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Submit an eLearning Query

To submit a request please use the below links.

PLEASE NOTE: If your query is not answered by one of the below guides, all requests must be logged via our eLearning Request (Google Form). All queries will be dealt with in rotation.  

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New to Webcourses

This section is for new users or staff who want to reaquaint themselves with webcourses. Check out the below guides for more information ↓

  • What is webcourses and what can you do with it?

    New to Webcourses: Webcourses

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    Webcourses is the VLE (virtual learning environment) used by most staff and students at DIT. It operates in the Blackboard 9.1 2014 environment.

    In the most recent academic year webcourses was accessed by almost 1,000 staff members and over 15,000 students - to communicate, provide lecture notes, discuss, collaborate and much more.

    Webcourses offers lecturers a virtual space to provide a selection of options to learners such as
    • Extra Cirricular access to notes, presentations, class schedules, etc.
    • Assignment submission (with the option of using Safe Assign (plagarism detection tool)
    • a wide range of tools such as wiki's, discussion boards, blogs, etc.

    Webcourses is a fantastic virtual space that can support your teaching and enhance the student learning expereince. It can be accessed via your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) both on and off campus.

    How to use this Support Page

    Our support page is divided into five sections, New to Webcourses, Working with Content, How do I Assess & Grade in Webcourses, General Webcourses Admin & Communicationg & Collaborating. Each section is divided into single pages with text, images and video support. Most pages will load as a 'pop up' however some links will download a PDF or open in a new page. To navigate please note the link types below.

    • ← Back: moves back one page in each section
    • Next: → Moves forward one page in each section
    • Close × Use this link to close the current page
    • Please Note: Videos need to be stopped before closing the window. If not they will continue to play. Reloading the main page will stop video playback.

    These tutorials are written in HTML5 and CSS3, and should be viewable in all broswers without installing third party software.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.


  • Webcourses Interface & Terminology

    New To Webcourses: Webcourses Interface & Terminology

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    Webcourses Interface and Terminology

    As with all new applications, users are introduced to new interface and terminology. However webcourses is a user friendly environment and the basics are easy to understand. Webcourses operates within the Blackboard 9.1 but some terms are different. Please keep this in mind if viewing other online support created by Blackboard or outside DIT. 

    Below is a tutorial that will guide you through the webcourses terms that are used in our guides.

    Click here for tutorial

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • How do I set up, access and logon to webcourses?

    New to Webcourses: Setting up an account, access, & logging in

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    Setting Up an Account

    As a DIT staff member you will use your staff number and email password to logon to webcourses, however you will need to set up an account with the LTTC before logging in for the first time. To set up a new webcourses account please click here and fill out all the relevant details.

    External users such as external examiners, guest lecturers etc are set up differently. Since they do not have a DIT staff number you will need to request an account for them. Please click here

    PLEASE NOTE: External accounts must be authorised by a DIT staff member.

    Access

    Webcourses is free to use for all DIT staff / lecturers. Access is possible through your browser (Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Sarafi) on any device with an Internet connection providing you with remote access. Since webcourses is an online application, it is advisable to update your broswer to the latest version.

    To check if your browser is compatible with Webcourses click here. If you find it is incompatible please update your browser by searching onlne for the most recent release. If you wish to use webcourses on your iPad or tablet device you can download the Blackboard Learn App for your mobile device from the iTunes App Store / Google Play.

    Logon

    To logon to webcourses use the below link. The logon page has three options

    1. DIT Staff - Use this logon if you are a DIT staff member
    2. DIT Student - Use this logon if you are a registered DIT student
    3. External Users - This logon is for external users (non DIT staff and students)

    To logon use this link http://www.dit.ie/lttc/webcourseslogin/ (bookmark or favourite this link as you will use it regularly)
    If you or students have a logon issue visit https://mypassword.dit.ie/ This webpage will allow users to reset their password.

    PLEASE NOTE: Accounts are generally created within 24 hours of form completion. However, the start of the new semester is a very busy time for the eLearning team so please allow for 5 working days from completion of the form to your module being created.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • How do I get a new webcourses module setup?

    New to Webcourses: Setting up a new Webcourses module

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    A module is an area within webcourses allocated to you as a staff member. Within the module you have a wide range of choices such as;

    • sharing class files
    • providing an area for assignment submission
    • running online tests
    • plus many more options

    Your module is a private space only viewable by enrolled students and instructors (& system admin). It is not viewable by the general public or other DIT staff. (Under request it is viewable by the relevant Head of School).

    Webcourses modules are not set up automatically, you need to request one. However if you are a starting to lecture on a previous module, we can look into adding you as an instructor.

    To set up a new webcourses module please use the link below.

    You will be required to provide information on your module including Module ID and Module Title. A new module cannot be created without these.

