MyAberdeen
The institutional Virtual Learning Environment is MyAberdeen which is based on Blackboard Ultra but includes a number of integrations such as with Panopto media platform, Turnitin similarity reports, Leganto reading lists and Microsoft Teams.
Course Creation
MyAberdeen hosts course areas for the current academic year and two previous years. If a new course for the coming academic year is approved by the Curriculum Management process, then a course area will be created during the summer and will be set up with the institutional course template by default. Course areas are normally created during June and July and staff are notified via email. No other content or information is copied across during this process. Staff can reuse content from other courses using the copy content tools within their course area. Each year over the summer months we endeavour to tidy up MyAberdeen and archive our old course areas. To help prepare for the start of term, you can access our course readiness checklist on Toolkit.
- Institutional Course Template
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The institutional course template was designed using good practice across schools and reflects innovations in the course design tools on MyAberdeen. The approach taken also mirrors good practice within the sector. The following content is included in the template:
- Course Guide - a learning module with Ultra documents titled:
- Course Essentials
- Course Schedule
- Education Policies, Guidance, Useful Resources
- MySkills
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Course Assessment – a folder with Ultra documents titled:
- Academic Integrity and Use of GenAI Tools
- Assessment briefs
- Grading, Feedback, Extensions and Late Penalties
- Link to Leganto course reading list
- A guide to structuring your Course Content and Assessments
- An exemplar learning module
- External Examiners: Moderation and Course Review
- Course Guide - a learning module with Ultra documents titled:
- Benefits of the Institutional Course Template
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Use of an institutional course template has the following benefits:
- Consistent course structure across disciplines
- Accessible structure and presentation of course content
- Ensure students only receive notifications from assessments they are undertaking
- Staff have more time to spend on learning materials as there is a pre-built structure for standard information available across all courses
Support for Staff
- Guidance on Tools for Teaching
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Step-by-step guides for staff are available on Toolkit:
- MyAberdeen for Staff
- MyAberdeen & Turnitin Assignments for Staff
- MyAberdeen Admin
- MyAberdeen Copyright
- Panopto (Media Platform / Lecture Capture)
- Microsoft Teams (Virtual Meetings)
- Vevox (Polling Software)
- Accessibility for Authors and Creators
- Digitally Enhanced Teaching Spaces
- Leganto (Reading Lists)
- Workshops
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Our eLearning Advisers run workshops throughout the year for staff on various learning technology topics incorporating good practice, pedagogy, accessibility and efficient ways of working. You can view our range of workshops on Course Booking.
- MyAberdeen Enhancements
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eLearning Advisers deliver short sessions each month to present the main updates to the MyAberdeen learning environment, and there is the opportunity for discussion or to ask questions. You can book onto upcoming sessions on Course Booking.
- Course Review Service
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As part of the service, eLearning Advisers conduct an audit of your online course to provide feedback and recommendations on course design, delivery and implementation. If you are interested in getting involved or would like to find out more, contact elearning@abdn.ac.uk.
- Consultation
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If you would like to book 1:1 time with an eLearning Adviser to discuss the learning technology within your MyAberdeen course area, please use our online booking form, providing as much information as possible in advance.
- Contact Us
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Staff can contact us at elearning@abdn.ac.uk. Our email inbox is monitored during business hours.