Blackboard

Blackboard is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), the online classroom is one of the main tools used by the university; most students use Blackboard whilst completing their course. Get to grips with the basics of Blackboard.

Discussion boards are often used within Blackboard as an online meeting place for students or for marked assessment. If you need more information about discussion boards have a look at our dedicated discussion board guide. Wikis are another tool used by your tutors to get students working together online, to share ideas or complete marked work. Our wiki guide gives you the basics in getting started using a wiki.

Blogs are a useful student tool. Your tutor will set up a blog within Blackboard that may be for the whole course, for a smaller group or individual work. Blogs are often used for reflective writing or to group together questions that you may have about your course. Blogs, like discussion boards are displayed chronologically, with each entry or ‘post’ showing from newest first. Comments can also be made on each blog post. Your work on Blackboard is in a secure space and only those on the course can log into see the course blog, wiki or discussion board.

Watch this video from the University of Tennessee and find out how to find and edit blogs on Blackboard:

Assessment in Blackboard may be in the form of blogs, wikis or discussion boards. You may also submit your assignments into Blackboard using the turnitin System. For more information about turnitin have a look at the turnitin area which is full of useful information, printed guides and videos.

Finally, if you want to access Blackboard on your mobile: http://help.blackboardmobile.com, Blackboard have developed a number of apps for different phone systems, you can download the app and integrate with the University system. Troubleshooting for common mobile Blackboard problems is also available.