Our Virtual Learning Environment is Blackboard Learn (often referred to as Course Resources).
- Blackboard’s core functionality includes:
- Blackboard Collaborate – online collaborative video conferencing.
- Blackboard Ally – supports development of accessible course materials and provides alternative formats
- Blackboard Assignments – eSubmission and plagiarism detection tool
- Blackboard Tests – online quiz and exam
- Turnitin – originality and plagiarism checking tool
- Talis Aspire – Reading Lists
- Panopto – Lecture Recording
- PebblePad – ePortfolio
- EvaSys – Module evaluation surveys
- Respondus – Lock down browser
- OneNote class notebook – collaborative note sharing.
Blackboard (Course Resources) undergoes an annual upgrade each year. This takes place in early July and during this time, the university ensures that we are running the most appropriate version of the systems. Consultation on upgrade takes place in the Digital Governance meeting forums. Upgrade typically involves 2 days of downtime.
Please explore the full Digital Practice Handbook site, for advice and guidance. Our Guides provide a useful overview for each of our tools.
We also have Microsoft Office 365 that as well as having a wealth of inbuilt tools to support accessibility, there are the following to support learning and teaching.
- OneNote class notebook – collaborative note sharing
- Forms – forms and quizzes
- Teams – group communication and collaboration
- OneDrive – file store, but enables simultaneous document collaboration.
- Sway – digital storytelling.
If you experience any technical issues, please contact IT Services via itservicecentre@derby.ac.uk