10 January 2023
To help you get ready for Semester 2, below we have listed some resources and important updates for using Blackboard.
Getting Started
Our Getting Started page will help you design and develop your Blackboard module. You will find guides on adding content and structuring your module menu, webinar recordings, exemplary course tours, as well as general information on accessing and navigating Blackboard.
Access and Enrolment page
Our Access and Enrolment page has been updated with information on how to get enrolled to your modules, including a link to the VLE enrolment request form for administrative staff. The page also outlines how External Examiners can access Blackboard.
Online Assessment in Blackboard
Blackboard Assignments, Online Tests, and Turnitin are the main learning technologies for online assessment in Blackboard. You will find guides on setting up online assessments on our Online Exams page and important updates on Turnitin below.
Turnitin assignments
Turnitin assignments now add results to the Blackboard Grade Centre automatically (similar to Blackboard assignments). You will need to hide the Blackboard Grade Centre columns from students if you do not want them to see provisional grades via their My Grades section in Blackboard.
Assignments created using the old Turnitin integration (prior to summer 2022) will no longer be accessible in Blackboard from summer 2023. Please download any old assignment papers you need before summer 2023. Turnitin assignments created using the new integration during the current academic year are not affected.
The icon used for new Turnitin assignments will be updated from the current generic Link icon to a Turnitin-specific icon later this semester.
Accessibility in Blackboard
There are a range of accessibility features available in Blackboard, including Blackboard Ally. Ally will mark inaccessible content and provide advice on how to make your content accessible for all your students. Ally also provides students with alternative accessibility formats for any files you upload.
ACCESSIBILITY IN BLACKBOARD AND ALLY
Technologies for Teaching & Learning in Blackboard
There are a range of learning technologies available to use in Blackboard, including Panopto for recording videos, Collaborate for hosting webinars, and online communication tools such as blogs, journals and discussion forums, amongst others.
LEARNING TECHNOLOGY GUIDES FOR STAFF
Technology-Enhanced Learning Webinar Recordings
You can find recordings of previous Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) Webinars on a range of learning technologies from Panopto and Collaborate to online assessment and online communication tools.
TCDpolls
TCDpolls (powered by Vevox) is a new audience engagement service that has replaced TurningPoint. It allows staff and students to have real-time engagement during their lectures or webinars via polls, in-class surveys, and Q&A sessions. TCDpolls is now available on Apple Mac as well.
Further Information and Support
There are a range of other guides available in our Staff Help section. You can also check our Student Help pages which will give you an overview of how students interact with Blackboard, from navigating their module list to submitting online assessments.