What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is UEA's adopted virtual learning environment. The web-based system allows for the easy creation and management of electronic teaching materials without the need for extensive technical knowledge. Blackboard can be used for a wide range of tasks from providing a simple set of lecture notes to hosting a complete online course for distance learners. Course sites can be highly customised and offer a range of tools to support teaching and learning, for example:

• Announcements
• Course handbooks and module outlines
• Lecture notes and handouts
• Discussion boards
• Wikis
• Blogs
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Web links

How to access the system:

Blackboard is accessible from the Academic tab on the Portal. The website address for the portal is portal.uea.ac.uk
When using a PC on campus you will be automatically logged in, when connecting to the portal off campus you will be prompted for your UEA username and password.

To access one of you modules, click on the Academic tab on the portal, and click on the name of the course.

If you are a member of staff and want to use Blackboard in your teaching email it.helpdesk@uea.ac.uk to get access to the relevant Blackboard sites.

Who to contact for support

Students

For information about material on Blackboard sites (eg. lecture notes, test, etc.) you should talk to your lecturer as schools are responsible for their own materials.

If you are experiencing problems logging on to Blackboard or have any other queries about using Blackboard contact the IT Helpdesk (it.helpdesk@uea.ac.uk).

Staff:

Queries should be directed to the IT Helpdesk (it.helpdesk@uea.ac.uk).

Who to contact for training

Student training is provided by, and at the discretion, of the school or faculty normally in the form of a short induction session.
The Centre for Staff and Educational Development provides Blackboard training courses for UEA staff and research postgraduates who will be contributing to Blackboard sites.

We are keen to support Blackboard usage in a flexible way. As such, and where staff resource is available, our support staff are happy to work with staff on a small group or one-to-one basis. This can include:

• tailored Blackboard training
• discussing needs and requirements for setting up Blackboard sites
• advice and support in designing online teaching materials
• specific use of Blackboard tools such as discussion boards and assessments.

In the first instance please contact bbsupport@uea.ac.uk with your request.