Excellence in VLE Awards

Nominations for the 2022 Awards are now open!

Nominations by students

If you would like to highlight an exemplary Blackboard course, or other VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) that provides excellent online support for your course, then submit your nomination at https://tiny.cc/nominate2022 or via the image link below.

You may nominate up to 3 modules, and the link will remain open until 28th February 2022. It can be a module from the current academic year or from Semester 2 in 2021. For every module you nominate you will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a £50 Amazon voucher.

Courses will be shortlisted based on the number of nominations they receive and student comments, and a team of judges will view the shortlisted courses.  Winners will be announced at the Awards Event in May. 

Further details of the Awards are available below.

Nominations by staff

Staff have the opportunity to nominate one of their own courses and to celebrate the 10th year of the VLE Awards, this year we are asking you to nominate your course in one of 10 categories. Further information is included in the staff self-nomination form: https://tiny.cc/staffaward2022

Ethics ID 60838

VLE Superleague

In 2020 we launched the Blackboard & VLE Awards superleague, featuring courses that have won previously and are still consistently nominated by students for the outstanding support they provide (courses are also available to download in .docx format). For inspiration, tour some of the superleague courses on YouTube or search the Blackboard Course Catalogue for 'Superleague'.

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Awards

Now into its ninth year, our Excellence in VLE Awards gives students the opportunity to nominate exemplary Blackboard modules, or those using other VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) platforms, and highlight what it is that makes these courses stand out.

Award-winning courses have been chosen for their innovative features and for the high standard of support they offer students. The judging panel includes student representation, Associate Deans (Education) and online learning specialists.  Our course rubric explains some of the key aspects considered.  View details of 2021's VLE Awards and the winners in the 2021 Awards YouTube showcase.

Central to the VLE Awards is the chance to share good practice. Our Award winners are encouraged to contribute case studies of their practice. Short presentations summarising features praised by students, using examples from shortlisted courses, can be viewed below. This is further explored through a series of workshops for staff, which showcase faculty-specific examples of excellent materials, offer practical tips and discuss good design for online learning.