Blackboard is the University of Worcester’s primary Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Linked to the student records system, all students have access to the modules they are taking. It provides a variety of tools which you can utilise to support your learning and teaching. You can use Blackboard to deliver learning materials, communicate with students via notifications and discussion forums, deliver and assess quizzes, tests, online assignments and much more.
Accessing Blackboard
All University of Worcester staff and students can access Blackboard via their staff/student portal. Alternatively, you can login via this direct link here. You’ll need to enter your University username and password.
If you require access to a module on Blackboard that you are teaching on, you can add yourself via the Blackboard Request form on your staff homepage (available when logged in). Instructions on how to add yourself to a Blackboard module can be found here.
Blackboard also has a mobile app for Instructors so you can manage your courses, send announcements, and connect with students – all on your phone or tablet. The app is available to download from the App Store and Google Play
Please note that Chrome and Firefox are the ONLY supported browsers and must be used to access Blackboard.
Getting Started
The TEL Unit have put together a range of support materials to get you started with Blackboard:
After extensive consultation with students, a set of Baseline Standards have been produced which help ensure consistency across course areas within the VLE.
The student experience of Blackboard is subject to the way in which colleagues use it, based on student feedback we have created some guidance to support staff.
Training
The TEL Unit offers various Blackboard training sessions, such as:
Blackboard Basics – getting started with Blackboard for new users
Blackboard Course Design – for designing and creating new course areas
Communication Tools – understanding how to use the built in Blackboard tools, including:
- Blogs
- Journals
- Discussion Boards
- Wikis
- Groups
Retention Centre and Statistics – accessing course statistics and monitoring student activity
To view upcoming training sessions and book, visit the Staff Development Workshops page.
Can’t find what you are looking for? The team are happy to provide tailored training sessions to meet your needs, just email tel@worc.ac.uk with your request.
