Using online learning resources

Minerva is the key source of information for students and the portal through which you will access your online learning. Remember that Minerva is also your way into everything in the University and it gives access to a variety of useful resources including:

• module areas
• University and departmental announcements
• Office365 email
• Student Services
• timetabling
• Library.

Your module areas contain the resources for both face-to-face and online teaching and learning. Your tutor may use this area to also send announcements, with information about a particular module.

You can also access module reading lists and lecture recordings through module areas. Pre-recorded content is provided in accordance with the University’s policy for recording teaching sessions.

Minerva discussion forums

Your tutors may direct you to use tools in Minerva for discussion and collaboration, using discussion forums and blog tools.

If you are asked to participate in a discussion activity, please follow the instructions provided by your tutor, which will include deadlines for contribution.

Microsoft Teams is an online hub where students and teachers can find course files, communicate with one another, and collaborate together in an online classroom.

You can access Microsoft Teams via the Office 365 portal or via the Microsoft Teams mobile apps.

Teams online is compatible with most modern web browsers. However, to ensure the most stable and consistent experience, we strongly recommend installing the Microsoft Teams app.

There are Microsoft Teams apps available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. Learn more about Microsoft Teams on the IT website. 

You can access a collection of Office 365 training (including Microsoft Teams) on LinkedIn Learning.

For some courses you may also need to use Zoom, a video conferencing and collaboration system which provides similar features to Microsoft Teams.

You will access Zoom via an invitation that includes a dedicated weblink for your individual session and sometimes, the meeting password.

You do not need a Zoom account to join a meeting but if you are using a mobile or tablet, you will need to download the Zoom App.

Find out more about Zoom on the IT website.

Collaborate is a web-based application accessed through Minerva and allows your tutors to lead discussion via audio and video conferencing and live text chat. You do not need to install any software to use it.

Your tutor may use the breakout rooms feature to allow you to take part in small group discussions during the session.

Guidance on the use of Collaborate is available from the Minerva support website.

There are also answers available to frequently asked questions and extra guidance on the Blackboard Collaborate Ultra Help for Participants website.

On Top Hat, you can complete quizzes and tests set by teaching staff remotely. Learning content may be included in the test or quiz, e.g. slides or links to videos.

You will receive an email invitation to join Top Hat and set up an account if one of your tutors is using the tool.

Padlet is a collaborative online bulletin board, where you can create ‘Padlets’ which are collections of digitally curated content, and then share them with others.

You can add text, images, video, audio, and attached files and share it with others for them to collaborate on or simply to view.

You may also be invited to join or view Padlets by staff, either as a way of sharing collected resources, or as a collaborative task. You can access a Padlet through a link and so do not need to set up an account.

Find out more about Padlet on the Digital Education Service website.

PebblePad is a portfolio and personal learning platform. It is designed to help you to develop, shape, and share your skills and attributes.

PebblePad comes with a range of tools to help you plan, record, reflect on and evidence your learning, and bring your learning journey stories together in to interactive presentations.

Find out more about PebblePad and how to get started on the Digital Education Service website.