Everyone who works or studies at Bishop Grosseteste University has access to the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Log in using just your student number and password.
If you encounter problems or have any questions about using Blackboard, or about ICT in learning and teaching generally, please contact Caroline Pearce, Learning Technologist.
email: caroline.pearce@bishopg.ac.uk
tel: 01522 583697
ABOUT VLEs
Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are widely used by education institutions in the UK and around the world. They are software packages that run on the web and typically manage the distribution of electronic resources and support communication between individuals involved in a course. Because they run on the world wide web, VLEs can be accessed at any time and from any internet connection.
A VLE allows the whole range of 'new media' to be employed on a course and makes it possible to create direct links between areas of coursework and resources available on the internet. In fact using blackboard is, in many respects, no different from using any website; you use "buttons" to navigate relevant pages and click on "links" to access documents and other kinds of material. In addition, the software offers a range of tools that have the potential to broaden the learning community by making it possible to incorporate a more diverse body of learners, and a wider range of external agents within the learning process. Again, many of these tools, like chat rooms and discussion boards will already be familiar to many regular internet users.
At Bishop Grosseteste University we use a commercial package called Blackboard LS, a market leading VLE solution that is widely used in the East Midlands and throughout the UK. Different programmes use the VLE differently, according to the degree to which Blackboard supports the learning objectives and teaching methods employed within given modules. However, it is never assumed that students are knowledgeable about or confident with computers or the internet and guidance and support is always provided.