A warm welcome to Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) at the University of Reading!
Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) is a term used to describe how technology can support and help facilitate effective and engaging practice in teaching and learning, and is given a high priority at the university as Professor Gavin Brooks (Pro-Vice Chancellor for Teaching & Learning) explains:
The TEL Team support the use of various technologies and tools across the university, chief amongst which are Blackboard Learn and Turnitin.
Blackboard Learn (Bb) is the University’s web-based learning platform, which is the main system used to deliver teaching and learning online.
Turnitin (accessed via Blackboard) is used for the online submission of assignments and checking students’ work for originality.
Getting Started
1. Questions to ask your school, department or programme about TEL:
a) Before you start teaching with Blackboard (Bb), find out the following:
- How does the programme/course use Bb to support teaching and learning?
- What will be your role in using Bb within the programme/course?
- Are there any specific approaches or practices to the use of Bb on your programme/course that are used to provide a consistent student experience?
- What is the school/department’s process for e-submission, e-marking and e-feedback?
b) Who are the staff in your Support Centre that can help with some of your Blackboard administrative queries (e.g. enrol you on new modules)? Support Centre staff work in partnership with academics and have good knowledge of teaching and learning administrative processes related to the use of Blackboard.
c) Are there any school/department-specific approaches or practices to the use of TEL more broadly (e.g. projects or initiatives)? This will help you identify any priorities or areas of focus that might impact your teaching.
d) Are there any school/department-specific learning technologies that are available for you to use, which are supported locally? This will help you to identify what you are able to use easily and be supported.
e) Who are the staff in your school/department with an interest in TEL or have a role supporting TEL (e.g. members of the TEL Practitioner Forum)? You will find it useful to talk to colleagues involved with TEL and learn from their practice.
2. Practical things for you to do:
a) Log in to Blackboard at www.bb.reading.ac.uk using your university log in and password. Students are enrolled automatically on their modules on Blackboard. Staff need to be added by teaching colleagues or administrators.
b) Speak to the convenor of your module/s to ensure you are enrolled on the Blackboard modules you’re teaching or supporting.
c) Complete the short online course BB1: Blackboard Orientation. This provides an overview of Blackboard Learn and highlights the essential features of a Blackboard course. To access this course, log in to Blackboard by clicking here and click on the +Enrol option at the bottom of the course menu to enrol yourself on the course. It should take roughly 20 minutes to complete.
d) Check out the Blackboard FAQs and our range of guides and self-help materials, which can also be accessed on the Blackboard Help (Staff) tab on Blackboard.
e) Browse the TEL professional development programme and book a place to attend relevant training sessions.
f) Once you’re up and running, for a more in-depth discussion on a specific aspect of TEL within your module/programme, you can book a 30-minute TEL 1-2-1 Consultation. Simply email it@reading.ac.uk with a summary of your query.
g) Subscribe to the TEL Blog for latest news and updates from the TEL team. Follow @unirdg_tel on Twitter.
Need any help?
If you have a Blackboard or Turnitin query, or need to contact the TEL Team, please log a ticket on the IT Self Service Portal or email it@reading.ac.uk with full details. This will ensure your query is addressed by an appropriate person as promptly as possible.