Blackboard Upgrade 2013

The 2013 Blackboard upgrade and annual course rollover has been completed successfully.

The 2013 Blackboard upgrade and annual course rollover has been completed successfully.

The familiar interface remains in the new version, but the upgrade brings some notable improvements, for example a new Content Editor (allowing easier editing and pasting from Word), a more modern-looking and usable discussion board and "My Blackboard" which gives a summary of activity from across your Blackboard courses.

Part of the upgrade has been to provide copies of SITS unit courses.  This means that you may see 2012-13 courses as well as 2013 versions of these unit courses in the “My Courses” box on your Blackboard home page.   Historic and current versions are clearly identified by a year suffix in the course name, and you can organise these so 2012-13 and 2013-14 SITS units show separately by using “Terms”. Instructions on how to do this are on the Blackboard blog.

The temporary replacement service used during the upgrade is no longer available to users. If you need to access data from this please contact tel-help@bristol.ac.uk

New and improved features

These include:

  • Revamped discussion board - including all posts in a thread loading on one page (1 minute video )
  • New content editor - including improved paste from Word  (2 minute video)
  • Global Navigation / My Blackboard - aggregated view and one click access to courses and other tools (4 minute video)
  • New calendar - aggregated view across all courses, personal and other events, export to Google (1 minute video)
  • Retention centre - Monitor student activity and participation
  • Item analysis in tests - statistics on overall test performance and on individual questions

Further details

Roadshows and drop-in sessions

The Technology enhanced learning (TEL) team are once again offering roadshows and drop-in sessions to update colleagues on the changes and enhancements in the new version of Blackboard. The sessions last approximately one hour and will include demonstrations and the chance for staff to ask questions. 

Roadshows

Choose your own preferred time and venue and we will come along to run a session for your team, Department, School or Faculty. If you would like to request a roadshow, or if you have any  questions or concerns please contact  tel-help@bristol.ac.uk

Drop-ins

These informal sessions for staff take place once a week in 8-10 Berkeley Square. No need to book, just turn up. Feel free to bring your lunch.

Note: some of the documents on this page are in PDF format. In order to view a PDF you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader