{"id":2682,"date":"2021-02-18T16:07:12","date_gmt":"2021-02-18T16:07:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/?p=2682"},"modified":"2026-10-14T14:52:06","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T13:52:06","slug":"organise-blackboard-course-content-005","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/2021\/02\/18\/organise-blackboard-course-content-005\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Effectively Organise Your Blackboard Course Content"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section bb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; next_background_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243;][et_pb_fullwidth_menu menu_id=&#8221;7&#8243; submenu_direction=&#8221;downwards&#8221; fullwidth_menu=&#8221;off&#8221; module_class=&#8221;main-navigation&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.106&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.47&#8243; prev_background_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; next_background_color=&#8221;#1d1d1d&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.48&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_4&#8243;][et_pb_post_title _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; meta=&#8221;off&#8221; featured_placement=&#8221;above&#8221; featured_image=&#8221;off&#8221; \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>In this video, Kyriakos Neanidis showcases the setup of his masters course on Blackboard, explaining the clear structure of his course content plus his use of Piazza, and how it all serves to make activities and expectations clear to students on a weekly basis.<\/p>\n<p>Where, under lockdown conditions, all interaction with the course became online, Kyriakos decided to structure and organise his Blackboard course using a long but main home page. The course home page provided a clear structure of the unit and its building blocks. By being a clearly structured entry point to the essential components the unit assisted students in easily finding what they needed. The home page includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Welcome section that introduced the course including a video tour of the site<\/li>\n<li>Course unit information section<\/li>\n<li>The course discussion board (Piazza): including the purpose, how he intended to use online board, expectations including netiquette and how to access the tool as such Piazza<\/li>\n<li>Assessment information section: type, where to find submission point, mock paper that reflect the type of questions students will encounter.<\/li>\n<li>Recommended readings section\u2013 clearly distinguished from essential reading that he outlines in each of the various weeks.<\/li>\n<li>Teaching materials organised in a consistent manner across all weeks, clearly outlining the intended outcomes for each subject covered, and materials involving text as well as multimedia material (video clips of lectures, or problem questions, etc)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Results\/outcomes and method of evaluation<\/h3>\n<p>For the first time no student has come to Office hours \u2013 all questions have been resolved via Piazza or Live Tutorials.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of structuring an online unit, the simpler the better. It does not have to look fancy, but needs to be functional and helpful in guiding students in the right direction (of material, exam preparation, additional notes, etc)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; src=&#8221;https:\/\/video.manchester.ac.uk\/weblounge-files\/ffffffff-e669-6e8b-0000-01766b1fe0e0&#8243; \/][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Benefits&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Manage large groups effectively<\/li>\n<li>Requires low level of technical expertise\/technical confidence<\/li>\n<li>Helps students understand what is expected of them<\/li>\n<li>Offer guidance throughout the semester, including exam period time for revision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; title=&#8221;Student Feedback&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cThe course is well organized.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; title=&#8221;Top Tips&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The structure of your Bb site is critical for students\u2019 engagement with course materials.<\/li>\n<li>Do not just throw teaching materials out to your students, guide students by specifying the purpose of sections, tools you use, your expectations, what is essential and what is a recommendation<\/li>\n<li>Promote peer interaction in discussion boards e.g. when a student posts a question allow opportunities and reward other students\u2019 responding. Measure your interventions e.g. intervening after a few days later<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_comments _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; show_avatar=&#8221;on&#8221; show_reply=&#8221;on&#8221; show_count=&#8221;on&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; header_font_size_tablet=&#8221;51&#8243; header_line_height_tablet=&#8221;2&#8243; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_icon_placement=&#8221;right&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; button_use_icon=&#8221;off&#8221; parent_locked=&#8221;off&#8221; button_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_text_size__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_size__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_size__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_text_color__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_color__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_color__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_border_width__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_width__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_width__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_border_color__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_color__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_color__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_border_radius__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_radius__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_radius__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_letter_spacing__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_letter_spacing__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_letter_spacing__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_bg_color__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_bg_color__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_bg_color__hover=&#8221;null&#8221; \/][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Related posts&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; parent_locked=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>Related<\/h1>\n<!-- relpost-thumb-wrapper --><div class=\"relpost-thumb-wrapper\"><!-- filter-class --><div class=\"relpost-thumb-container\"><h3>Related posts:<\/h3><div style=\"clear: both\"><\/div><div style=\"clear: both\"><\/div><!