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Grades Journey Project Update

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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 »

PebblePad January Update – Part 2: Changes to the External Dashboard

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The recent PebblePad update, as well as the changes to the ATLAS interface, will also include improvements to the External Dashboard. The process for sharing with external assessors – practice assessors, placement supervisors, professional partners etc. – has long been the aspect of PebblePad that has caused the most confusion for students. Often, they would perform the wrong type of share, meaning that external assessors could not access the restricted assessor fields to sign off workplace competencies.

The PebblePad team are resolving this with a series of developments, the first of which addresses the External Dashboard – what the external assessor sees. Previously it was impossible for the external assessor to tell what type of share that the student had performed with them. Now, these have been separated into shares for assessment and the read only option that they get when a student shares ‘with a person’. This distinction will make it easier for externals and students to identify the source of any sign off issues.

PebblePad have very helpfully prepared a guide, which is available on their Help Hub website. You may find it useful to share this with your external assessors or the organisations where they work. Please see the link below:

Help Hub – External Dashboard


Later this year, a further update will streamline the process from the student perspective.

If you have any further questions please contact us at TEL@worc.ac.uk

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PebblePad January Update – Part 2: Changes to the External Dashboard Read More »

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Important Changes to Chrome

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New Chrome changes and your use of online systems, including Blackboard VLE.

We recommend using Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers, when using the Blackboard VLE. However, you may be aware that Google Chrome have started testing a new feature, with the intention of protecting users from third-party cookie tracking. This will result in all third-party cookies being disabled, as a default setting. Initially a selection of Chrome users will be notified, but the intention is that all users will experience this change by the end of 2024.

Why you still need your Third-Party Cookies for the Blackboard VLE.

Third-party cookies are often used as an essential element for the functionality of different websites. Within Blackboard there are several integrated tools which require third-party cookies to be enabled. If you experience any issues with the Blackboard VLE, such as pages not loading correctly, even after a refresh – you may need to alter your third-party cookie settings.

How to change your settings:

  • Users who have been selected by Google Chrome, will have a notification, when they open their Chrome browser. If you are viewing the initial notification, it is possible at this stage, to click on the cog, to select and confirm your account third-party cookie choices.
  • Chrome users will be able to tell whether any cookies are active on a webpage, by looking for the ‘eye icon’ within the address bar, in the top right of the Chrome browser. If third-party cookies have been blocked, there will be a line through the eye. A click on the eye icon, will permit users to select and choose whether they wish to have third-party cookies enabled.
  • Alternatively, you can alter your Chrome account settings, as a whole, by selecting the three dots, in the top right-hand corner of the browser. A menu will appear, where you can select ‘Settings’ → ‘Privacy and Security’ from the left-hand side-bar menu, → then ‘Cookies and other site data’ to view all the possible cookie settings for your account.

To find out more, you make wish to read Google Chrome’s recent blog post:

https://blog.google/products/chrome/privacy-sandbox-tracking-protection/

Important Changes to Chrome Read More »

New Learning Technologist Andy Bright

TEL Update

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We’re delighted to announce that Andy Bright has been appointed as our new Academic Learning Technologist. Many of you will already know Andy as he’s been our TEL Advisor and first point of contact for the team for the past three years. He has done a fabulous job in keeping our service running efficiently and the promotion is well deserved. Please bear with us while we are working to recruit a replacement TEL advisor.

Libby Symonds
Head of Technology Enhanced Learning

TEL Update Read More »

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To all Blackboard users – VLE Review

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Our VLE will be changing from September 2024 and we would like to start the conversation with users now to gather feedback, which will inform how we move forward with this important platform.

As an initial step we have created a short survey to gather your thoughts on what features and tools you find useful and how you use the VLE in your learning and teaching. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and we would like to gather responses from as many users as possible so please follow this link to complete the survey https://ucw.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/virtual-learning-environment-review-2022

We will also be holding some open workshops for staff to come along to and take part in more detailed discussion. These workshops will be held on June 14th, 17th and 23rd and you can register your interest on the staff development booking system. The workshops will be face to face and facilitated by the TEL Unit and include a range of interactive activities and discussions so please come along and join us if you can.

Libby Symonds

Head of Technology Enhanced Learning Unit

To all Blackboard users – VLE Review Read More »

Fix your Content day on May 19th

Ally Training for Fix Your Content Day

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Each year, the global accessibility community unites on the third Thursday of May for Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) to highlight the need for more inclusive digital content. Blackboard seek to join the conversation by inspiring and motivating institutions across the globe to demonstrate how accessible content is better content.

As part of this initiative Blackboard are hosting a Fix Your Content Day which encourages academics to use Blackboard Ally to help make the content on their Blackboard pages more accessible.

To support this initiative we are hosting an additional Ally and Accessiblity workshop which will give your the tools and know-how you need to participate in Fix Your Content Day and contribute to an overall in improvement of accessibility.

The workshop will tale place on Wednesday, 18th May, the day before Global Accessibility Awareness Day so just in time to support you in fixing your content. You can sign up for the workshop on the staff development booking system and register for the Fix Your Content challenge with Blackboard from this link.

Ally Training for Fix Your Content Day Read More »