Southampton University uses Blackboard to provide a Virtual Learning Environment. This is a location for files, forums, and other course resources to be stored and accessed by students. It can also be used for assignment submission, communication between students and academics. News and events can also be scheduled, and grades tracked as feedback on assignments is received. Blackboard is just one of many software systems that offer these services, and to ensure that the University offers the best learning experience, the Virtual Learning Environment is being reviewed.
The review is being undertaken by the Institute for Learning Innovation and Development, with two Excel interns assisting the work over the summer. We will be evaluating a range of different systems against Blackboard and presenting the findings to key decision makers at the University. The outcome will have an impact on every one of nearly 30,000 students at Southampton.
So far, we have collected data on the VLE used at a range of different universities in the UK between 2010 and 2015. Blackboard is the most common, but increasingly Moodle is being seen. It provides similar functionality in a different way, as it is designed to be more social and encourage collaboration. Also appearing in the UK is Canvas, a system previously seen in the USA. It was launched at Birmingham in 2014 and has received positive reviews.
To read more about the work going on behind the scenes, follow the full blog at Southampton VLE Review
Student feedback is vital to the selection process and there will be questionnaires, surveys, focus groups, and opportunities to have your say. Academics will also get a say in a process designed to improve student and staff satisfaction and productivity across the university.
The internship is a really good opportunity to see behind the scenes into work that goes on at the university. The virtual learning environment underpins all of the learning that goes on at the university, so reviewing it is an exciting insight into the way that courses are structured and content is designed. Taking on a role in a small, dynamic team is an interesting challenge, and is excellent experience for future projects.
By Alex McCormick