    Create New Webcourses Module

    PLEASE NOTE! Modules are generally created within 24 hours of form completion. However, the start of the new semester is a very busy time for eLearning support so please allow for 5 working days from completion of the form to your module being created.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • How do students access my module?
    Self Enrol & Adding an Individual user

    New to Webcourses: How do students access my module? How do I set up Self Enrol & Add an Individual user

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    Student Access

    Students access your module by logging into webcourses, selecting your module from their module list and browsing the module which is similar to a website. (links, forms, images, video, etc)

    If a student has issues with accessing content, assessments or any other aspect of a webcourses module, use this support page to resolve the issue and check that the relevant settings are correct. If you cannot fix the problem please use our Google Form to submit a query.

    First, remove students from the previous academic year

    NB! As of September 2017, 2016-17 students will remain in your webcourses module until you choose to remove them*.
    This is a change in practice from previous years and means that academics no longer have to worry about accommodating repeating students or students making late submissions - it will be up to you when to remove students from your module. Removing students is a quick and easy process, see instructions here.
    For most academics, it is best to remove your previous year's students before setting up self-enrol for the new academic year - but each individual staff member will know their own situation best.
    *Accounts belonging to students who have completed their studies at DIT will be removed in late November - date TBC

    Self Enrol Setup

    Incoming first years and progressing students need to SELF ENROL on appropriate webcourses modules. There are a few items you will have to edit in each of your webcourses modules in order to facilitate this. You will need to;

    • Fill in a short module description
    • Set the availability of your module
    • Taking note of the exact Webcourses Module ID
    • Enable the 'self-enrol' option, and
    • Create an access key (optional)

    For full details on how to set up 'Self-Enrol'  click here for a printable text tutorial.

    What do students need to know? 

    For students to self enrol they will need the following information: 

    • Webcourses Module ID - this is found here - Control Panel >> Customisation >> Properties 
    • Access Code (if you wish to use one)
    • Please provide the above information to all students within the first few weeks of the semester

    Tutorials showing students how to Self Enrol 

    On the webcourses login page, students will find a document and video tutorial that will guide them through Self Enrol

    http://www.dit.ie/lttc/webcourseslogin/student/

    Adding / Enrolling an Individual User

    Once you have set up 'Self Enrol' there should be no need to add a student however you might need to add an instructor, guest or other type of user. (This method can be used to add a individual student)

    PLEASE NOTE: You can only add registered webcourses users. Non registered and external users will be required to set up an account. Click here for external user setup.

    To add an individual user log in as usual and select the module you want to add a user on

    • In the left hand menu select
    • Control Panel >> Users & Groups >> Users
    • On this page you will see a list of current users (Instructors, Student, etc)
    • To Add (Enrol) a user select Enrol User
    • Then select Find Users to Enrol
    • On the page that loads type in the Staff Number / Student Number of the person you are enrolling
    • Choose the role - default is Student (for staff that you require editing rights select 'Instructor')

    Remember to click submit to save any changes that you make.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • How can I tell which students are enrolled on my module?

    New to Webcourses: Checking who is enrolled on your module

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    Throughout the academic year it is useful to see who is enrolled on your module. The method below will display all users of the module - Instructors, students, guests, etc.

    To see who is currently enrolled on your module go to

    • Control Panel → Users & Groups → Users

    DIT webcourses Users screenshot

    On this page you will see a list of current users (Instructors, Student, etc) You can remove or add users here. To add an individual user log in as usual and select the module you want to add a user to.

    • In the left hand menu select;
    • Control Panel → Users & Groups → Users
    • On this page you will see a list of current users (Instructors, Student, etc) - See Image to right
    • To Add (Enrol) as user select Enrol User
    • Then select Find Users to Enrol
    • On the page that loads you can search by username (staff number)
    • If you need to browse for a user - click browse and search using the relevant field
    • Choose a role type - Student is the default - Use Instructor for editing rights - (not to be selected for students)

    PLEASE NOTE: In September all student information and files are removed from webcourses. If your course does not run from Sept - Sept, please fill out this form with the relevant course details to ensure we do not remove student information.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • What training for webcourses is available?

    New To Webcourses: What training for webcourses is available?

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    The aim of the tutorials within this support page is to provide staff with a strong basis on what webcourses is including the tools and settings that are available. However the DIT Staff LTTC team run workshops on webcourses every year to help and support lecturers with blended learning techniques.

    To check for the next webcourses workshop - click here

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




    ← How can I tell which Students are enroled on my module?

    The next section covers Working with Content - click close and browse Working with Content to start structuring and builing your modules.

Working with content

This section covers working with content within webcourses, such as adding files, videos, folders and more. ↓

  • Adding a description of the module

    Working With Content: Adding a description of the module

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    description‌

    Including a description in webcourses is a useful way to help students find the correct module and provide them with an overview of what will be covered. You can copy & paste (from Word) or type a description within webcourses.

    To add a description

    • Log in as usual
    • Select the module you want to edit
    • In the left hand menu select
    • Control Panel
    • Customisation
    • Properties
    • On this page you have the option to put in a description
    • Once finished click submit

    PLEASE NOTE: Most settings within webcourses will not be saved unless you click submit.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • What is the best structure for my webcourses module?

    Working with content: What is the best structure for my webcourses module?