-- relpost-block-container --><div class=\"relpost-block-container relpost-block-column-layout\" style=\"--relposth-columns: 3;--relposth-columns_t: 2; --relposth-columns_m: 2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/2021\/03\/18\/summative-assessment-padlet-025\/\"class=\"relpost-block-single\" ><div class=\"relpost-custom-block-single\"><div class=\"relpost-block-single-image rpt-lazyload\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" data-bg=\"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/205\/2022\/05\/padlet-150x150.jpg\" style=\"background: transparent no-repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 150px; height: 150px; aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\"><\/div><div class=\"relpost-block-single-text\"  style=\"height: 75px;font-family: Arial;  font-size: 12px;  color: #333333;\"><h2 class=\"relpost_card_title\">Summative Assessment: Research Posters through Padlet<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/2021\/03\/08\/advanced-video-production-008\/\"class=\"relpost-block-single\" ><div class=\"relpost-custom-block-single\"><div class=\"relpost-block-single-image rpt-lazyload\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" data-bg=\"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/205\/2022\/05\/Video-150x150.jpg\" style=\"background: transparent no-repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 150px; height: 150px; aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\"><\/div><div class=\"relpost-block-single-text\"  style=\"height: 75px;font-family: Arial;  font-size: 12px;  color: #333333;\"><h2 class=\"relpost_card_title\">Advanced Video Production Techniques<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/2021\/06\/28\/co-designing-curriculum-students-employers\/\"class=\"relpost-block-single\" ><div class=\"relpost-custom-block-single\"><div class=\"relpost-block-single-image rpt-lazyload\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" data-bg=\"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/205\/2022\/05\/Meeting-150x150.jpg\" style=\"background: transparent no-repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 150px; height: 150px; aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\"><\/div><div class=\"relpost-block-single-text\"  style=\"height: 75px;font-family: Arial;  font-size: 12px;  color: #333333;\"><h2 class=\"relpost_card_title\">Co-designing the curriculum with students and employers<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><!-- close relpost-block-container --><div style=\"clear: both\"><\/div><\/div><!-- close filter class --><\/div><!-- close relpost-thumb-wrapper -->\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Spacer&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; \/][et_pb_button admin_label=&#8221;Home Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; button_text=&#8221;Good Practice Library Home&#8221; button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/good-practice-library\/&#8221; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; \/][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/205\/2021\/02\/Blackboard.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>School: <\/strong>Social Sciences<\/p>\n<p><strong>Academic:\u00a0<\/strong>Kyriakos Neanidis<\/p>\n<p><strong>Course: <\/strong>ECON60411 Macroeconomics PGT (91 students)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Themes:\u00a0<\/strong>Teaching ideas,\u00a0managing large cohorts<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243; \/][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Ref. &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<pre>Ref:\u00a0005<\/pre>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Connect Title&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.90&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#1d1d1d&#8221; module_class=&#8221;footer-section&#8221; prev_background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; global_module=&#8221;380&#8243;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; global_parent=&#8221;380&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_3=&#8221;off&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;on&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; module_id=&#8221;footer-row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.89&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Contact Us Title&#8221; global_parent=&#8221;380&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; parent_locked=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4>Contact Us<\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Contact Us&#8221; global_parent=&#8221;380&#8243; text_text_color=&#8221;#aaaaaa&#8221; parent_locked=&#8221;off&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; module_class=&#8221;contact-us&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>+44 (0) 161 306 6000<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Find Us Title&#8221; global_parent=&#8221;380&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; parent_locked=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4>Find Us<\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Address&#8221; global_parent=&#8221;380&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; module_id=&#8221;address&#8221; parent_locked=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.manchester.ac.uk\/discover\/maps\/interactive-map\/\">The University of Manchester<br \/>Oxford Rd<br \/>Manchester<br \/>M13 9PL<br \/>UK<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Connect Title&#8221; global_parent=&#8221;380&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; parent_locked=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4>Connect With Us<\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Social Media&#8221; global_parent=&#8221;380&#8243; parent_locked=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.17.6&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul class=\"inlineList footer-socialIcons\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<li><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheUniversityOfManchester\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/assets.manchester.ac.uk\/phase1\/templates\/images\/icon-facebook-50.png\" alt=\"Facebook page for The University of Manchester\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" \/><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <\/a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/li>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<li><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/OfficialUoM\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/assets.manchester.ac.uk\/phase1\/templates\/images\/icon-twitter-50.png\" alt=\"Twitter page for The University of Manchester\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" \/><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <\/a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/li>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<li><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/universitymanchester\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/assets.manchester.ac.uk\/phase1\/templates\/images\/icon-youtube-50.png\" alt=\"YouTube page for The University of Manchester\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" \/><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <\/a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/li>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<li><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/officialuom\/\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/assets.manchester.ac.uk\/phase1\/templates\/images\/icon-instagram-50.svg\" alt=\"Instagram page for The University of Manchester\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" \/><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <\/a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/li>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this video, Kyriakos Neanidis (SoSS) showcases the setup of his masters course on Blackboard, explaining the clear structure of his course content plus his use of Piazza, and how it all serves to make activities and expectations clear to students on a weekly basis.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4452,"featured_media":5734,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,104,26],"tags":[78],"class_list":["post-2682","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-enhancing-learning-with-technology","category-good-practice","category-large-cohorts","tag-soss"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2682","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4452"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2682"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2682\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5735,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2682\/revisions\/5735"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5734"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2682"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2682"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2682"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}