Blackboard: Your Digital Learning Space

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is Northumbria University's Virtual Learning Environment, or VLE. A VLE is an online platform that allows teaching and learning to be delivered at any time and any place using digital tools and resources.  

When will I use Blackboard?

Blackboard is the digital learning space which you will use throughout your studies at Northumbria University. Using Blackboard, you can: 

• Access digital learning materials for each topic that you study, view online lectures and take part in online tutorials.
• Browse lists of essential reading for your course. 
• Get regular announcements and messages from tutors.
• Views assessments and submit these for marking. 
• Find further help and support. 

Log in to Blackboard regularly during your studies and familiarise yourself with the content, tools and resources that you will use on an ongoing basis as a student at Northumbria University.   

How do I access Blackboard?

Blackboard is hosted online, so you will require an internet connection to access it. You can access Blackboard using:

• A web browser (Google Chrome is recommended).
• The Blackboard mobile app.  

Accessing Blackboard using a web browser. 

You can access Blackboard within a web browser by logging in to the Student Portal at: 

https://myportal.northumbria.ac.uk 

and selecting the link for Blackboard.

Accessing Blackboard using the mobile app. 

The Blackboard app also allows you to access Blackboard on your mobile device. The Blackboard app is available to download and install for free from the following locations: 

• Google Play Store for Android device.
• App Store for Apple devices.

Search for Blackboard and look for the icon with the pencil displayed.   

How do I use Blackboard?

Blackboard has a range of features that will help you to organise your study time and access the information you need.

Some of the tools within Blackboard that you will use are: 

• Modules and Programmes - lists all the modules or programme sites to which you have access in Blackboard. 
• Activity Stream - where you can see all the new content available to you in your modules, programmes, and organisations. 
• Blackboard Calendar – will show you deadline dates for assessments and reminders for upcoming events that your tutors have posted to your course. 
• Blackboard Messages – your tutor can communicate with you about important course updates. 

Where can I get further Help?

IT Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

View IT Support contact details.