In May 2013 one of my online dissertation cohorts at Edge Hill achieved outstanding results - 57% of students (n=47) obtained a First in the module. This presentation will focus on my (the tutor’s) experience, outlining the approach taken and the rationale – as well as reflecting on the experience since. The main tool was a series of discussion boards (2,573 posts with over half the cohort engaging), combined with web conferencing and student tracking. Colleagues have suggested one of the main reasons for the success was my implicit belief that the technology would benefit the student experience; perhaps my faith made it work? I’ve taken this approach with other cohorts, and although the success has not been replicated, anecdotal evidence (personal tutorials with parallel cohorts) indicates that the open feedback given on discussion boards has had a significant impact on outcomes. Also – the discussions have been used, retrospectively, by two students that intercalated in 2013 – their grades being First / Iii.

A presentation which gives an induction into using Blackboard Collaborate and a draft email to send to students.

Examples of introductory slides and email text that you can edit and send out to your students. The slides can be copied to the start of your own presentation slides.

This quick guide shows how to join a Collaborate Ultra webinar and use the participant tools. You should use Google Chrome as this provides the most functionality. Problem solving is also provided at the end of this guide.

What does my computer need, for me to use the Learning Edge online learning environment?

Guides to support the use of Blackboard Collaborate (including Elluminate)

Staff quick guide focusing on the process of using the YouTube Mashup tool to add embedded videos into Blackboard.

You can make the Collaborate course room available to students 24/7 by making a link from the Blackboard course to the course room. The easiest way to do this is to create a link to the web conferencing rooms and sessions in the course menu, by:

The Collaborate web conferencing tool is a great solution if you want to meet someone ‘virtually’ – perhaps a colleague for moderation or a student for feedback?