This page provides a summary of the University platforms you are likely to use to access digitally enabled teaching and learning during your studies.
Blackboard Learn Ultra
Blackboard is the central hub where you can access module and programme information and resources, recorded lectures, and interactive sessions (such as seminars) which are being delivered online.
Getting started with Blackboard
YuJa
You will access recorded lectures and other video materials through Blackboard, but they play in YuJa.
Live interactive online sessions
Whether any online interactive sessions are taking place using Class Collaborate or a Teams Meeting, you will be able to access them via a link in your Blackboard Course.
See How to join a live online session for more information.
Class Collaborate
This is webinar software integrated with Blackboard. You may use Collaborate for online seminars and other interactive sessions. You may also be able to use it for group work with other students on your module.
See: Getting started with Collaborate
Microsoft Teams Meetings
This is webinar software from Microsoft. You may use Teams Meetings for online seminars and other interactive sessions. You may also be able to use it for group work with other students on your module.
See: Getting started with MS Teams Meetings
Office 365
For information about free access to Office 365 services, visit the DTS O365 webpage. Useful tools you will likely need for study include: OneDrive cloud storage, Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint for example), email and calendar.
Digital Technology Services guide for students
For advice on broadband speed, buying a computer, free University software and much more, go to the Student DTS Guide.
Help for students in China
Technical advice for students studying in China (DTS help page)
Help with how to study and learn at University
Study Smart
If you are a new undergraduate based on the Reading campus, you will be invited to join this online study skills course. Developed by the Study Advice team, this aims to give you the best possible preparation for studying at university level and is exclusively available to University of Reading students.
See Essentials > Study Smart for more information.
Guide last updated on October 14, 2024