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    Before starting to make content available for your students in webcourses, it is advisable that you plan first the best structure for your module. From a practical point of view, this will make it easier for you to continue to build a user-friendly and effective module over the coming years.

    • Think about organising your content by either topic or week
    • Decide whether you wish to display your content in folders or in 'learning modules'.
    • The learning module tool will allow you to create a table of contents for each topic or week with links to each of your documents.
    • Depending on the number of topics or weeks within your module, decide whether you wish to
      • Display individual links to your folders
      • Display learning modules on the left navigation menu
      • Or choose clicking on one link called 'Content' on the left navigation menu which will display all of your folders or learning modules in one place

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.



  • I have some lecture notes I would like to make available to students online

    Working with Content: I have some lecture notes I would like to make available to students online

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    How to add file in Webcourses

    Whether you are making your lecture notes (e.g. word doc, pdf, excel, ppt) available to students from within a folder or a learning module, or even directly from the content area itself, the process is exactly the same.

    • Click into the content area, folder or learning module as appropriate
    • Choose 'Build content > File'
    • Fill in a file name. You can type anything you wish here and this will become the text your student clicks on to access that file. You can choose the colour of that text also.
    • Browse for your file. If you already uploaded it to your webcourses module files area, then choose 'browse module', but if your file is still on your laptop or USB key for example, then choose ‘browse computer’
    • It is advisable that you choose 'yes' to 'track number of views'. This will allow you to run more accurate usage reports later in the semester.
    • Once you’ve finished choosing your display options, click the ‘Submit’ button

    Other content such as images and weblinks can be added in the same way. If you wish to add video or embed mashups such as YouTube videos and slideshare presentations, please visit Working With Content on the support page.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • Embedding videos / images using a mashup tool

    Working With Content: Embedding videos / images using a mashup tool

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    Video Tutorial

    This video tutorial will show you how to embed video using the Mashup Tool.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    Mashups provide an easy way to embed multimedia to your module. It works by allowing you to search for relevant content across a selection of web resources. Blackboard have created a a support video that covers how to you the Mashup Tool. Please click on the video to the right.

    PLEASE NOTE: Use of material that is covered under copyright law is strictly forbidden. Only use copyright free material, your own original work, or work that the author has given you the right to use and share. If in doubt share a link to the original website / content instead of embedding.




  • What do my students see? How do I check that my module is available to students?

    Working With Content: What do my students see? How do I check that my module is available to students?


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    Student Preview - Video below left

    As an instructor on your webcourses module, you have editing privileges. Students do not have editing rights and only see what you allow them to. However within webcourses, there is a handy tool called Student Preview, which allows you experience how your module looks and performs for students. This can be very useful when checking if sections are available.

    The video tutorial below will show you how to enter student preview mode, exit student preview mode, and delete the preview user account.

    Availability - Video below right

    Students will only see modules that are available. It is neccessary for you as the instructor to make your modules available.

    The video tutorial below will show you how to set the availability of your module

    PLEASE NOTE:Videos are produced by Blackboard and may use some different terms.




  • Setting the first page students see

    Working With Content: Setting the first page students see

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    Video Tutorial

    This video will show you how to set the first page students see


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    As the instructor on your webcourses modules, you can change the first page students see.

    The choices you have are the Home Page or the Content Page.

    • The Home Page will show the student recent announcements, tasks they need to complete and alerts to name just a few
    • The Content Page brings the student directly to the the module content

    There are a number of reasons you might wish choose between the Home Page and the Content Page. Some lectures want to have students land directly on the content page which contains the moudles content - files, folders, notes, etc, however other lecturers choose the Home page as the landing page where students are reminded of tasks and announcements. It is worth considering both options and choosing whichever suits your needs best. first page

    Regardless of which selection you choose, students can access the the Home or Content page from the left menu at all times (once they are within a module).




  • Interacting with Students

    Working with Content: Interaction with Students

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    Webcourses is a dynamic space allowing for interaction between lecturers and students. As lecturers you have a selection of tools at hand to enhance the blended learning experience of DIT students.

    Blackboard have produced a number of tutorials on the various tools. (Not all tools will suit your subject matter and delivery but with a wide range of options you are sure to find something to utilise.)

    Below is a short list of just some of the tools that Webcourses provides;

    • Email: can be used to email students direct from webcourses. A very useful tool for last minute changes, off site students, notifications, etc.
    • Discussions: can be used to develp students critical thinking within a peer to peer enviornment.
    • Journals: can be used as a relective / creative writing space. a space for students to communicate to lecturers or students.
    • Announcments: can be used to notify students of changes in class times, assignments and other course related topics.

    For an indepth description and tutorial on tools to help Interaction please vist Blackboard Learns' tutorial page. Some of the more common tools are discussed in later support pages. Go to Communicating & Collborating.

     

    The next section is How do I Assess & Grade in Webcourses - click close and browse How do I Assess & Grade in Webcourses to start using webcourses for testing & grading.

How do I Assess & Grade in Webcourses 

This section covers the essentials for the middle of semester such as creating assignments and using Safe Assign (which is a built in plagarism tool) ↓

  • How do I set create an assignment dropbox / Use SafeAssign?

