{"id":5934,"date":"2020-06-30T21:24:52","date_gmt":"2020-06-30T21:24:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sites.reading.ac.uk\/tel\/?page_id=5934"},"modified":"2025-06-26T17:44:24","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T17:44:24","slug":"engagement_in_blackboard_course","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.reading.ac.uk\/tel\/engagement_in_blackboard_course\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I foster presence in my Blackboard Course?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Engaging students with your digital practice<\/a>\u00a0 builds their perception of your online presence, even where you are offline. Outside of Scheduled Teaching and Learning Activities, your teaching presence can be strengthened if positioning\u00a0your Blackboard module as a dynamic platform<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b>(beyond a file repository) that evolves as the module unfolds<\/strong> and grows as\u00a0students interact<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

For example, the\u00a0Blackboard module<\/strong>\u00a0is the main connection students have to the university, their\u00a0programme and other students, <\/strong>so\u00a0update it weekly and seek opportunities for student led interaction, collaboration and authoring. The aim is to make learners feel like part of an active learning community<\/strong> centered around a main hub; the Blackboard module pages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The following tips will help maintain your presence in Blackboard and engage students throughout the term.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What practical steps can I take?<\/span><\/h2>\n

IMPORTANT: Ensure communication is provided asynchronously<\/span><\/b>, where possible, in addition to scheduled teaching and learning activities. This supports students to remain engaged in the event of issues with technology access, changing work commitments or caring responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n