Blackboard will look a little different from Friday morning (31 August), and there are a couple of things you will need to do before logging in for the first time.
As you may remember from previous communications, we’ve been working, in response to staff and student feedback, to improve Blackboard’s look, feel, accessibility, responsiveness and the experience of our staff and students when using it.
What will I need to do before logging in for the first time?
Edit 22/09/18: it should no longer be necessary to clear browsing data before logging on to Blackboard
Before logging in, you will need to clear the browsing data from the web browser you use, e.g. Chrome, Firefox. Don’t worry if you don’t know what this means or how to do it – just click for guidance on the link below for the browser you use:
*You are advised not to use the Internet Explorer browser when using Blackboard*
Mobile browsers:
How will it look?
The new log-in screen will present like this (use your university user-name and password to log-in):
Once logged in, you will find yourself on the My Blackboard tab (shown below) where you will find your modules, your organisations, relevant announcements and ‘Qwickly’ tools (quick ways of doing things on Blackboard, e.g. posting an announcement on several Blackboard modules).
You will see your school portal tab and a tab called My Files – a file-sharing area where you can store documents and share with others inside Blackboard. As a member of staff, you also have access to Blackboard Help tabs for both staff and students.
Staff and students in the Henley Business School will see a slightly different design, once logged on.
Will it work differently?
Blackboard’s functionality remains the same – it will work in the same way, but now it is optimised for use on smaller screens and mobile devices.
Use the hamburger menu in the top left to navigate top-level tabs:
Use the Expand button in your course to reveal the Course Menu:
What if I need help?
If you experience any difficulties or need any help as a result of these improvements, please contact IT by logging a job via the IT Self-Service Portal or by emailing it@reading.ac.uk.
What if I need help to use Blackboard in my teaching?
A reminder that the TEL team run bookable staff development sessions as part of CQSD’s T & L Programme to help staff make the most of Blackboard to enhance their teaching.
I have feedback on the new interface, what should I do?
If you have any feedback on this new-look Blackboard, please feel free to post your thoughts in response to this blog post – this will be periodically monitored.
Wishing you a successful academic year!