What is Blackboard?

Blackboard virtual learning environment logo

Blackboard is the online home for your studies and is a key resource during your time as a student at UWL. So why use Blackboard?

  • Your tutor will share learning materials like module outlines, lecture notes, assignment briefs, grades and feedback.
  • You will be able to see announcements.
  • There is an area for coursework submission. 
  • You can collaborate through discussion boards, and forums.
  • Access videos of lectures that are relevant to you.
  • Access tools for creating portfolios, blogs and websites. 

Key information for using Blackboard

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Getting started - logging in and finding your way around

All students have a Blackboard account. This is created when you enrol and is automatically activated once your enrolment has been processed.

Find out how to log in, add a profile picture, find your way around the homepage and get technical support and guidance should you need it.

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Courses, modules, assessments & announcements

All of your modules are listed on the Courses page. Inside each module you will find:

  • Announcements
  • Module information and learning materials
  • Assessments
  • Messages from your lecturers and course administrators. These are also sent to your UWL email address
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Submitting your work, getting feedback and accessing grades on Blackboard

A lot of your coursework will be collected and marked online. Blackboard has different assessment tools for coursework. They are used to collect your work and provide feedback including a provisional grade.
The most commonly used assessment tool is Turnitin UK. Blackboard Assessment can also be used to submit your work and get feedback.
 

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Discussions using Blackboard

The Discussion Boards within Blackboard are a way for you to post messages, which can be read by other members of a course - students and staff.

Anything which is posted within these boards stays within the Blackboard system and you will need to log in to Blackboard to read any new messages, reply to a message or post a new message of your own.

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Blackboard on the go

The Blackboard app provides you with easy access to some features of your Blackboard courses and modules including announcements, learning material, discussions, grades.

Not everything is available in the Blackboard app so you must access Blackboard via the web (Student Portal) too. For example, the due dates for Turnitin assignments are not displayed in the app.

Studying off-campus

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If you are unable to attend face-to-face sessions, you will be able to catch up online throughout this academic year. You will have access to weekly content and activities that will enable you to complete your modules online, and the ability to submit your assessment online too.

Our Studying off-campus pages will help you to understand what that means for you and can provide some tips on making the most of this time. 

IT Service desk

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For technical support using Blackboard and other learning technologies contact the IT Service Desk: