Welcome to Aston. It generally takes some time to develop confidence with your learning and we are here to support you.
We understand that individual student circumstances will vary, and that you may need more practical help to develop your engagement with your studies.
The key source of information for your studies, and the place where you will engage most directly in learning and teaching, is our virtual learning environment – Blackboard Learn. You can log on using your Student ID and password at: vle.aston.ac.uk. You will find further information and help when you log in.
It is via Blackboard Learn that you will access most of your learning resources and key online activities. We use a system called Blackboard Collaborate for many online activities. These sessions are accessed from module areas in Blackboard. General information about Collaborate including how to prepare for an online session is available. Further guidance about what to do if you experience technical problems during a live online session can be found here.
You can also access important information via My Aston Portal (MAP) including details of your timetable and Personal Tutor. You can log in using your Student ID and password at aston.ac.uk/map.
You will have access to a system called ATLAS. which presents you with a dashboard of data related to your studies. For example, when you swipe into an on-campus teaching session or study space using your ID card, or access information in Blackboard, this will register in your dashboard. It is designed to help you to monitor your study activities and inform dialogue with staff supporting you. You can access this system using your Student ID and pasword at atlas.aston.ac.uk. This incorporates links to key Student Support Services should you need any other help or support and are unable to find this information elsewhere.
Your tutors will be organising opportunities for on campus activities and touchpoints. Details will be published through Blackboard including information about how to book onto these. You can find details about the system we use for this here.
If for any reason you are unable to log in or don’t have your username or password, please note the support available here: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/ict/helpdesk
Should you experience any technical difficulties that mean you are unable to log in to Blackboard or access learning activities and other resources, you can submit a request for technical support here: https://solve.aston.ac.uk/.
Full details of Student Support services, information and links to all key systems can also be found here: www2.aston.ac.uk/current-students.
If you have any questions or queries, you are welcome to contact your Personal Tutor for additional help or support.
Finally, please note the Aston Together Commitment: Be Respectful, Be Observant, Be Kind. Only together can we build an academic community. The very best wishes for the learning ahead.