Ultra

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 »

Blackboard Learn Ultra Pilot Update

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January saw our Ultra pilot users embark on their new VLE journey. The users were spread across a range of courses with varying modes of delivery, and the TEL team have enjoyed the opportunity to discuss pedagogical considerations, as well as more routine, ‘how do I do that?’ questions. After creating their modules, we asked the pioneers for feedback which is summarised on the images below:

Next Steps

We are using this feedback to guide the broader implementation of the new ‘Blackboard Learn Ultra’ VLE for the wider organisation. Additionally, it will help to inform the training provided by TEL, the customisation of templates, and the system, where feasible.

We are now working with senior colleagues in schools, to offer dedicated workshops for schools and departments, which will begin at the end of April and will continue through into the summer. Check with your teams for further information.

Blackboard Learn Ultra Pilot Update Read More »

VLE Roadshow logo

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 »

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Anthology Ultra VLE

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Photo: by © apinan

The implementation of the new VLE Anthology Ultra is now well underway, and the TEL team have started working with a number of early adopters to prepare their Ultra modules, ready for teaching in semester 2. We also have a group of users who have expressed an interest in learning more about the new system early on in the project. The TEL Unit will be gathering feedback from all the early adopters, which will be used to inform the full rollout to all staff over the coming months.

We will be running briefing sessions for anyone wishing to find out more, on 2nd  February 2024 1-2pm and 5th February 2024 12-1pm.  Members of the TEL team have also arranged to attend a number of departmental and school meetings, to provide further updates and to provide an opportunity for questions and answers. If you would like to join either of the open briefing sessions, you can sign up from the Staff Development Booking system Staff Development Workshops – University of Worcester

The new Ultra environment is significantly different from our current version, with a more modern look and feel, new features and functionality. We strongly encourage all teaching staff to engage in training to make the most of the enhanced opportunities, and to set aside some time to prepare your modules for the next academic year – the training will enable you to assess how much time you should allow. Training sessions will be organised for all Schools, so please look out for workshops and other opportunities to get involved. If you have any away days or events organised where you would like a briefing for your team, please get in touch, and a member of TEL would be happy to attend to answer any questions you may have. Please contact Libby Symonds, e.symonds@worc.ac.uk, if you would like any further information, or to organise a session for your team.

Anthology Ultra VLE Read More »