As the Module Convenor or the lead academic teaching the module, you will need to prepare your Blackboard Ultra Course ready for the new Semester. You may wish to coordinate these tasks with other module instructors or teaching assistants who teach on the module.
If you are a new member of staff, please view the Getting started with TEL page on the TEL website, in addition to the advise below.
Complete the following key tasks:
- Refer to the Blackboard Course Rollover guide, with step-by-step instructions for preparing and setting up your course.
- How to use the Ultra Course template explains the institutionally agreed template and how to set up each section. Work through the guidance to build your course.
- Create accessible Blackboard content for your students.
- Once ready, make your Course available to your students.
- Book to attend relevant TEL staff development.
Resources to help your students prepare to use Blackboard
Introduce students to your Blackboard course and provide an overview of what you use Blackboard for and how you use it. You can do this in your start of term communications.
Remind students where and when they can submit work for online assessments and access their marks and feedback, and which type of assignment tools they can expect to be using in your module.
Direct students to the following resources to support their use of Blackboard and key university platforms:
- Introduction to Blackboard video (5 mins)
- Essentials Blackboard & Learning Capture page
- Blackboard Ultra – Key information for students (student help site)
- Downloading files in accessible alternative formats
- Learning capture and video content (YuJa)
- Live online sessions (info about using MS Teams Meetings for Teaching and Learning)
- Submitting work online
- Student DTS Guide – includes how to get Office 365 and set up Multifactor Authentication to log in.
What if you need further help?
If you have a query about how to use Blackboard, you can contact the CQSD TEL team using the DTS Self Service Portal.
Guide last updated on May 30, 2025