    Assess & Grade in Webcourses: How do I create an assignment dropbox / Use SafeAssign?

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    Video Tutorial

    This selection of video tutorials will show you how set Assignment & use SafeAssign.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    Assignment Dropbox & SafeAssign 

    Lecturers can use webcourses as a space to set, receive and grade assignments.

    An Assignment can be created in any Content Area. When you click Assesment you will be presented with the following options;

    • Test - Survey - Assignment - Self and Peer Assessment - McGraw-Hill Assignment - Mobile Compatible Test

    Creating Assignments

    An assignment can be created within any content area.

    • Click on the Assessments tab and choose 'Assignment'
    • Assignment Information: Start by giving the Assignment a title and setting out any instructions
    • Assignment Files: Files can also be attached to the assignment
    • They might be files that the student needs in order to undertake the assignment,
      or they might be more detailed instructions about the assignment itself
    • Choose 'Browse my Computer' to uplad files from your device
    • Choose ‘browse course’ if the files in question had already been uploaded to the module filing area
    • Due Dates: The due date is the date the assignment is due in by
    • It is common to allow submissions after this date but that late submissions incur a penalty
    • This decision should be reflected in the availability dates
    • Grading: Enter the total marks available for the assignment
    • You can choose to use a Rubrics (click link below for How to Create a Rubric)
    • Submission Details:In this section you have a few different options
      • Individual Submission: If you wish individual students to upload assignments, tick this radio button.
      • Group Submission: If students are working together in a group to produce one combined assignment, tick this radio button
        only one assignment submission will be possible for the group
      • Number of Attempts: It is normal to leave this at “single attempt”
      • Plagarism Tools: Webcourses uses SafeAssign
      • To activate SafeAssign tick the box to the left of “Check submissions for plagiarism using SafeAssign”
      • To create a DRAFT SafeAssignment tick the check box to the left of “Exclude submissions from the Institutional and Global References Databases”.
      • You will need to create two separate assignments for DRAFT and FINAL versions if you wish to give this option to your students.
      • If you wish your students to view the SafeAssign originality report tick the box to the left of “Allow students to view SafeAssign originality report for their attempts”. Normally this option is ticked for draft submissions and not ticked for final submissions.
      • When students have uploaded their assignment, the lecturer can view the SafeAssign originality reports by going to Module Tools – SafeAssign and selecting SafeAssign Items
    • Grading Options: Here you can Enable Anonymous Grading and Delegate Grading to another Instructor
    • Displaying of Grades: This section allows you to choose options on how the grades are displayed
    • Availability: Decide if the assignment is to be available by ticking Make the Assignment available
    • Limit availability by selecting display period using the calendar and clock
    • Finally if tracking is required, tick the track number of views box

    Blackboard have created an extensive online tutorial which will guide you through the various assignment options within webcourses.
    Blackboard Assignment Tutorial

  • How to Create a Rubric?

    How do I Assess & Grade in Webcourses : How to create a Rubric?

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    Video Tutorial

    This video tutorial will show you how to create and edit a wiki.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    Within webcourses you can set and use Rubrics to help evaluate graded work. The rubric allows you to divide assigned work into parts.

    By using a rubric students can maximise their work to reach the required grades.

    To use / access a rubric go to

    • Go to Control Panel → Module tools → Rubrics

    On the Rubrics page, select Create Rubric.

    For an indepth description and tutorial on Rubrics please vist Blackboard Learns' tutorial page.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.

  • How to create a Quiz / Test / MCQ

    How do I Assess & Grade in Webcourses : How to create a Quiz / Test / MCQ


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    Create a Question Tutorial

    This video tutorial will show you how to Create a Question.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    Create a Test and making it available.

    This video tutorial will show you how to make a Test and making it available.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    Before creating a quiz, the first thing you should do is build a pool of questions that can be pulled into that quiz and any subsequent quizzes you might create in the future.

    To build a pool of questions
    • Within your webcourses module, go to Control Panel >> Module tools >> Test, Surveys and Pools
    • One that page, choose ‘Pools’ and when that page loads choose the button 'Build Poll'
    • Give the pool of questions a name. (Only use A-Z and 0-9 - no special characters (& - ;) This can be the topic, or questions that pertain to a certain semester of work, or level of difficulty. Including a description of the pool will help you remember what's included in there as the number of pools you create grows
    • Click submit. Once your pool has been created, you can start populating it with questions
    • You can create as many pools as you like, depending on your needs
    • Individual Pools can be exported and imported into other webcourses modules

    Creating Questions

    • Click on the ‘Create Question’ button and from the dropdown choose the type of question you’d like to create
    • For an explanation of the different question types see the links at the bottom of Blackboard Tests Pools & Surveys Question Types
    • You can create as many questions as you like

    How to create a test,  pull in questions from your pools, and make it available to students

    This video to the right will exlpain how to create a test, pull in questions and make it available to your students.

