Training

Blackboard Ultra Insights Week

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Week Commencing 19th May, 2025

Since the university moved to Blackboard Ultra in September, there has been a fantastic effort from academic staff to reshape and develop their modules in a variety of creative ways.

To celebrate the end of the first teaching year using the new VLE, the Technology Enhanced Learning Unit will be running a series of short online talks to showcase innovative and successful practice throughout the University, with an overarching theme of student engagement and retention. This will be in partnership with Darren Cooper, the University Lead for Continuing Professional Development in Learning and Teaching.

Topics will include:

  • Developing fully online and highly blended courses using Blackboard Ultra
  • Encouraging engagement with course readings and Talis resource lists
  • Using Blackboard for guided activities in the classroom
  • Using the reporting tools to monitor student engagement and support retention

Talks will be around 45 minutes to an hour, with time for questions at the end. The sessions will be recorded and hosted via Darren Cooper’s Learning Design For Teaching Excellence site on SharePoint, as a resource for all to use.

The finalised schedule will be published at a later date.

We hope you can join us.

Blackboard Ultra Insights Week Read More »

Staff Training – Using Tests in Blackboard Ultra

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The TEL Team are running a staff training session for staff interested in using the Blackboard Tests feature.

Blackboard Tests enable a range of different question types to be added to create self-marking and short answer tests in Blackboard Ultra. These can be for summative exams or formative testing to help gauge student understanding, and ultimately assess student performance.

The workshop will cover the set-up of a test canvas and the various deployment options, together with a closer look at some of the question types and how these might be used.

Picture of Blackboard Test question example - image of drop down boxes and answers to choose from.

Participants will engage both as students to experience the student view, and also as tutors setting up and marking their own tests – to gain an all-round appreciation of the online assessment function.

The session will be on 26th March 2025, 10:15 – 11:30 – via MS Teams (online).

To sign up please visit your staff page on the ‘MyWorcester’ Portal and select the iTrent tile. You will then see the menu option for ‘Learning’, where you can view all staff training workshops.

Staff Training – Using Tests in Blackboard Ultra Read More »

Online speaker / person

Speakers Wanted! – A Scaffolded Approach to Blackboard Ultra for Engagement and Retention

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Now that staff have been using Blackboard Ultra for a Semester, we would like to showcase exemplary practice in the academic faculty, with a specific focus on using aspects of course design facilitated by Blackboard Ultra to aid student engagement and retention. As a result, we will be offering a short series of online seminars delivered by academics and members of the TEL and Library teams to generate ideas for methodologies that can be employed on your own Ultra modules. These sessions will be recorded and offered as resources for all staff.

While we have some sessions planned already, we would like to offer the opportunity for staff to volunteer as speakers to demonstrate innovative practice in their modules. Examples do not need to be perfect as areas where you can adapt your methodologies in future can provide a rich seam of discussion.

Areas that we are particularly interested in hearing from staff about include:

  • Using the in-built AI tools offered in Blackboard to create content.
  • Using Blackboard Ultra to help students engage with reading materials on Talis resource lists.
  • Innovative approaches to assessment, either formative or summative.
  • Using blended tuition structures, such as pre and post-session asynchronous tasks.
  • Using the Analytics tools to track student engagement.

If you would be interested in presenting, or discussing any ideas for presentations, please email Andrew Bright at a.bright@worc.ac.uk

Speakers Wanted! – A Scaffolded Approach to Blackboard Ultra for Engagement and Retention Read More »

Updating Your Blackboard Courses for Semester 2!

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As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to start preparing your course content for Semester 2, which students will be able to access from December. Below are some effective tools and strategies to help you organise your Blackboard Learn Ultra courses:

Organise with Learning Modules

Structure your course content with Learning Modules, which provide an immersive and trackable experience. These modules allow students to follow a cohesive learning journey, and you’ll be able to see who’s engaging with each section.

Use the Content Market to add useful tools

Set up Turnitin assignments, add Panopto videos, and incorporate Talis Aspire Reading Lists (resource lists) directly into your Learning Modules. These integrations streamline access to essential course materials.

Convert or Create Course Documents

You can easily upload existing Word files and convert them into web pages that are accessible and editable directly within Blackboard. This makes updates convenient and ensures students always have the latest version to work from. Alternatively, create your own web pages using the content blocks to construct pages with multiple types of content all in one place.

Enhance Interactivity with AI Tools and Discussion Boards

Use AI Tests to set up quick, formative knowledge checks based on your course content. You can also incorporate Discussion Boards to foster peer interaction and co-construction of knowledge (and see who has participated!).

