackboard virtual learning environment. While these integrations are being installed and tested, you may see references to Microsoft OneDrive and Microsoft Teams throughout various menus within your Ultra courses.
While we understand that you are looking forward to trialling these, please could we ask that you refrain from using these features, until they have been fully tested and commissioned.
We will let you know when these features are ready to use with your students.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at TEL, tel@worc.ac.uk
Now that term is well underway and many of you have completed Blackboard training, here’s a reminder of where and how to access continuing support for using Ultra.
We have an Online Training session scheduled, which is available to book through your MyDay page: ‘Training Resources’ tile → ‘Staff Development’ booking system. We will then send out invitations via Teams.
Blackboard Ultra Staff Training
Wednesday 9th October 14:30 – 16:00
This session is an overview of the main features within Blackboard Ultra and is suitable for members of staff who for one reason or another, have been unable to attend previous training – or for anyone who would like a brushup on their skills.
We also have resources available for your day-to-day activities on Blackboard Ultra and guidance for how to support your students using the VLE on our website.
The site below from the TEL Team contains all you need to know about starting in Blackboard Ultra, Building your course, Tests and Assignments and Student Support. As well as the new Blackboard Ultra Manual.
Over the last couple of months, we at the TEL Unit have trained over 400 colleagues in using Blackboard Ultra to build engaging modules for students.
Hopefully most of you have made a good start building your modules but, perhaps, if you took the training a while ago now, a couple of things might have become…a little hazy. Here are a few key points to bring you back up to speed.
1. Organise your content into Learning Modules
Learning modules are the building blocks of your course. You can use these to structure your content and adding these is the first step you can take when building your course. They have a few advantages over folders:
They are designed to be immersive, so that students work through the content like a book, clicking ‘Next’ to get to the next content area.
You can add a thumbnail image which can give visual differentiation and make the module look more attractive and engaging.
Learning modules are trackable, so allow both students and you as tutors to track student progress through the course. Students are given an indicator of which sections they have viewed, and are given the option to mark items as complete.
You can add learning modules by clicking on the purple line on the module background and opening the Create menu.
2. Use folders if you need to, but documents may be a better option
You have the facility to add a folder level inside your learning module to further divide your content if needed. Before you do so however, just bear in mind that this will be an additional click for students and consider whether this is strictly necessary. Documents are a great way to pull together different types of content, including text, images, links, videos (YouTube, Panopto), files like PowerPoint slides, sections of your Talis resource lists etc. They may be a better way to build your content, giving additional structure and context, rather than a list of documents and links that gives students no indication how it all fits together.
For example, if you are using a weekly structure, you might have a folder for day 1, day 2 etc. but consider whether the content for these might work better in a document for “Day 1 Materials”, “Day 2 Materials” etc. instead.
3. The Create menu vs. the Content Market (and where to set up a Turnitin point)
Hopefully you recall that you add content via the purple line that appears where you hover your mouse. This brings up a menu, from which you can use the Create option to access native Blackboard functionality, and the Content Market, from which you can access external systems that link to Blackboard. Primarily these are
We have received a few queries about adding Turnitin vs Blackboard assignments. Just remember that the assignment option in the Create menu is a Blackboard assignment. For Turnitin, you need to go to the Content Market.
Student Resources and Further Training
We have also received some enquiries about Student Resources. You can find some helpful videos on our website via the link below:
For those of you who feel that you need a fuller refresher, or if you were unable to attend any of our previous training sessions, we will be offering some additional mop ups, which you will find on the Staff Development Portal – you can find this under “Training Resources” on the new Staff Portal. Our first two sessions are on the 17th and the 25th September.
We will also be providing a series of training sessions covering more in-depth topics relating to Ultra Course design later in the semester. Details to follow!
As in previous years, you’ll need to enrol on each of your modules by completing the request form available on the staff homepage. After submitting the form, you should gain access to your modules within an hour.
With the redesigned staff homepage, you can find the form by
navigating to the ‘Staff’ tab on the left-hand side of the page:
Selecting ‘Web Applications’:
Then choosing ‘Blackboard Access 2024/25’:
For new staff members or those taking on new modules, you can also access last year’s version of the module, by filling out the ‘Blackboard Access 2023-24’ form.
As we move to the new version of Blackboard ‘Learn Ultra’ ready for September, you may need to reuse older video content, from the ‘Learn 9.1’ system, in your new modules.
The easiest way to do this is to simply download the videos from the original module, using the download button:
This will save the video file to your computer. Rename the file if you wish, and then follow the instructions to add a link to Panopto from your Blackboard module. This will enable you to upload the video you have just saved, into the new Ultra module ready for use.
*If you do not see the download button this means that the original uploader has removed this feature, and you will need to contact the TEL Team for further assistance: tel@worc.ac.uk
Ensuring that you have chosen the correct submission tool for your students is essential to facilitate a problem free assignment submission experience and minimise stress for your students.
