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Inclusive by Design
As part of Learning Service’s “Inclusive by Design” initiative and on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Learning Technology Development (LTD) want to mention some of the things we are doing to support staff to generate content and resources that are usable for all. The team are working with others to improve content across all areas but more importantly for students to be able to use resources in a way that suites them and their needs.
Introducing Blackboard Ally (coming January 2019).
- Ally provides you guidance on how to correct accessibility issues with your digital course content. Students are able to download a version of the file most appropriate for their device and need.
Social Sites – VLE Skip Link option.
- Important for keyboard-only users to navigate VLE content without getting bogged down in a seemingly never ending series of clicks before they are able to move on to the next item.
Transcripts and Closed Captions.
- The latest LTD video productions contain transcripts for those who prefer to follow the action in word form. Closed captions offer everyone the ability to follow what is being said, especially good for those when English isn’t their first language.
Our Staff Development Programme.
- Aims to support staff in the production of content that means all students can benefit from your content, in a way they prefer and suites their learning style.
Want to learn more about these and how they and other technologies can support student learning, contact your Learning Technology Development Officer.
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Summer Upgrade (Blackboard)
The summer 2018 upgrade has been quite a big deal for the Learning Technology Team. We have been months in planning for the latest upgrade with the idea in mind that if we do it right then you shouldn’t see any difference! It does make sense… honestly… let us briefly explain;
For a number of years Blackboard Learning Edge has been provided from a ‘hosted service’ but we have now moved to a SaaS (Software as a Service) model. This means that, whereas before we had to carefully manage modifications, updates, bug fixes and upgrades this is now handled at the core by Blackboard and so we will have significantly less downtime in the future as updates and upgrades can happen subtly with less end-user inconvenience.
So as mentioned, you shouldn’t actually see any difference but what this will allow us to do is introduce more interesting features and functions over the next year or so rather than one big summer bang!
So what is there to come?
We’re aiming to bring in an improved way of managing content within Learning Edge which should make it easier to manage files and share them across courses and modules. Also on the timeline are tools such as Panopto quizzes, improvements to Qwickly (with Qwickly Attendance Pro) and also the potential for a (basic) portfolio tool within Blackboard. We are also beginning pilots with a few users to try out some new accessibility tools to give students the best possible experience when studying in your course areas and modules.
What can I use now?
There have been a few noticeable changes, like you now have access to an improved Grade Centre view including:
- An ‘expand‘ button in the top right-hand corner so you can see more Grade Centre ‘real-estate’:
- also responsive column headers so that they will stack if they are long and need to go onto two lines or more:
- and a tool that we think will come in very handy is the new ‘Availability‘ button for quick on/off access to the course or module.
If you would like any further help or advice on your use of Learning Edge, Blackboard or any other learning technologies then please get in touch with your departmental Learning Technologist. Details can be found within the Staff and/or Help tabs within Blackboard:
…or you can drop a line to [email protected]
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Supporting your students using Reading Lists Online
Edge Hill academic staff have been using Reading Lists Online since November 2017 to create up-to-date dynamic resource lists for their students.
As Reading Lists Online is a web-based tool, lists can be updated and published to your students immediately; there is no longer any need to wait for your lists to be updated. You can direct your students to any type of material, including webpages, Lynda.com tutorials and Box of Broadcasts playlists, as well as traditional books and journal articles.
You can use Reading Lists Online to instruct Learning Services of the new titles you want to purchase for the library collection.
Watch the video below to hear what a member of staff from Sport & Physical Activity has to say about using Reading Lists Online.
You can find additional information on Reading Lists Online on the Learning Services Wiki or please contact your Academic Engagement Specialist.