    Once students have taken your quiz, their results will appear automatically in the grade centre.
    Please note: If you included a paragraph question, then you will have to grade manually that question for each student and then release their updated grade to them.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




    ← Back: How to Create a Rubric?
  • How do I review Tests /Quizzes / MCQs?

    How do I Asses & Grade in Webcourses: How do I review Quizzes / MCQs?

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    After you have set a test or MCQ for your students will need to review the results. To do this log in as normal and follow the below steps.

    • Control Panel → Grade Center → Full Grade Center
    • Find the column relating to the MCQ test you want to review
    • All student results are automatically there for you
    To review a particular test (the individual answers given by a particular student)
    • Click the dropdown action menu
    • Choose 'view grade details'
    • In here you can also override a result if you need to

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • How to show & hide student results?

    How do I Asses & Grade in Webcourses: How to show & hide student results?

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    Within webcourses you will want the option of showing and hiding student grades. The first step is to add the My Grade tool link to the menu in your module. To do this follw the below instructions.

    To let students access their results:

    First start by adding the My Grade tool link to the menu in your module.

    To do this:

    • Click the '+' sign on top of the menu (a screen shot of this might help)
    • Choose 'Tool link'
    • Name the link - 'My grades' or 'check grades here' will do
    • Choose 'My Grades' from the list of options (Type)
    • Choose whether you want to tool available to student view or not
    • Once a column of results within the grade centre is available (the tutorial below) for students to view - then students can check their results by clicking on the 'my grades' tool, link you've just created on the module menu.

    To show or hide a column of results in the grade centre

    • Go to full grade centre
    • Find the column of results you want to hide from student view
    • From the dropdown action menu choose 'Hide from students (on/off)' option
    • The column is hidden when a red diagonal line displays beside the column name
    • To show the column again, go through the same process
    • Once a column is hidden, students cannot see their results when they click on the 'My Grades' tool (the tutorial above) in the module menu

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • Downloading the Grade Center

    How do I Assess & Grade in Webcourses : Downloading the Grade Center

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    Video Tutorial

    This video tutorial will show you how to download your grade centre.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    As an instructor you can download your Grade Centre as an Excel document. This will allow you to edit the file while offline (not logged into webcourses). You can also edit the excel document in other locations however the Grade Centre may contain student data and should therefore only be edited on devices you own or are provided with by DIT.

    Once you have made edits you can then upload the file to webcourses, overwriting the original file.

    This is a handy tool if you prefer to input your students grades offline or within Excel.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • Advanced Grade Centre: Tips & Tricks

    How do I Assess & Grade in Webcourses: Advanced Grade Centre: Tips & Tricks

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    Once you are comfortable with Grade Center, its worth delving a bit deeper into some of the more Advanced Tips & Tricks. Within in this page you will find a variety of options to work with.

    Icon legend

    legend‌

    The icon legend button can be found below the grade centre on the right hand side of your screen. Click on that button will make the legend appear and it explains the different symbols that you will see from time to time in the grade centre.

    Creating a column to record grades for paper based assignments and presentations and input those grades

    You can record grades from a paper-based assignment or a classroom based presentation, for example, in the webcourses grade centre. To do this, you need to create a column especially for those grades. The 'create column' button can be found on the top of the page once you've accessed the grade centre.

    • Give the column a name. This name must make sense to students if you are to release the grades held within it to them. You can leave the 'grade centre name' field blank.
    • Choose a primary score. This is the score that students will see.
    • You must note something in the 'points possible' field in order to create the column
    • Once you've picked all display options, click the Submit button

    To input grades into the newly created column, click into a cell, type in the grade appropriate to that student, and press enter to save it.

    How to override a grade

    • From the dropdown arrow of any cell, choose the option 'View Grade Details'.
    • Choose the 'Manually Override' tab
    • Type in the new grade in the override grade box
    • Note in the grading notes box why the grade is being overridden.
    • Click save to update the grade and then choose the Return to Grade Centre button at the bottom of the page.

    Inline assignment grading

    This is covered in the Blackboard help video.

    Smart views

    A Smart View is a focused look of the grade centre. If you have a lot of students and many assessment and assignment columns, a smart view allows you to see only the data that matches a specific set of criteria. You can create smart views that relate to

    • module groups
    • performance views (view the performance of specific users on a single item)
    • individual users
    • different categories of activities such as the quizzes or the surveys , or
    • you can build your own custom smart view based on a range of different criteria.

    To create a smart view in the grade centre

    • Choose the 'Manage' button at the top of the grade centre page
    • Select 'Smart Views' from the list that appears
    • Then chose the button 'Create Smart View' and choose your options

    To access a smart view

    A full list of all of your Smart Views can be accessed via the 'Manage>Smart Views. However, if there is a Smart View that you wish to access a lot, you can create a shortcut to it that will show up under the grade center link on the control menu in your module. To do this, edit any Smart View you have created and tick the box 'Add as Favourite'. Clicking the Smart View link on the control panel that that action action creates, will display only the parts of the grade centre that match the criteria set in your Smart View

    Column organisation

    If you have a lot of columns in your grade centre, it is possible to rearrange those columns so that when you view your grade centre you see the current ones first without having to scroll over and back. To rearrange your columns, click on 'Manage>Column Organisation'. Click, hold and drag a crosshair icon to the left of a column name to move that column into a more desired position in the grade center. Click the submit button to save your changes.

