Course Template
Every Blackboard course area contains a standard set of pages, ready for you to populate. This page menu structure breaks down the major elements common to most courses. This means that students can more easily find information necessary for:
- Course orientation
- Communication with tutors
- The course handbook or module guide
- All reading used in the course
- Lecture slides and other learning tools
- Course assessment information
Default Course Structure
This template has been devised following extensive consultation with students, who identified the need for consistency in the use of the system. It is expected that all teaching staff will provide students with access to at least this minimum level of information and course structure.
Typically, the default template pages contain the following:
| Page | Purpose | Content | Format | Help |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome | The welcome page should provide an orientation for students to the online module with clear contact details and information on how the site will be used. | Name of tutors teaching the module, plus contact details:
|
An item containing text, images or video of tutors together with appropriate web links. | See how to edit the Welcome page. |
| Module Information | This page should provide administrative information on the module that the students can refer to. | Module specification, module outline, timetable etc. | An item containing explanatory text with links to relevant uploaded Word or PDF materials. | See how to add a document link to a Blackboard page. |
| Learning Resources | This section should provide support for teaching and learning by allowing students to access resources relevant to lectures and seminars to aid in reflection and general preparation for assessment. | Materials to support and re-inforce learning from seminars and lectures. These should be released in a timely way. It is recommended that you upload your lecture slides at least 24 hours prior to the start of the associated session. | All formats can be used including documents, presentations, audio or video files. Organisation and layout may vary according to pedagogic approach. | See how to structure your learning materials and tools with a Learning Module. |
| Reading List | To provide students with access to reading materials relevant to the module. | Links to relevant reading materials. | Link to the reading list system personalised for each module. | If you have a Talis Aspire reading list it will automatically appear in your Blackboard course. You can manually choose alternative reading lists if required, or use reading list sections to split reading over multiple Blackboard pages. |
| Announcements | To provide timely information to students on any changes or updates relevant to the module. | Announcement tool link in the course menu. | Any format can be sent - text, images and video can be used. Announcements may also be sent as an email. | See more on announcements. |
| Assessment | This page is intended to provide clear guidance on assessment details including the assignment submission point. | Clear instructions on assessment methods, marking criteria and method of submission should be provided. Be sure to include any key assignment information here, such as:
|
An item or document with assignment details. Turnitin or Blackboard submission point. | See how to set up a Turnitin assessment. See how to set up a Blackboard Assignment.
|
| Virtual Classroom | Online space for learning. | Live synchronous lecture or seminar sessions. Has interactive whiteboard and allows student participation. | Video / whiteboard / online collaboration. | See more on Collaborate. |
| Panopto | Hosts pre-recorded video, and allows live screen and webcam recording. | Pre-recorded or live video stream. | Video. | See more on Panopto. |
* You are free to add, remove or rename any page on the template. However, please ensure that any changes you make are also applied course-wide to maintain a consistent student experience.