This summer, Blackboard will be upgraded to include a number of new & exciting features!
The upgrade will take place from Sunday 23rd July 2017 (2:30 pm) until Monday 24th July 2017 (2:30 pm). During this time, please note that the VLE will be unavailable.
We are busy testing all of the new features and if successful these may include:
Mobile Access – More Responsive Design
This release includes a new theme that provides a more modern look and feel (colour, font & spacing enhancements) and it significantly increases the responsiveness of the interface for small devices. This upgrade feature will improve accessibility and functionality with the Blackboard Instructor App which is coming soon!
Assignment Submissions
Drag & Drop
Students: Can drag & drop files to upload when they submit assignments instead of using the ‘Browse my Computer’ option!
Staff: Don’t forget staff can host content files in our digital repository – eShare!
Submission receipts
Administrators & Module/Programme Leaders can keep track of all student submissions, regardless of whether the attempt or assignment is deleted or the submission history is changed. A submission receipt is captured at the time of submission and includes information such as attached file information, date, time, etc.
A receipt is generated for each group member when a student submits on behalf of the group.
When students submit assignments successfully, the Review Submission History page appears with information about their submitted assignments and a success message with a confirmation number. Students can copy and save this number as proof of their submissions.
You can also email submission reminders to students and members of groups who have missing coursework!
Turnitin Feedback Studio
This will provide both staff and student enhancement highlights – more details to follow in another post.
Online Collaborate
Course tool links to ‘Blackboard Collaborate Ultra’ are now available. This offers a new interface & more functionality than the previous ‘Blackboard Collaborate Scheduling Manager’ tool link.
Library Support and Resources
My Library tab content refresh based on feedback from staff & students & transition from Rebus to Talis Aspire (coming soon) which will bring a more intuitive interface, dashboard for staff, & potential for deeper / more granular integration with Blackboard in the future.
Course Activity Reports
The Course Activity Overview report has been updated to improve the experience for larger enrolment courses. You can filter the report and break down the calculations of student activity by course groups.
For the full list of new features please refer to the release notes here.
Once we have successfully tested these features we will keep you updated!
Did you know……. Learning Edge Baseline and Course Templates have been updated? Info and guides are available on the staff tab:
2017-18 Baseline: http://eshare.edgehill.ac.uk/6892/
Guide to the Baseline and Course Templates: http://eshare.edgehill.ac.uk/11183/
Feel free to email [email protected] and we’d be more than happy to answer any questions.
Leah Wilson
Learning Technology Development Operations Coordinator