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Blackboard Tools

Online Teaching Toolkits > Getting started with teaching online > Blackboard Tools

The following tools are available within Blackboard Learn modules to use with your students. Use them to build your online learning presence.

ALLY
  • Generates alternative formats of files for students to use.
  • Provides you with an accessibility score.
  • Gives you step-by-step instructions on how to make your content more accessible.
Announcements
  • Simple text based notification tool within each module in Blackboard.
  • Easy way to deliver timely, targeted messages and reminders to students.
Assignment – Blackboard
  • Supports formative and summative assessment. 
  • A wide range of file formats can be submitted by students.
  • Online submission, e-marking and e-feedback tool.
  • Allows audio and video feedback.
Assignment – Gradescope
  • Supports formative and summative assessment, especially STEM subjects using handwritten mathematical and scientific notation.
  • Used for the digital submission and streamlined marking of handwritten work and programming code,
  • Uses AI assisted and automated marking.
Assignment – Turnitin
  • Supports formative and summative assessment.
  • A limited range of file formats can be submitted by students.
  • Online submission, e-marking and e-feedback tool. Audio feedback and reusable comments.
  • Generates Similarity Reports to support academic integrity. Students can have access to the reports.
Journal
  • Students make individual posts over time that are organised in reverse date order.
  • Diary entry format aids reflection.
  • Private between teacher and student.
  • You can monitor contributions and post comments.
Discussion
  • Students make structured written contributions and reply to other entries over a period of time.
  • Online space in a Blackboard Course for students to discuss / debate topics.
  • Gives students time to reflect and consider response before contributing.
Messages
  • Send Messages to students enrolled in a module directly from Blackboard.
  • Variety of options to send messages and email to different groups or individual students.
MS Teams Meetings
  • Provides the delivery of live online sessions with students for real-time learning.
  • Students appreciate the flexibiltiy and inclusivity of online sessions with the ability for immediate feedback and discreet for participation.
Peer Review
  • Students submit work that can be peer reviewed by other students on the module
  • Students review work against a set of criteria. This can be anonymous.
  • Can promote critical engagement and reflection.
  • Blackboard & Turnitin Assignemnts support peer review.
Tests
  • Delivery of online tests and quizzes within Blackboard modules that provide a record of results.
  • Useful for formative & diagnostic assessment, revision, analysing progress and understanding.
  • Can give students instant feedback.
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