blackboard: making an impression in a visual world
university for the creative arts
Maria Tannant – web design & information management
Nick Power – web programmer
who we are…
University for the Creative Arts
• Kent Institute of Art & Design (KIAD)
• Surrey University College of Art & Design
• Location
Blackboard
• Purchased independently about 7 years ago by both institutions.
learning technologies
Progress was limited at both institutions
• Innovators
• Early Adopters
• Two Learning Technologists were appointed in May 2007
initial analysis
Two issues quickly emerged:
• Staff viewed Bb as text based and content driven, therefore not relevant to learning and teaching in the visual and creative arts context.
• Significant Integration Problems
the way forward
A series of recommendations were made in January 2008:
Solve the integration issues by using snapshot
To mirror more accurately the reflective and collaborative needs of learning and teaching in the visual and creative arts.
solution?
• Additional reflective, collaborative and visual tools such as wikis and blogs were added.
• Snapshot was implemented.
• Both have been highly successful in increasing Blackboard usage, which grew by 140% in the last year.
however…
Staff opposition in some areas remained intense, this now seemed to focus on the visual nature of Blackboard.
“One of the things that is being explored is the opportunity for Art and Design institutions to take the lead on technology enhanced learning. We have a fantastic opportunity here to do something truly groundbreaking. But Blackboard's inherently didactic approach, focusing on digital 'delivery' (and even then rather clumsily) is going to hold us back for sure.”
This was despite a survey in February 2008 indicated that where Blackboard was used, students loved it and wanted more…
student feedback…
the solution?
Redesign the interface!
As the UK’s first creative arts University it seemed sensible to stop moaning and do something about it!
This coincided with the start of the student portal project….
before - after
current student portal
current blackboard
what our students are saying
student designs from Rochester
student designs from Farnham
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
homepages
12 shortlisted designs
final 4 – student vote
final 4 – SPWG vote
homepages
prototype
was the exercise worth it
Yes Indeed!
• We have learnt so much more about our student needs
• We need to be selective in the amount of information they see
• Students want simple, functional design
• We can be confident in knowing which direction to take this project.
conclusion
We need to listen to our students
• De-clutter and simplify
• Easily accessible
• Fashionably understated
• User friendly
“Students don’t want the world, they want something simple to grasp”
wikis, powerpoints and videos
The following link takes you to the full
body of student work including the
project brief.
View full range of student ideas
Contact: [email protected]
