A project to design an approved institutional level course template has taken place. The purpose of the template is to optimise the student experience by letting students know where to look to find what they need and to practically assist colleagues to structure and locate content.
The template is designed to:
- Provide a consistent, well-structured and easy to navigate layout for students and staff.
- Indicate the baseline requirements for the provision of core information and content.
- Facilitate the delivery of digitally enabled learning to provide a cohesive online experience across Blackboard courses and create a sense of belonging.
Colleagues are guided with instructions on how to use the course template.
Student feedback has often highlighted the inconsistent and variable layout of courses and how this impacts usability, accessibility and engagement.
The development of the template is evidence-based and consolidates the recent work of individual Schools to improve consistency.
It was developed in conjunction with staff and students, an analysis of their experience and feedback; a review of existing templates and sector wide good practice; consideration of teaching, technical and operational requirements; and is designed to align with the Portfolio Review.
It has been approved by DELT & UBTLSE for use by all standard modules taught from the start of academic year 2024/25.