    Grading schemas

    You can choose for any column what type of grade a student sees. By default in webcourses you can choose that that grade is a score, letter, text, percentage, or the words complete/Incomplete. If none of these suit your purposes, you can create you own grading schema. To do this, choose 'Manage>Grading Schemas' from within the grade centre, the click the button 'Create Grading Schema'. Give you scheme a name and a description and then set the criteria.

    Once you have created and saved your grading schema, you can edit any column in your grade centre to record results based on the criteria set in your schema. To do this:

    • Choose the dropdown action link from beside the column name in the grade centre
    • Choose 'Edit column information'
    • From the options given for 'Primary Display', choose your schema
    • Click Submit

    Colour coding the grade centre

    To make a large grade centre easier to navigate, it is possible to colour code the grades. You can choose different background colours for the cells in the grade centre depending on whether the assignments is 'in progress', 'needs grading' or has been noted as 'exempt'. To access the colour coding page, choose 'Manage>Grading Colour Codes' from within the grade centre.

    You can also set grade ranges and assign different background colours to those. Further tips on how to do this are given on the Grading COlour Codes page in the grade centre.

    Once you've made your choices, don't forget to tick the 'Enable Grading Colour Codes' box before you click the submit button.

    Running reports in the grade centre

    Choose the 'Reports' button in the grade centre to run reports for:

    • All grades
    • A specific time frame
    • For a defined group of students
    • For a defined category of grades such as graded discussion postings, quizzes, or uploaded assignments.

    Also available under the Reports button is the Grade history tool; a tool, that tracks any changes that were made to grades within the grade centre. More information on this tool is given on the Grade History page in the grade centre.

    Weighted columns

    You can create you own Calculated Columns in the webcourses grade centre. The most commonly created calculated column is the Weighted Column. This column will display a calculation based on the grades displayed in a number of columns that you choose. To create a weighted column, choose 'Create Calculated Column>Weighted Column' from within the grade centre.

    As you choose the columns you wish to include in the calculation, you input the weight percentages for each one e.g. one assignment might be worth 20% of the overall final grade for your module, while another might be only worth 10%. Further instructions or 'tips' are given on the Weighted Column page in the grade centre.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.


    The next section covers General Webcourses Admin - click close and browse General Webcourses Admin for end of semester best practices.

General Webcourses Admin

This section covers the essentials for the end of semester such as Q6A information, module back up and analytuics ↓

  • Q6A: What is it & how to use it?

    General Webcourses Admin: Q6A: What is it & how to use it?

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    The Q6A questionnaire is given to students by the lecturer in order to obtain the views of students on their experience of an academic module. The feedback enables the lecturer to review the module delivered. The Q6A survey is available as a paper form or through an online survey in webcourses. The instructions below relate to the webcourses survey version.The results of the Q6A are anonymous, are available to the relevant lecturer, and are retained by the relevant lecturer.

    The Q6A survey is present automatically in many webcourses modules - if you do not have access to such a module fill out our Google Support Form & specify which webcourses module you would like the Q6A survey to be added to.

    Where is the Q6A survey located in my module?

    To find out if you have a copy of the Q6A survey in your module, and where it might be deployed:

    • Go to the Control Panel, >> Module Tools (or Course Tools), and then select Tests, Surveys and Pools
    • Select Surveys
    • If the Q6A is pre-loaded in your module you will see "Student Survey Q6a" listed.
    • If the Q6A has already been added as a content item to your module, its location will be noted under the heading "Deployed"

    I have the Q6A in my module. How do I make it available to students?

    • If you can see "Student Survey Q6A" in your survey list, but it is not deployed, then see the instructions "Deploy the Q6A survey" (below).
    • If you can see "Student Survey Q6A" in your survey list, and it is deployed, navigate to that location in the module menu. Click into the Q6A dropdown menu and select "Edit the Survey Options", click "Make the link available" and then click submit. The Q6A is now available to your students from the specified location.

    I have the Q6A in one module - but not another. What should I do?
    Answer:Export and Import

    Export the Q6A survey

    • Go to the Control Panel, >> Module Tools (or Course Tools), and then select Tests, Surveys and Pools
    • Select Surveys
    • Click the down arrow to the right of Q6A surveyand then select export
    • Save the .zip file to your computer
    • Do not open/unzip the file

    Import the Q6A survey

    • Go to the Control Panel of the new module, >> Module Tools (or Course Tools), and then select Tests, Surveys and Pools
    • Select Surveys
    • Click Import Survey
    • Browse to the previously saved .zip file and click Submit
    • The survey uploads and is added to your surveys, and is available for deployment

    Deploy the Q6A survey

    • Select the Content Area (e.g. Assignments, Content, Module Content etc) in the new module where you want to add the Q6A survey
    • Click the drop-down arrow next to the Assessments menu item and select Survey
    • From the listed surveys select Q6A Survey
    • Click submit
    • The Survey Options screen then appears. The main options for the survey, including Survey Availability, can be set on this screen.
    • NOTE: Students will not be able to see your survey unless you set Make the Link Available to YES
    • Click Submit

