Each month we will share some of our timely frequently asked questions around educational technology.

Is it possible to run a virtual classroom in FLO?

Yes, you can run a virtual classroom in FLO using Blackboard Collaborate. Collaborate is a live, collaborative space that provides the ability to chat, screen-share, share audio and video, poll students, collaborate using a virtual whiteboard or group participants into small ‘break-out’ spaces.

If you would like to do a Collaborate test session, or book a one-on-one training session, contact your local eLearning support team. More information on how to use Blackboard Collaborate is provided in the eLearning Gateway.

I keep getting emails for assignment extensions, how can I access it and am I able to appoint teaching staff to approve the request?

You can access the Assignment extension tool on your FLO topic site. When a student submits a request for an extension, the tool will send an email notification to the topic coordinator of the topic. The ‘View requests’ menu option in the tool allows the topic coordinator to view and process the requests.

The topic coordinator can delegate authority to other staff via the ‘Nominate approver’ option under the ‘Topic settings’ menu. Staff must have either a tutor or lecturer (teacher) role to be nominated as an approver.

For more information on the Assignment extension tool, head to the eLearning Gateway.

Contributed by Tariq Mohammad Abdul
eLearning and Media Support Officer – CILT