Traditional methods of small-group teaching remain a key weapon in the History lecturer’s armoury. But academics must explore new approaches to achieve excellent teaching and learning in the large undergraduate courses, which are such a common feature of most British universities. This paper examined how virtual learning environments (VLEs) such as Blackboard can improve large undergraduate courses in the humanities. The paper reported on the use of Quizzes, Discussion Boards and Seminar Worksheets in history modules at Levels 1 and 2 at the University of Manchester.