Excellence in VLE Awards

Thank you to all who submitted courses for the 2022 Blackboard & VLE Awards, and for your detailed comments highlighting what works well in a virtual learning environment. The winning courses are revealed in our Blackboard & VLE Awards: 10th Anniversary blog post.

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 tenth 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.