ELearning has become essential for learning and teaching over the past number of years. In the mainly practice based course of Textile Art, Design and Fashion the VLE is blended with face to face teaching. Blackboard Learn is essential for the consolidation of the learning, to ensure all students have current and up-to-date information. The use of Blackboard Learn is undoubtedly now such a part of supporting and enhancing the student experience it would be impossible to deliver the key teaching and learning strategies without this platform. Blackboard learn supports a range of diverse learners and enables non-traditional learners to engage in Higher Education. The VLE supports students individual learning needs and this paper will discuss the success of this even in a workshop or manufacturing based subject and how key aspects of Blackboard learn are utilised within the course to support the learning and teaching for successful outcomes.There are risks involved in using the VLE and they need to be identified clearly at the outset, to ensure that risks are monitored and effective solutions are in place in a timely fashion. The rationale is to empower learners and ensure that they excel in professional life through a transformative higher education system, and to lead innovation through flexible, inclusive and an accessible provision that will provide a supportive environment. Innovative approaches to learning, teaching and leadership are encouraged, recognised, valued and rewarded, for all staff and students in Ulster University. The continual pressures of providing a flexible supportive student experience can at times be difficult. The demands on academic staff to deliver course content, administrative duties, maintain networks, industry triangles and commitments to research can at times be overwhelming.There are risks involved in using the VLE and they need to be identified clearly at the outset, to ensure that risks are monitored and effective solutions are in place in a timely fashion.

eLearning; Textiles; Fashion; Design; Education; Diversity