Digital Learning

An update to Release Conditions means you can now create multiple rules to govern the release of content to students, limiting access to content until conditions for at least one rule is met.  If you used Blackboard Original in the past this is similar to Advanced Adaptive Release but much simpler to use!

You can create rules for release conditions based on these criteria: date, time, and grade range performance criteria. You can also create rules for specific individual learners, groups, or for all members.

Getting Started with Release Conditions

You’ll notice a fresh new look on the release conditions page. It now opens as a full page, making it much easier to read and view the various rules you’re creating.

Why use Multiple Rules?

Here are some examples of why you might want to apply multiple rules before releasing content. If you have any ideas and would like our help to run some tests, please contact us at [email protected].

Example 1 – Using groups and performance criteria

You want to give Group A access to content once they have received a score of 16 on a test, but Group B can view the item once they receive a score of 14 on the test. 

Step 1: Give your rule a name.

Step 2: Select ‘Specific members or groups’ and choose the group you want to apply this to from the drop-down menu.  If you haven’t already created course groups, you can create them at this point.

Step 3: Select ‘Performance’ and under ‘Markable item’ select the test you are working with an then select the requirement.

Once you have completed the criteria for the first rule, press save and ‘Add new rule’.  You can then repeat steps 1-3 to create your second rule.

Example 2 – Selecting groups and date/time criteria

You want to give a certain group or individual access to some content immediately but give the rest of the class access after a certain date.

Step 1: Give your group a name.

Step 2: Select ‘Specific members or groups’ and choose the group you want to apply this to from the drop-down menu.  If you haven’t already created course groups, you can create them at this point.

Step 3: Select ‘Date/time’ and under ‘Access from’ select the appropriate date/time you want the selected group to access the content from.

Step 4: Save this rule and then click ‘Add new rule’ and repeat steps 1-3.

After you save a rule, you will have the option to choose when content will appear.

Choose if you want the content to appear before course members meet the release conditions:

• Selecting Show will mean all course members can see this item in the content list, but they can’t open it until all release conditions are met/
• Selecting Hide will mean hidden items don’t appear in the content list until conditions are met.

Last year we collaborated with a module leader managing a relatively large cohort of students who wanted to organise the class into groups of students. Her objectives were to:

1. Facilitate group collaboration using tools like discussion boards.
2. Assign a module tutor to each group, who would also handle the assessment grading.
3. Enable the module leader to oversee grading, especially for newer staff members needing moderated marking.
4. Provide a system for creating signup sheets for students to attend workshops.

All of this was achieved by using the Groups tool within Blackboard.

Groups of Students working together on Discussion Boards

A Group Set was created called Learning Sets. Once a Group Set is created it can be applied to discussion boards, tests and assignments. In this example students were manually divided into 6 groups; each group was clearly labelled with the name of the tutor leading the group.

When a new discussion topic was created, this was applied to the groups via Discussion Settings.

Using this method, students can only see posts from other members of their group.  For more information on how to set this up visit our Group Discussion Board page

Using groups to filter assessments for marking.

In the Gradebook, click on the Assignment you are reviewing and then click the arrow next to “All Students.” This will display all the group sets you have created within the module. Select the relevant group set to view only the students in your specific group.

From the Gradebook ‘Marks’ view you can also apply a filter to only show students in your own group.  This function is particularly useful for Module Leaders wanting a quick overview of marks. 

Creating Sign Up Sheets

During the term a number of workshops are held, and students can pick a topic or session time they wish to attend.   This was managed by creating self-signup groups where students add themselves to a group rather than being allocated.

You can limit the maximum number of students selecting each group. 

When creating your group select Self-enrolment and the number of groups you want. 

Students can then sign up for a workshop by clicking on Groups from within the module and pressing Join next to the group that suits them.

If you would like help setting up groups within your modules contact [email protected] or visit Blackboard pages: Create and Manage Groups.

GAAD 2024 celebrations take place Thursday 16th May and is all about making the digital world more inclusive for everyone, including those with disabilities.

When it comes to learning, accessible content is crucial to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to succeed.

Implementing accessibility features such as transcripts, alt text, and compatibility with assistive technologies, we can remove barriers and allow everyone to fully engage with the materials we create regardless of their abilities. In doing so, we promote diversity, enhance comprehension, and foster a more accessible education experience for all.

By prioritizing accessibility in online learning materials, we can create a more equitable educational environment where every student has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential.

That’s why we, in Learning Services, are celebrating GAAD by increasing awareness and promoting practices that make digital content more inclusive for all learners!

During Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Learning Services are putting on a two GAAD Special events:

Anthology® Ally Initiatives.

Also Celebrating Accessibility and Inclusion are our colleagues from Anthology® Ally.

Throughout May 2024, the Anthology® Ally team will be hosting a variety of engaging activities to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Month (GAAM) aimed at making accessibility a priority and creating a positive impact on inclusive learning around the globe.

Learn more about GAAM and join us. Register today.