What is Blackboard?
Blackboard Learn is the University’s centrally supported Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It is a flexible, web-based system that enables tutors to deliver online learning to students that is accessible at any time and anywhere via an Internet connection.
It provides a practical way to:
- deliver and organise teaching content and activities
- offer dynamic interaction, communication and collaboration
- provide links to essential resources (websites, reading lists and past exam papers)
- track, monitor and assess student progress.
Blackboard is used to support different teaching methods and modes of delivery across various disciplines at the University, supporting both face-to-face teaching, blended learning and distance provision.
The CQSD TEL Team can support you in using Blackboard in your teaching and learning, from setting up your course to advising on learning design and how to use the various features in Blackboard effectively to enhance students’ learning.
How do I get access?
Access to Blackboard
- All staff are automatically given access to Blackboard. You can log-in with your IT username and password at www.bb.reading.ac.uk
Access to the modules you are teaching
- You will need to be given access to the modules you are teaching on or involved with.
- Check to see if this is done by local administrators in your Department or School. Any member of staff who is already enrolled on a module you need can add you and assign you the role you require, (e.g. Instructor, Marker, Teaching Assistant).
Where can I get help?
- We run a programme of short courses that will help you develop the right skills and understanding. This includes bookable one-to-one surgeries for individual support.
- There are step-by-step guides on all aspects of using Blackboard on the TEL Support site, which can also be accessed from the ‘Blackboard Help’ tabs from within Blackboard.
- The CQSD TEL Team can support staff in using Blackboard for teaching and learning, from setting up your course, to advising on course design and how to use Blackboard effectively as part of your teaching.
If you have any problems or questions about using Blackboard, please report this via the IT Self Service Portal (TOPdesk) or email it@reading.ac.uk
How do I get started?
New to the University or using TEL? Make sure you check out the TEL checklist to get started.
Need guidance on using the Audio/Visual facilities in teaching rooms? Please visit the Teaching and Learning Facilities blog.