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. 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.
This 5 minute video (aimed at and available to students) provides an overview of Blackboard and how it used for teaching and learning at Reading:
Hear how Dr David Nutt (Chemistry) and Adrian Aronsson-Storrier (Law) use Blackboard in their teaching.
Students find Blackboard an incredibly useful tool, giving them flexible access to their materials, as former RUSU Education Officer, Fifi Bangham, explains:
The CQSD TEL Team can support you in using Blackboard, 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 University of Reading username and password at www.bb.reading.ac.uk – see our guide Logging in.
Access to the modules you are teaching
- You will need to be given access to the modules you are teaching on or involved with.
- In most Schools this is done by programme administrators in the Support Centre. The module convenor, or any other member of staff who is already enrolled on a module you need can enrol 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 consultations 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 Self Service Portal (TOPdesk).
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.