Distance Learning Courses
The University of the West of England’s distance learning courses make use of a range of technologies. Here you will find some information about some of the technologies used and some technical requirements.
Blackboard
Blackboard is a web-based Learning Management System and most of the course will be delivered through Blackboard. It is compatible with PC and Macintosh computers and a variety of web browsers (although Internet Explorer 8 and higher tends to work best).
UWE's Blackboard Support team have more details about computer, browser, and mobile phone compatibility.
You can also run an automatic test on your computer to check its compatibility with Blackboard.
Online presentations and videos
The courses will often make use of Flash-based narrated presentations. To view these presentations you will need a reasonable web connection and the have the Adobe Flash Player - on your computer which you can download for free. (Please note: Flash is not compatible with Apple iPhones and iPads).
The slides from the presentations will also generally be made available in a printable format, for example as a pdf file or a PowerPoint file. To access these you may need to have certain software installed:
- PowerPoint files – you will need Microsoft PowerPoint on your computer – or the free PC PowerPoint reader.
- pdf documents – you will need a pdf reader, such as the free Adobe Reader.
The use of video is also a common feature of UWE’s distance learning courses. Again, you will need a reasonable broadband connection to view the videos.
To test out your computer with video, try accessing the YouTube videos below:
Real time discussion sessions
Real time discussion sessions are a common feature of UWE’s distance learning courses – either group discussions or one to one calls. A range of options can be used to facilitate this, from full audio visual web conferencing on your computer to voice only conference calls.
Web conferencing/virtual classrooms allow your study group and tutor to communicate using voice, web cam video and various online tools such as a shared interactive whiteboard. Two such systems are Blackboard Collaborate virtual classroom and Microsoft Lync desktop web conferencing.
For the full audio visual experience you will need reliable broadband internet connection, a web cam and preferably a head set microphone (USB tends to work best). As a rough indicator, if you are able to use Skype with video and audio, then your computer is probably fine for this.
Broadband speed and quality can vary from country to country, so we will work with your student group to identify the most practical way to run real time discussions.
Page last updated 15 November 2012