Blackboard has released a new unified mobile app which can be used by both students and staff. The old Instructor app has been discontinued and based on our experience with its replacement, it’s improved and there is much to celebrate! It’s worth noting that if you had the Instructor app on your device(s), it may have already been updated to this new app.
We’ve been testing the app for a few weeks. It’s slick new user interface makes it easier to navigate and is now in line with the Blackboard Learn Ultra experience.
The app now identifies your course role (student, instructor, etc), and automatically gives you the appropriate editing and viewing permissions for each course.
For students, the app is an ideal way to view files, grades and feedback on the go. Likewise, staff can use it to navigate their course, check and comment using interactive tools such as discussion boards and download files for offline viewing.
The app is not a replacement for Blackboard on a browser and we would caution against students using it for assignment submissions, or staff using it for setting up assignments or marking.
Overall, the app is perfect for checking in on your courses on the go. Revising or checking course materials on the train has never been easier!
The app is pretty intuitive to use but you can find resources to help you get the most from it, whether you’re a student or a member of staff, on the TEL/Blackboard student support site.
So go on, if you haven’t already – get the app!
Pete Moll, CQSD TEL