Use of the Template
The template provides the initial structure for all Blackboard course sites. The template can be thought of as an ‘empty’ course site that can be customised with the appropriate tools and materials to support your course. Some elements of the template may not be appropriate for all courses which may require additional tools and features, so some degree of local customisation is expected. Utilising the course template is intended to ensure that all course sites in Blackboard contain links to the minimum required content.
The way in which the template is used for teaching and learning is at the discretion of staff involved in designing and delivering the course.
The structure of the default course template is outlined below:
- Announcements: The course template features a place holder for an introductory announcement. This announcement is designed to welcome the students to the course, briefly set the tone and purpose, and provides initial instructions for how to begin and what to expect. Find out more about adding, modifying and removing announcements.
- Staff Information: The course template features a link to a section for staff information. In this area you should add the contact details and office hours of the members of the course team. All staff members with instructor access to the course can add and modify this section. The information provided here will be visible to students. Find out more about adding and removing staff information.
- Course Info: This content area contains folders and links for various course documents (see below).
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It is expected that the following documents will be provided:
- Course handbook
- Timetables
- Academic Regulations
- Reading Lists
- Assessments briefs: A content area for uploading all assessments briefs and deadlines. For information about how to upload documents to a content area click here.
- Grades: This is a content area for the grades spreadsheet. These spreadsheets differ between different colleges but are based on the basic template from the QLS Reports package. Click here to download an example of the grades spreadsheet (excel spreadsheet). Once completed an anonymised version of the spreadsheet should be upload to the Blackboard course site and made available to students. The spreadsheet will list students’ grades by ID number.
A explanation (Word document) of the procedure for administrators can be obtained by clicking here.
- Library information: A content area for links and documents relating to the library and learning resources. This content area may be updated by the course librarian, and can contain LLR information specific to the course.
- Online resources: A series of links and information relating to the university, for example the portal, email, library and learning resources, and student services.
The course template above is a guide that shows the content that must be provided as a part of every Blackboard course site. Please note this document is subject to change as additional good practice guidance is added.