The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) working group has recommended a trial adoption of Blackboard as the University’s supported VLE (Working Group on VLEs 6/7/01, http://www.dundee.ac.uk/academic/). People using and/or developing alternative VLEs are welcome to continue with their preferred platform.
The Blackboard software offers the ability to present timetable information, provide electronic learning material, broadcast institutional & course notices, run discussion groups, e-tutor in real- time, present electronic assessments, store student portfolios, collate student marks, produce a personal task list, run course evaluations, and more. Further information is available at:
A Level One Blackboard (Bb) licence is now available and the necessary server hardware is being purchased. Co-operation with staff at Northern College is ensuring that Bb is available ahead of schedule to pilot projects across the University. Any queries about C&IT strategy or VLE policy can be directed to Rob Watt, r.j.c.watt@dundee.ac.uk (Extn 4419).
Staff: Three staff based within the Learning Enhancement Unit at the Centre for Learning and Teaching are supporting the VLE, partially funded by a significant grant from the SHEFC's Knowledge Economy Task Force. From November, they will be based in the ground floor of the Tower, not in the Frankland building as indicated in Contact, Oct 2001.
Dr Jonathan Weyers is the unit director, Dr Richard Parsons is Coordinator for Innovative Learning Technologies with responsibility for the operation of the VLE, and the post of Educational Systems Technologist has been advertised and should be appointed shortly. This person will support the VLE, particularly introducing staff to its features and operation.
Pilot Projects: Five projects have been approved by the C&IT committee as initial pilot projects. They are spread across the faculties. All of these projects will be running during the first year of the VLE operation. These projects will receive full support from the VLE unit, and while this does not preclude the encouragement and support of additional projects, academic staff will understand that limitations on the VLE development are required to ensure teaching quality is maintained across the institution.
Knowledge gained during the pilot phase will be collected formally by the VLE unit and available to all subsequent users. Anyone who wishes to start using Blackboard should contact Richard Parsons (r.parsons@dundee.ac.uk, xtn 4265) in the first instance.
Future Developments: We recognise that a VLE is likely to be an important tool for the successful delivery of a range of teaching across the University. In addition, the potential for a Managed Learning Environment (MLE) to assist in academic and administrative management of teaching is recognised. We expect that this situation will be gradually achieved through the structured implementation of software upgrades, staff support and increased liaison with academic and administrative departments of the University. We plan to hold a range of workshops within the Staff Development programme to educate staff about the potential and efficient use of the VLE. This email group (C&IT dept contacts) will play an important role in disseminating this information.
Dr Eric Monaghan
Secretary's Office
University of Dundee
(Tel 01382-344290)