Turnitin Assignments
If you have a largely text based assignment, then Turnitin is the ideal software for this. Turnitin will provide an originality report to help identify sources throughout a student’s paper and is ideal for written assignments, such as, reports or essays.
Blackboard Assignments
For large files, multiple files, zip files, or files which contain mostly imagery, a Blackboard Assignment submission point is most suitable.
Panopto Assignments
If you are asking your students to produce a video or audio file, a Panopto assignment is most likely to provide the best experience for students, allowing them to create and upload videos directly in the Panopto system.
If you have any questions or would like any help with choosing a suitable submission tool for your students, please email TEL@worc.ac.uk in the first instance. The flowchart below summarises the most suitable assignment software for each submission type.
Panopto is the University’s main application used for recording, storing, or sharing video content. This cloud-based platform permits students to record or upload assignments and to view live lectures. For Blackboard Ultra assessments students can:
Depending on the video assignment type, you can use the most suitable link above and share these with your students.
If you have not yet created an Ultra submission point within a module, please see a link to our Video assignment submission point set up guidance for staff below:
Sometimes students may encounter technical issues when using Panopto for the first time or when submitting video assessments. We would recommend communicating with your students the creation and submission process for any upcoming video assignments you may have in Blackboard Ultra ahead of a due date. To help with any potential queries from your students, we thought it would be useful to summarise some useful TEL tips:
When using Panopto capture to make an in browser recording, please see further help and guidance directly from Panopto below. Each step is clearly explained and there is also a short informative video, for Chrome users:
Ahead of using the Panopto integration, users should remember to check their browser’s ‘permission’ settings. For example, if Panopto is blocked from using a device’s camera or microphone, it will not be possible to make a recording. Settings can be changed to ‘allow’, through ‘Privacy and Security’ within Chrome. (These options can be accessed via the three-dot, kebab menu, towards the top right-hand corner of the window.)
For Blackboard video assignment submissions, students should ensure they follow the correct submission process carefully, with use of their assignment submission text box, the Insert Content button, and the Panopto Submissions tool in the Content Market.
Students should allow themselves plenty of time to make a submission ahead of a due date.
Chrome works well as browser with the Panopto integration, when making a Panopto / Blackboard assignment submission, so we recommend using this if possible. The Blackboard browser checker can also be used to troubleshoot.
If a connection times out because a large video file is being uploaded there are additional things for your students to try:
Check their internet connectivity.
When uploading to Panopto, they can help their computer process the data contained in a video file, by closing down any additional applications, such as, PowerPoint.
Check the size and type of video file they are attempting to upload, and then contact the TEL Unit with this information so that we can assist them further.
After submitting their work, your students will be given the option to download an Ultra submission receipt for their records.
The TEL team invites staff to our Blackboard Learn Ultra Office Hours, held every two weeks via MS Teams. This is a dedicated time for you to get answers to your Ultra-related queries and receive further support in structuring and developing your new modules.
Who Should Attend?
Staff members who have completed the three-hour Blackboard Ultra training session.
Those currently building their Ultra modules.
Staff with specific questions or in need of additional support.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your Blackboard Ultra experience with expert guidance from the TEL team. See you there!
Disclaimer: Please note that this is not a training session. These office hours are for specific Ultra-related queries. If you have not yet attended the dedicated course team Ultra training session, please ensure you attend this first. If you cannot make your team session, you can book onto an ‘open’ session via the Staff Development Workshops page.
Personalising your profile on Blackboard Ultra goes beyond aesthetics—it plays a crucial role in creating a more engaging and interactive learning environment for your students. Here’s why you should invest time in customising your profile.
Building Connections
A personalised profile humanises the online learning experience. By adding a photo and personal details, you create a sense of familiarity and approachability, making it easier for students to connect with you.
Enhancing Communication
When students see a face behind the messages and instructions, it fosters better communication. A customised profile picture and relevant information can make your announcements, feedback, and interactions more impactful.
Establishing Credibility
A well-crafted profile demonstrates professionalism and commitment. Including your academic background, teaching philosophy, and relevant experiences can enhance your credibility and authority as a educator.
Encouraging Engagement
Profiles that reflect your personality and teaching style can inspire students to be more active and engaged. Sharing a bit about your interests and teaching methods can make your courses more relatable and interesting.
Streamlining Identification
In large classes, a recognizable profile helps students quickly identify you in forums, discussions, and course materials. This streamlined identification process is important for maintaining effective communication and support.
Promoting Inclusivity
Including your pronouns and preferred name in your profile fosters an inclusive and respectful learning environment. It signals to students that you value diversity and individual identity.
Conclusion
Personalising your Blackboard Ultra profile is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the educational experience for your students. It fosters better connections, improves communication, and creates a more engaging and inclusive learning environment.
In recent weeks, members of the Technology Enhanced Learning Unit have been actively visiting departments to conduct briefing sessions on the new system and the transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Alongside these, the TEL Unit have also organised several online sessions open to all staff members. These sessions have focused on introducing the new system, highlighting its features and functionalities, and offering updates on the practicalities of transitioning to the new system.
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