Why can’t I access Blackboard in my usual browser?
Are you using Safari, Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge? We recommend the use of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers when accessing Blackboard and especially when submitting assignments.
Why am I struggling to use Blackboard on a tablet or phone?
We recommend that you download the Blackboard App. The Blackboard App is available in iOS, Android, and Windows. For further details on how to download and use it, click here.
Why has the sidebar menu in Blackboard disappeared?
The sidebar menu in Blackboard is like a filing cabinet and contains all the information you will need, but this sidebar can be hidden. Just hover your mouse over the edge of the left of the page and a left directional arrow will appear, which you can click on. The sidebar menu will then open.
I am an Aberystwyth University staff member and I can’t see my course listed on Blackboard?
Even if you are a member of staff with an AU staff account, you will still need to activate a separate student account to access your course. You will have a student login and email account so you can access your course on Blackboard and correspond with your tutor.
What is Microsoft Teams?
Teams is the online tool we use to speak to our students for one-to-one tutorials or online live teaching sessions (in Modern Languages we use the Zoom platform). If you experience ‘break up’ of reception when using Teams, it can help to switch your camera off and just have audio.
What materials will I need for the course?
If you are enrolling on an art course, the course start letter outlines the price of the materials you will need and how much they will cost. An actual materials list and places to purchase will be available to access in the first unit of the course.
How can I contact my tutor and when are they available?
You can contact your tutor by email. Our tutors are all part-time and some of them work for other employers, outside of the university. You will find under Contacts in Blackboard the tutor’s university office hours and when they will respond to your email.
Why should I complete the assignments?
Our assignments help you to consolidate and reinforce your learning as well as reflect on the work you completed. You’ll also find them enjoyable, as you can showcase your learning and skill development. Our programme is subsidised by the Welsh Government and we can access certain funding if students complete the course assessments. This funding helps us sustain our programme and keep our courses at an affordable level.
How should I organise my studies?
We highly recommend that you set aside some time in the week to regularly access the course learning materials in the step-by-step self-paced units. We have designed the courses for you to be able to access them when it suits you, but we recommend regular, bite-size learning. For Modern Languages (Zoom) and Counselling Skills (Teams) courses, there are weekly live classes held online.
Are these online courses Higher Education accredited?
Yes, all our courses are awarded a National Qualifications Framework Level. You can choose to study courses as stand-alone or work towards one of our Certificates in Higher Education. Our courses can also count towards the first year of a degree with a partner institution. Ask the relevant Subject Coordinator for further details.
What can I expect from my tutor’s feedback?
The feedback from your tutor should, first, identify the strengths in your work and then give you guidance on how you can build on these strengths. The tutor will also identify areas for future development and improvement. They may highlight resources you may find useful and give you tips that you can put into practice for future assignments.