VLE Review
The new VLE ‘Blackboard Learn Ultra’ is a modern, intuitive course environment for both staff and students. The course areas are vastly different from our current version of Blackboard, and we will be working closely with Course teams over the next few months, to provide training and promote best practice in the use of Ultra.
It is anticipated that all courses and modules will be delivered on the new system for the 24/25 academic year.
To Keep yourself up-to-date with how the project is progressing, follow our blog.
Blackboard Learn Ultra Office Hours
The TEL Unit is now offering fortnightly MS Teams meetings specifically for staff who have completed the Blackboard Ultra training and need further support with their Ultra course building. These office hours allow staff to seek assistance with specific Ultra-related queries and receive help in developing their Ultra modules.
No advance booking is required. For dates, times, and the link to the sessions, visit the TEL blog.
VLE Project Progress
We have been working hard over the last several months to get the new environment set up and running, with all the associated integrations, ready for training to commence. To do this, we have worked closely with colleagues from across the University. A key part of the project, has been providing briefing sessions to departments, collaborating with Pilot users and gathering feedback to ensure the transition into the new VLE system is as smooth as possible.
VLE Staff Briefing Session
The TEL Unit has conducted numerous department visits to deliver briefing sessions regarding the new system and the transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra.
Additionally, we’ve hosted several online sessions that all staff members have been invited to join.
Pilot Feedback
If you are interested in finding out what our Pilot users think about the new VLE, and any discoveries they have made through using Blackboard Learn Ultra, please see a summary of their feedback, below:
As we continue to implement the new VLE we are keen to hear any questions or thoughts you may have about the project. Therefore, if you require any further information, please contact Libby Symonds, Head of Technology Enhanced Learning Unit, e.symonds@worc.ac.uk.
FAQs
We have the following FAQs, for the most common queries about the new VLE:
Yes. Blackboard Ultra presents a significant change to the way courses are displayed and navigated, with a modernised and streamlined approach.
Whilst we can provide you with access to your files outside of the VLE, due to changes in course structure, you’ll need to populate your module areas again. However, this is an ideal opportunity to rethink your course content and start afresh. Blackboard Ultra offers lots of new opportunities to restructure and redesign your course, and we strongly encourage you to engage with training, so that you can get the most out of the new system.
Yes, the TEL Unit will be providing training sessions, so all staff will be aware of the important changes and how to take the best approach, to ensure courses are well designed using the Ultra system.
Yes. Although we are still using the same software provider, the Blackboard Ultra system is substantially different and offers a number of advantages over Blackboard Learn. In order to get the most out of the system it is highly recommended that you attend a training session.
Yes. This is a model of training that has proved to be very effective, and is particularly beneficial in helping teams adopt a course-wide approach. Please get in touch if you would like a session for your course team.
Yes. Please email TEL if you are interested: tel@worc.ac.uk
It is hoped that early adopters will be able to use the VLE in Semester 2, 23-24. All staff and students will use Blackboard Ultra in Semester 1, 24-25, going forward.
We will be running trials of the new VLE during Semester 2, this academic year. We welcome applications from staff who are considering being an early adopter.
We are offering face-to-face training for whole course teams. Training will include discussion on how best to design your modules for the new system, and we recommend as many members of the course team are present as possible, so that decisions can be made together, to ensure consistency across the course. We do appreciate it may not be feasible for all course members to attend training at the same time. Therefore, we will be arranging additional mop-up sessions further down the line once we have all the course team training in place.
Departmental or course team leaders will be able to book sessions by contacting the TEL team directly, tel@worc.ac.uk. When you make your training request, please let us know the following details:
- The course this training will be for
- The module codes within the course
- The members of staff on this course
Check with your Course or Departmental leader for all the details, or alternatively, you can contact the TEL team directly, at tel@worc.ac.uk. Training is due to commence at the end of April and will continue throughout the summer months. We will also correspond directly with training groups.
You will gain access to your Blackboard Learn Ultra modules at the time of your first training session.
Please ensure you have access to a bank of resources, that you have already created, which are going to be most useful in the first few weeks of your module commencing. You will be able to make a start, adding these to your module, as part of the design and learning process during training.
We will be running additional mop-up training sessions, further down the line, for staff who are not able to attend their department / course team’s training. Please do inform us if you are not able to attend your course team’s training, along with details of your availability, and we will be certain to contact you, with all the details about these additional sessions.
We plan to have available a range of help videos and a training module which staff will be able to access. As part of your training, we will also be putting together guidance, which you will be able to take away with you, that you can refer to as you design and add content to your modules. In addition, our Learning Technologists will continue to be available for a chat if you have any questions, or if you require further training on any aspects of Blackboard Learn Ultra.
You will be able to access your Ultra modules in the same way which you access your current Blackboard Learn modules, by clicking on the Applications link which is available through the Staff Portal.
Our new VLE is ‘Blackboard Learn Ultra’.
If you would like to experience Ultra before face-to-face training commences, please do contact the TEL team to request a test module to be created for you, at tel@worc.ac.uk.
No, for the moment Organisations will remain as Blackboard Learn areas.
