The UWL Blackboard Baseline and the associated Blackboard Module Template for 2018-19 are now available.
Modules created since 23 July 2018 have the new template. Modules are created automatically 6-weeks before their start date.
The majority of Modules for Semester 1, 2018-19 will be created overnight on Monday 6 August so will be available to module leaders on Tuesday. (How-to get access to a Blackboard course)
New for 2018-19
The Blackboard Baseline has been amended following consultation with staff and the SU. It builds on the 2017-18 version. There are four main changes:
- Module Outline: a requirement to include a weekly outline on the Module Information page.
- Discussion Forums: two new Forums – Peer Support Forum & Assessment Support Forum.
- Assessment: a new outline of summative assessments; a new Fit-to-Sit student guide on preparing for exams (complementing the existing Fit-to-Submit guide).
- Timing: modules and most of the items must be available in time for enrolment.
Guidance Material
We have extended the Blackboard Baseline Guidance to cover both the requirements and the rationale. There is more guidance than last year. If anything is unclear please let us know.
Rationale
The overall purpose for the baseline and the use of a standard template is to improve the students’ learning experience and provide better academic support.
The baseline and template provide consistency for students across modules. They are based on good practice in both learning design and web design. This year’s changes extend the baseline to provide online ‘scaffolding’ and improve support for assessment.
The rationale for individual items is in the Blackboard Baseline Guidance.
