Brightspace - Active template workshops

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As part of a joint programme with ITDI and LTA, ‘Strategic enhancement of tertiary digital education practice’ we are re-invigorating and extending the existing template for unit and module spaces in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE -Brightspace).  This is to improve the experience of students using the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).  

Many of you use a variety of the features within the VLE. The workshops will take you through the minimum active presence expected in the VLE for your unit/module. This will include sustainable student support, and the existing functionalities within the VLE to enhance students’ learning, teaching and the student experience. See the existing materials to support use of VLE Support Portal (uhi.ac.uk). 

We have developed 2 workshops for all academic staff. Workshops are open to all.  Workshop 1 is specifically designed for unit and module leaders in year 1 semester 1, academic year 24/25. Workshop 2 is for unit and module leaders who are already using Brightspace.  It is anticipated that all modules and units will use the active template from academic year 25/26. The first workshop introduces the new active template, and the second provides more detail of the functionality available within the VLE.  

  1. Using Brightspace to enhance student engagement and support 
  2. Making more advanced use of Brightspace: embedding rich media and using assessment tools  

Materials (slides, accompanying guidance) will be made available here soon. 

All sandboxes will be populated with the new active template so that during the workshop you can interact with the features of the template in this area.   

In addition you may wish to refresh your memory of the Brightspace Professional Development module which you have access to in your individual Brightspace area.  

Outline of workshop 1- Using Brightspace to enhance student engagement and support  

This workshop is designed to introduce and explore the new ‘active’ template for all units and modules in the VLE. The workshop leader will take you through the template, and you may also wish to follow the template, using your own sandbox area or the unit/module space for 24/25.  This workshop will last 90 minutes. 

The workshop will examine: 

  • The layout of the active template 
  • The functions of Brightspace that make up a minimum active presence  

And will include: 

  • Sustainable student support 

Announcements 

Intelligent Agents 

Course widget 

  • How to enhance the learning, teaching and student experience  

Arrangement of Tiles 

Discussions 

Additional resources 

  • Library Resources (Part 1) 
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Accompanying video to workshop 1. Can be used by colleagues unable to attend the workshop, or to consolidate learning. 

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Outline of Workshop 2 - Making more advanced use of Brightspace: embedding rich media and using assessment tools   

This workshop is designed to explore in greater detail the functionality of the VLE. This workshop will last 90 minutes. 

The workshop will examine: 

  • Embedding and utilising rich media and resources (including Library Resources 2) 
  • Making effective use of the assessment tools in the VLE 

You may wish to attend one or both of the workshops.

 

Please visit the LTA events listing webpage to view workshop dates, and complete this Microsoft Form to register.