blackboard: making an impression in a visual world university for the creative arts

1. blackboard: making an impression in a visual worlduniversity for the creative arts Maria Tannant – web design & information management Nick Power – web programmer

2. 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.

3. learning technologies Progress was limited at both institutions • Innovators • Early Adopters • Two Learning Technologists were appointed in May 2007

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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…

8. student feedback…

9. 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….

10. before - after

11. current student portal

12. current blackboard

13. what our students are saying

14. student designs from Rochester

15. student designs from Farnham

16. homepages

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32. 12 shortlisted designs

33. final 4 – student vote

34. final 4 – SPWG vote

35. homepages

36. prototype

37. 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.

38. 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”

39. 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: mtannant@ucreative.ac.uk