AberLearn Guide

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 Get the latest information and resources on this subject using our Delicious tag "Blackboard"

Blackboard can be accessed directly at http://blackboard.aber.ac.uk or through the Aberystwyth University Information Services E-learning page. Please see the New Developments in AberLearn page for news about improvements to AberLearn.

AberLearn Blackboard News - AY2012/13 modules are now available in AberLearn! Read more on the Nexus news blog.

E-learning Support provides support for the use of AberLearn Blackboard in several ways.

Online support

1. Required Minimum Presence Briefing Document
2. Getting Started with AberLearn - how-to instructions on the new interface and an introduction to some of key features
3. Student Guide to AberLearn - how-to instructions for students in the main features of AberLearn
4. Information Services general FAQs
5. Quick link to AberLearn FAQs
6. Downloadable guidance document with checklist for items to consider including in your course

E-submission

There are two tools in AberLearn that can be used for e-submission of assignments. Blackboard Assignment is for general e-submission. It allows for submission of one or more files as part of a single assignment. SafeAssign allows for e-submission with text-matching, which can be used to help flag up cases of possible plagiarism or help identify sources where plagiarism is already suspected.

1. Comparison chart for SafeAssign and Blackboard Assignment
2. SafeAssign Good Practice Guide - updated for 2012-13
3. E-submission using Blackboard Assignment - updated for 2012-13
4. Assessing Learners Blackboard On Demand - videos and how-to documents from Blackboard for all aspects of assessment and Grade Centre use

Queries

1. Email your AberLearn queries to bb-team@aber.ac.uk
2. How to report a problem with Blackboard

Training sessions and consultations

1. Training courses in AberLearn Blackboard course design are offered through CDSAP
2. One-to-one consultations and brainstorming sessions on using AberLearn effectively to engage students

Examples and support material on other sites

1. Blackboard On Demand Learning Centre contains an increasing variety of useful video tutorials
2. Our bookmarks in Delicious to external sites offering case studies of Blackboard in use
3. Link to exemplary courses identified by Blackboard as demonstrating effective and innovative practice

Departmental modules in AberLearn Blackboard

Departments are able to request AberLearn Blackboard modules for all Undergraduates, Postgraduates and Staff. Information Services will ensure that the appropriate students/staff are added to the modules.

Departmental modules should be requested by the Head of Department using the request form (English) or request form (Cymraeg). These modules can be used for a variety of purposes such as:

• Providing access to departmental documentation such as module handbooks, course deadlines etc.
• Providing discussion boards for all students and staff in your department.
• Administering module or course evaluation questionnaires by means of a Blackboard Survey.
• Creating announcements for all students.

For more information, and advice about using departmental modules, please contact the Blackboard Team (bb-team@aber.ac.uk).