    Reviewing Survey Results in webcourses

    Results of the survey may be viewed in two ways. You may view them in webcourses or download the results to a spread sheet. To view results in webcourses

    • Go to the Control Panel, click Grade Centre and then Full Grade Centre
    • Scroll across until you see a column headed Q6A survey
    • Click the drop-down arrow to the right of Q6A survey and select Attempt Statistics
    • You will see each question together with relevant responses

    (To save this material: Unfortunately the only way to save the responses in this format is to highlight the appropriate text and copy and paste to a word document).

    View results in a Spreadsheet

    • Go to the Control Panel, click Grade Centre and then Full Grade Centre
    • Scroll across until you see a column headed Q6A survey
    • Click the drop-down arrow to the right of Q6A survey and select Download Results
    • On the Download Results screen, leave the defaults
    • Then click “Click to download results”
    • Save the Excel file to your desktop. Once saved, you can work in this file as normal - although it will need some tidying up in order to present the information usefully
    • (If you have a large number of html tags (which appear as <span style= etc etc> ) then select all content within the sheet, search for <*> and replace with nothing. This should remove the html code).

    Is it possible to review individual responses?

    When a student takes a survey in webcourses, a green check is placed in the survey’s corresponding grade centre column for the student. However, lecturers are unable to view student’s individual question responses for a survey.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.


  • How do I backup my module?

    General Webcourses Admin: How do I backup my module?

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    It is good practice to save a copy of your webcourses module to your own PC/laptop at the end of each semester. It is advisable to 'Include Grade Centre History' as this will save any assignments, surveys etc completed by students. The backup can be restored to webcourses at a later date if needed.

    How to Backup your Webcourses Module

    • Log into the appropriate webcourses module
    • From the control panel, click 'packages and utilties'
    • Click 'Export/Archive Module'
    • Select 'Archive'
    • Check the tick box to 'Include Grade Centre History'
    • Click Submit
    • Wait a few moments and click the 'Refresh' button. You may need to do this a few times.
    • When the archive has saved the file name will appear on your screen:
    • Hover mouse over file name and click on the dropdown arrow which will appear to the right of the file name
    • Click 'Open' and then select 'Save File'
    • Click 'Ok' and save the file to an appropriate location on your computer.

    Please be sure to back up your module at the end of each semester!




  • Retention Centre: What is it and to use it?

    General Webcourses Admin: Retention Centre: What is it and to use it?

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    Video Tutorial

    This video tutorial will show you how to use the Retention Center.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    The Retention Center provides you with an easy to view page showing at risk students in your module.

    If you identify a student or set of students that are at risk, you can easily communicate using the built in email tool, helping them take immediate action for improvement. You can choose to monitor certain students by keeping track of patterns over time.

    To use / access the Retention Centre go to

    • Control Panel → Evaluation → Retention Centre

    For an indepth description and tutorial on Retentio Centre please vist Blackboard Learns' tutorial page.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • User & Course Reports

    General Webcourses Admin: User & Course Reports

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    Within webcourses you can run several types of course reports to view information about course usage and activity.

    You can view summaries of course usage such as which course areas are used most frequently and course access patterns for specific students.

    • Go to Control Panel → Evaluation → Course Reports

    For an indepth description and tutorial on Course Reports please vist Blackboard Learns' tutorial page.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • Creating Student Groups

    General Webcourses Admin: Creating Student Groups

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    Student groups can be used for group work and collaboration allowing students to work independantly outside of cla

    You can view summaries of course usage such as which course areas are used most frequently and course access patterns for specific students.

    • Go to Control Panel → Users & Groups→ Groups
    • Select Create
    • In the Single Group list, select Self-Enroll or Manual Enroll
    • Type a name and optional description
    • Make the group visible to students
    • Select the check boxes for the course tools you want to make available to the group
    • If you want to grade student submissions for blogs, wikis, and journals, select the Grade option and type Points possible

    For an indepth description and tutorial on Creating Student Groups please vist Blackboard Learns' tutorial page.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.

Communicating & Collaborating

This section covers the various tools within webcourses that will allow for communicating and collaboration. ↓

  • How to send an email in webcourses?

    Communication & Collaboration: How to send an email in webcourses?

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    Video Tutorial

    This video tutorial will show you how to send an email.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    Within webcourses you can send emails to users (individually or in groups) that are enrolled on your module. To send an email, follow these steps.

    • Go to Control Panel → Module tools → Send Email

    Within Send Email you can choose which student, user or group of users to email. Each option includes an explanation underneath. Click on the selection that best suits your needs. The page that loads will look similar to any web client. You will see the following sections.

    • To - This will show the names / student numbers of the recepients (emails are send BCC - so the recpients are private to others)
    • From - This will show the sender
    • Subject - Include a Subject as this makes it easier for the recepient. e.g. BACI2001 Marketing Assignment 1 Brief
    • Message - Write or paste your message here
    • Attachment - This allows you to attach a file

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • How to set up a Discussion Board?