Leverage Analytics to Track Engagement

Adding interactive elements not only enhances the learning experience but also feeds valuable data into your Analytics. This can help you identify students who may need additional support or who aren’t fully engaging with the course material.

Updating Your Blackboard Courses for Semester 2! Read More »

A new version of our VLE, Blackboard Ultra

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Image ©The KonG

Further Blackboard support from the TEL Unit

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.

Ultra Resources

If you have any questions or need any technical support when using Ultra, please do not hesitate to contact the TEL Team, tel@worc.ac.uk.

A new version of our VLE, Blackboard Ultra Read More »

Blackboard Ultra Training – Additional Mop Up Sessions

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The training programme for the new Blackboard Learn Ultra VLE continues apace, with the majority of academic teams now having received their initial training.

The TEL Unit has offered a selection of mop up sessions for those staff members who were unable to attend their main team session.  All of the original mop up sessions are now fully booked so, due to popular demand, two additional sessions will be offered in July. These will take place on:

Thursday 18th July, 09:15 – 12:15

Tuesday 23rd July, 13:30 – 16:30

Interested parties can sign up via the Staff Development Workshops on the Staff Portal.

Blackboard Ultra Training – Additional Mop Up Sessions Read More »

Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours.

Blackboard Learn Ultra Office Hours

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Join Us for Fortnightly MS Teams Meetings!

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.

Details:

Time: Drop in anytime between 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Dates:

  • 26/06/2024
  • 10/07/2024
  • 24/07/2024
  • 07/08/2024
  • 21/08/2024

No booking required – just join us on Teams!

Join here: Office Hours Link

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.

Blackboard Learn Ultra Office Hours Read More »

VLE Briefing Session: Blackboard Learn Ultra

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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.

If you were unable to attend any of these briefing sessions, you can quickly catch up by watching a recording of one of the sessions provided here. This page also provides a visual overview of the timescale and milestones included in the move to Ultra.

VLE Briefing Session: Blackboard Learn Ultra Read More »

Book your training sessions for the new Blackboard Learn Ultra VLE!

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With the new Blackboard Learn Ultra virtual learning environment now out of the pilot phase, it’s time to prepare for the upcoming rollout of live modules. This will ensure your Learn Ultra content and learning tools are set up successfully before the new semester begins in September.

Blackboard staff training sessions will be held for course teams from May through to the end of July. The training will cover best practices for designing your modules in the new system, as well as hands-on experience in building your new Learn Ultra sites. A course team training session will last for around 3 hours. We highly recommend having as many course team members attend as possible to facilitate consistent decision-making across the course.

Here’s what to do next:

  1. Consult with your course team to identify a preferred week for training.
  2. Contact the TEL team, tel@worc.ac.uk, with the following information to book your session:
    • Course that the training is for
    • Module codes the team will be using
    • Names and email addresses of attendees

The TEL team will then be in contact to confirm all the details, including which resources attendees should bring along, so that they can get started on creating their Ultra modules.

Be sure to book your training sessions early to reserve your preferred dates!

Book your training sessions for the new Blackboard Learn Ultra VLE! Read More »

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The VLE Roadshow: A Sneak Peek at our Future VLE

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Last Thursday, the Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) Unit hosted an exciting and informal drop-in event at St John’s reception. The event aimed to showcase the new Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Learn Ultra, and the area buzzed with excitement as staff gathered to see the new VLE in action!

The event spanned three hours, during which the TEL team welcomed numerous staff members who stopped by to say hello, engaged in casual conversations, and sought answers to their burning questions about the upcoming changes. It was great to witness the genuine interest and eagerness among the staff to learn more about the new VLE.

Images of staff visiting VLE Roadshow

The Roadshow was an opportunity for staff to connect with the TEL team, who were able to provide insights into the exciting features of the VLE. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, enquire about training programmes, and delve into the specifics of how the new VLE will enhance their teaching and learning experiences.

The VLE Roadshow turned out to be a resounding success, with positive feedback from the staff who attended. Two more roadshows are planned for the coming weeks. This ensures that anyone who missed the chance to attend last week’s event, will have another opportunity to explore the new VLE.

Details of the next two VLE Roadshows:

Thursday 29th February 11am – 2pm, St John’s Campus, Reception.

Thursday 14th March 11am – 2pm, City Campus, Reception.

These are informal drop-in sessions, pop by at any point!

VLE Roadshow Logo 'Come and see your new VLE in action! Explore the new features and upgrades of our Virtual Learning Environment. Don't miss out on this interactive event. #VLERoadshow

The VLE Roadshow: A Sneak Peek at our Future VLE Read More »