1. Introduction to Blackboard Learn
For Ulster Students

2. Learning Outcomes By the end of this session you should:
Be aware of what Blackboard Learn is;
Be able to access Blackboard Learn via the Internet;
Be able to access your course/module areas within Blackboard Learn;
Know how to access help and further support when using Blackboard Learn.

3. What is Blackboard Learn?
Blackboard Learn is the new Ulster Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) - a web-based environment to support aspects of learning, allowing students to access course materials online.
The University upgraded from WebCT to Blackboard Learn for the academic year 2011/12. (managed by Technology Facilitated Learning, part of the ADL department.)

4. How to access Blackboard Learn
Two ways to access Blackboard Learn:
Through the University Portal
Link from desktop on campus
Through homepage off-campus
Directly through the web address:

5. 1. Portal Access
Log in to the Portal and click on the link for Blackboard from the top banner.

6. 1a) Portal link on the University of Ulster website – http://www

7. 1b) Portal log in page (http://portal.ulster.ac.uk)
Log in details
Username: Ulster Student ID, student ‘B’ number.
Password: Network Password, provided at online enrolment.
Note: Change your password for security reasons.

8. Log in using your Ulster Student ID and Network Password.
2) Log in directly via the Ulster Blackboard Learn web address –
Log in details
Log in using your Ulster Student ID and Network Password.

9. Access your modules/courses from the MY INSTITUTION (My Courses box)
or COURSES link on the top banner of every page

10. What courses/modules areas will you see in Blackboard Learn?
Blackboard Learn Student Orientation course – to become familiar with the Blackboard Learn environment and functionality.
A list of the module areas that you are enrolled on as part of your course.
If you cannot see your modules it means your enrolment is incomplete.
Please let your course director know if there are any missing.

11. Blackboard Learn Student Orientation Course
Homepage of the Blackboard Learn Student Orientation Course
– available for all Ulster students.
Blackboard Learn Student Orientation Course
Student Orientation information includes:
Course environment
Navigate course materials
Personalise environment
Using the Calendar and Tasks
Using communication and collaboration tools
Submitting assignments/ taking tests
Checking ‘My Grades’.

12. Navigating a course/module area1 4 2 3 5
Course/module title
Course content
Course menu
Breadcrumb navigation
Minimise/maximise course menu

13. Navigating Learning Module course content5 3 2 1 4
‘Learning Module’ menu
View pages sequentially
Menu display options (minimise)
Minimise/maximise course menu
Breadcrumb navigation

14. What’s New tool – what’s new in your course/module areas –
available from the Notifications Dashboard on the MY INSTITUTION link

15. Link to all tools in Blackboard Learn

16. Welcome to Blackboard Learn
02 January 2018
8: Course Enhancements
Access and Distributed Learning, Technology Facilitated Learning.

17. If you get lost!
If you get lost always go back to the MY INSTITUTION or COURSES page link in the fixed blue top banner and select the course you require.

18. Technical Requirements
Hardware requirements
Browser compatibility
Other browser considerations
Browser plug-ins
Details available on the Student Orientation Course > Introduction > Course Overview

19. Access via the LRC
All computers on campus will allow you to access your course/module materials via Blackboard Learn.
IT helpdesk is available in the LRC for anything more general in terms of and network access problems.
Access Athens (library links) directly from Blackboard Learn course/module area and the portal without the need for any additional login/passwords.

20. Blackboard Learn Help for Students
Ulster Blackboard Learn Helpdesk
Website: (click on Blackboard Learn Support)
Blackboard Learn Help for Students
(searchable step-by-step help information)
Blackboard Learn On Demand Learning Centre
(video tutorials)