    Communication & Collaboration: Discussion Board

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    Video Tutorial

    This video tutorial will show you how set up a Discussion Board


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    Discussion Boards (Forums) are a space where students can discuss specific topics set by lecturers. This tool can be used as an extra support and also as part of an assignment.

    • Go to Control Panel → Module tools → Discussion Board

    On the page that loads select the module ID under 'Discussion Board'. On the next page select Create Forum.

    Once this page loads you will presented with a series of options.

    • Name - Name of Discussion Board
    • Description - Decribe what the form is for, how it is to be used, limitations, etc.
    • Forum Availabilty - This will have to be set to 'Yes' for students to use. Date & Time restrictions limit when students can use the discussion board.
    • Forum Settings - This section covers a wide range of options allowing the lecturer to control how the forum is used. A grade option is included here if you wish to use this tool for assesment purposes.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • How to Create & Edit Wikis?

    Communication & Collaboration: How to Create & Edit Wikis?

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    Video Tutorial

    This video tutorial will show you how to create and edit a wiki.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    Wikis is a great tool within webcourses that allows for collaboration between students where they can contribute and modify pages relating to modules and course material. Wiki pages can be created and edited quickly, while tracking changes and additions. To access Wikis, follow these steps.

    • Go to Control Panel → Module tools → Wikis

    Within Wikis you can choose the settings for your Wiki. There is an option to grade which allows you to use this tool for assesment.

    For an indepth description and tutorial on Wikis please vist Blackboard Learns' tutorial page.

     

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • How to Set up a Journal?

    Communication & Collaboration: How to set up a Journal?

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    Video Tutorial

    This video tutorial will show you how to set up a Journal.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    A Journal is self-reflective tool for Students to use within webcourses. Comments can be added by students and lecturers. There is also an option to make the Journals public to all enrolled usesers. Group Journal Entries can be read by all group members and the lecturer.  To access Wikis, follow these steps.

    • Go to Control Panel → Module tools → Journals

    Within Journals you can choose the settings. There is an option to grade which allows you to use this tool for assesment.

    For an indepth description and tutorial on Wikis please vist Blackboard Learns' tutorial page.

     

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • How to Set up a Blog?

    Communication & Collaboration: How to set up a Blog?

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    Video Tutorial

    This video tutorial will show you how to set up a Blog.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.
    A Blog is a collaborative tool that allows students to post personal reflection about the Module or discuss and analyse course-related materials.

    To access Blogs, follow these steps.

    • Go to Control Panel → Module tools → Blogs

    Within Blogs you can choose the settings. There is an option to grade which allows you to use this tool for assesment.

    For an indepth description and tutorial on Blogs please vist Blackboard Learns' tutorial page.

     

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • How to send out an Announcement?

    Communication & Collaboration: How to send out an Announcement?

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    Video Tutorial

    This video tutorial will show you how to send out an Announcement.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.
    Within webcourses you can send out Annoucements to students notifying them about assesements, exams, class info and more.

    To access Announcements, follow these steps.

    • Go to Control Panel → Module tools → Announcements

    Within Announcements you can choose the settings. There is an option to grade which allows you to use this tool for assesment.

    PLEASE NOTE: External lecturers who do not have an email assigned to their webcourses acoount might have limitations using the announment tool. If so add an email (you have access to) and any announcement should be resolved.

    For an indepth description and tutorial on Announcements please vist Blackboard Learns' tutorial page.

     

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • How to use Module Calender?

    Communication & Collaboration: How to use Module Calender?

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    Video Tutorial

    This video tutorial will show you how to use Module Calender.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    You can use the module calendar to provide information about important dates relevant to your module. Course calendar events appear to all members of the module. Common entries include upcoming tests, due dates for assignments, or special lectures. Module items with due dates automatically appear in the course calendar.

    Only instructors may create course calendar events.

    • Go to Control Panel → Module tools → Calender

    For an indepth description and tutorial on the Calender please vist Blackboard Learns' tutorial page.

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.




  • How to use Collaborate Ultra?

    Communication & Collaboration: How to use Collaborate Ultra?

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    Video Tutorial

    This selection of video tutorials will show you how to use Collaborate Ultra.


    Video produced by Blackboard- Some terms might differ.
    To view fullscreen click on the square in the bottom right of the video.

    Collaborate Ultra is a tool within webcourses which allows for web conferencing. It is designed to run right in the browser, making online collaboration easier than ever. Colloborate Ultra can be used for group work, meetings, lectures, presentations and more allowing for off site student access. Students can join a Collaborate Ultra session via their browser.

    • Go to Control Panel → Module tools → Blackboard Collaborate

    For an indepth description and tutorial on the Calender please vist Blackboard Learns' tutorial page.

     

    Continue to the next section by clicking on the link below.

PLEASE NOTE: If your query is not answered by one of the above guides, all requests must be logged via our eLearning Request. All queries will be dealt with in rotation.