Introduction to Blackboard

1
Introduction to Blackboard
Jo Bruce CSED Short Course

• http//www.uea.ac.uk/ltg/blackboard

2
What is a Virtual Learning Environment?

• A web-based environment which supports and/or
  manages various aspects of teaching and learning
• An VLE can be produced in-house or supported by a
  commercial software package such as Blackboard

3
VLE Advantages

• Supports flexible learning and/or distance
  learning
• May reduce feelings of isolation for distance
  learners, part-time students
• Can encourage less confident students
• Encourages independent learning
• Can save the institution time and money (?)
• Usually easy to set-up and administer

4
Advantages of Blackboard

• Ease of use
• Common interface for students
• Lots of functionality
• Course content distribution
• Group communication collaboration
• Assessment
• Student management
• Flexible

5
Technical Set-up

• Client-server technology
• All materials, messages, quizzes etc. held on a
  central server
• Users access Blackboard via web browser
  (client)
• Netscape or Internet Explorer 4 or higher for
  full functionality
• Password restricted

6
Course User Roles

• Five types
• Instructor highest level of privilege, access
  to all course options
• Teacher's Assistant "roughly equivalent" to
  Instructor, limited user management privileges
• Grader access only to assessment area
• Course Builder can alter content and help with
  user management
• Student cannot alter content or functionality
• Each user can have only one role per course
• This course is from Instructor's perspective

7
Hands-on

• Login to UEA Blackboard server at
• http//blackboard.uea.ac.uk/
• Login details have been provided
• Remember to change your password!!