X-stream

X-stream supports all users of our institutional Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), with Blackboard at its heart to support Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL).

If you are a student, click here for the X-stream student support site.

Technical support, general information and specific guides are included for staff engaged in developing online materials.

My X-stream password doesn't work, what do I do?

Where can I get help with X-stream?

How do I login to X-stream (the staff/student portal)?

I can't see my modules on X-stream, what do I do?

Where can I see what students are enrolled on my module on X-stream?

What is a CRN on X-stream?

If you are interested in any training to help you set up sessions for yourself and others please e-mail X-stream Support and we will get in touch with you to discuss your requirements and arrange dates and times.

Adding Content to X-Stream

There are several ways of adding content to an X-stream section.
As an example, if you have designer access to an X-stream section and a PowerPoint presentation called week1.ppt on your computer, you can make this presentation available to your students using the Add File tool:

Log on to X-stream and navigate to your section.
Make sure the Build tab is selected.
From the Home Page, click Add File.
From the popup menu, click Browse for Files.
Click the My Computer icon from the popup box.
Browse to the appropriate folder, select the file week1.ppt and click Open. The file is uploaded to the section and appears on the Home Page.

Web pages, Videos, PDF documents and other files can be added in the same way as described above.
A Learning Module provides an alternative way of making content available to students.

Learning Modules

Adding Assessment to X-Stream

Formative and summative assessments can be highly beneficial for students. X-stream provides a simple mechanism for adding quizzes, self assessment tests and surveys.

Log on to X-stream.
Select the Build tab.
On the course menu, under Course Tools, click Assessments.
Click Create Assessment.
Add a title and select Quiz as the type.
Click Save.
Click the assessment title within the assessment tool to edit it.
Under Create Questions, select Multiple Choice.
In the Question text box, type a question
In the Answer 1 box, type a possible course of action and in the Feedback box type some feedback.
Repeat step 10 above, using the remaining answer and feedback boxes for each additional possible answer..
If one answer is more correct than the others, select Correct response above the corresponding answer.
Scroll down to the end of the page and click Save.
On the Assessments tool page, click the ActionLinks button for the self test. Click Show Item on the popup menu to make the self test available.

The X-stream Assessment tool stores detailed information about each assessment, and can be linked to the Gradebook. Students receive grades for self tests, but it is not possible to monitor student responses because the results are not stored. Anonymous surveys can also be delivered.

The Assignment tool provides a mechanism for administering course work submitted electronically.

Assignments - Creating

Grade Book

Adding Communication to X-Stream

Communication between tutors, students and peers is an essential part of university life and X-stream includes a range of online tools that can provide this.

Log on to X-stream.
Select the Build tab.
On the Course Menu, click Discussions.
Click Create Topic.
Ensure the Threaded topic option is selected. Click Next.
Enter the title Student Queries and a description if desired.
Click Save. The topic is added to the Discussions tool.
From the Teach or Student View tab, click Discussions then select Student Queries.
Click Create Message. A dialog window appears.
In the Subject box type "Welcome", in the Message box type a short message inviting students to post their queries.
Click Post. The message is posted.