The Add Items feature allows you to add content to your course site. Files can be uploaded in their original format (such as .doc or .ppt documents) and when students click on the link created, the files are downloaded to the student's computer (may open in browser depending on the browser and the computer setup). HTML or web supported graphic files (such as .jpg's or .gif's) can also be added, which can be viewed directly within the Blackboard page.
Note: Because Blackboard is cross platform (works on Macs and PCs) all files should have a file extension (such as .doc or .html), which designates its file type. To prevent conflicts, file names should contain no spaces or special characters except the underscore (_) and only one period before the file extension (ex: HomeWorkOne.doc).
1. Click on desired Content Areas (Course Materials, Assignments, Syllabus, Books).
2. Click the Add Item icon.
3. Choose a Name from the drop down menu or enter your own name for the document in the Name field.
4. Enter a description into the Text field.
5. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the Submit button
Create a link to this file - Use this default option to create a link to a document or download.
Display media file within the page - Use this option when working with graphic images or media files you want to display within the page.
Unpackage this file - Use this option when uploading .zip (or compressed) files. This is typically used with PowerPoint presentations saved as HTML or collections of linked web pages.
Do you want to make the content visible? - Visible means that your students can see the document. Typically, documents are made "invisible" when you don't want students to access them yet. You can change this at any time.
Do you want to add offline content? - This is used when your course has a companion CD-ROM.
Do you want to track number of views? - This option lets you track how often individual users view the document.
Do you want to add metadata? - This option indicates if metadata will be used. Metadata is data about the added item, such as ownership, resource format, and copyright information.
Choose date restrictions - This option lets you set the dates that the document will be visible and invisible. This automates the "make contents visible" option.
Q: What kinds of documents can I upload to Blackboard?
A: Uploading just means putting your document up onto the Blackboard server or any Internet server. You can upload just about any file type to Blackboard, however the type of document that you upload affects how your students can view it. If you upload documents that were created and saved in specific software programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.), your students will have to have that particular software installed on their computer to view the documents.
For example, if you upload a PowerPoint document (as a .ppt or .pps), your students will have to download the file and then open it in PowerPoint or the PowerPoint viewer. However, if you save your files as HTML and then upload them to Blackboard, the students can view the documents directly on screen from within Blackboard.
Q: Why should I save and upload my files as HMTL?
A: Uploading HTML documents to Blackboard allows your students to directly access the information from within the Blackboard page. This is preferable for course information and documents, such as assignment instructions and timelines, which students may need to check often. There may also be times where you want to upload files for download, such as templates or forms that need to be modified or copied or longer documents that students will want to print. In those cases, leaving the document in its original form (.doc, .xls) would be preferable.
Q: What should I put in the Name of Link to File field?
A: If the file is for downloading, type something like "Click to download." If the file is in a web format and will be viewed on screen, type something like "Click to view." This lets the student know what will happen when they click the link. Remember, whatever you type in this field becomes the actual link that students will click on.
Q: How should I save my graphics?
A: The most universally supported file formats on the Web are .gif and .jpg format. In general, use .gif format for graphics that have few colors, graphics that contain text or type, or graphics that have large areas of a single color. Use .jpg format for graphics that have many colors and lots of fine detail, such as photos. It is NOT recommended to use bitmapped graphics with Blackboard. These files are very large and can affect your course performance, as they are slow to load, especially for modem users. Many scanners default to .bmp files, so make sure you check this if you are scanning photos or images.
It is also important to remember that Blackboard will upload all graphics in their original size. Make sure that you have sized and saved your graphics in an appropriate size for your course site. There are recommended sizes shown in the Page Editors when uploading course banners and staff photos.
Q: What kind of media files are supported by Blackboard?
A: The following media files can be viewed within Blackboard.
Graphics: GIF and JPEG
Video: MPEG, Quicktime, AVI
Audio: WAV and AIFF
Animation: Flash, Shockwave
Note: students will need the appropriate software and plug-ins to view the media files.
Q: How fast (or slow) will my files be downloaded?
A: When developing your course materials, remember that the students may be connecting to the Internet via a dial-up modem. Files should be kept small enough so users with slower connections will still be able to access the files in a reasonable amount of time. If you cannot keep the file size down, an alternative is to use the text field in the Add Item area to provide the student with information describing what the file is, how large it is, and why it is important that they view it. Often, simply letting a student know that the download may take longer than usual will diffuse any frustration associated with the long process.
Keep in mind that download time will vary based on Internet traffic and connection speed.
The Add Folders feature allows you to create folders which help you organize and sort your course content. Folders make it easier for students to find documents by limiting the amount of scrolling needed and by labeling specific content areas. There are two main ways of using folders to organize your material; content-based and chronological order. An example of content-based organization is creating a folder for all your lecture notes, another for readings, a third for PowerPoint presentations, etc. An example of chronological order is to create a folder for all Week One materials, another for Week Two etc.
Note: Items must be uploaded into each folder. Although items (not folders) cannot be dragged and dropped from other areas of Blackboard, they can be copied between areas or courses.
1. Click on desired Content Areas (Course Materials, Assignments, Syllabus, Books).
2. Click the Add Folder icon.
3. Choose a Name from the drop down menu or type a name for the folder into the Name field.
4. Type a description of the folder contents into the Text field.
5. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the Submit button.
Q: Can I move documents from one folder to another?
A: Blackboard does not function like your computer desktop where you can drag and drop documents from folder to folder. Documents need to be uploaded directly to the specific folder. You can copy documents from one folder to another, though.
Q: I have created folders but when my students click on them they get a message saying Folder Empty. Why are my students receiving this message?
A: This is a common problem due to the way Blackboard creates folders. Instructors frequently place the material in the folder description area, instead of actually in the folder. Make sure that you use the text field shown when creating your folder for just the folder description. Add content to the folder from the main Content Areas page in the Control Panel, by clicking on the underlined name of the folder. You will know you are inside the folder when the heading says Location: folder name.
Q: Can I change the order of my folders?
A: Yes, Blackboard allows you to rearrange any of the folders or documents after they have been created. You will notice a numbered drop down menu next to each folder or item. This drop down menu can be used to change the order of the items. A good way to use this feature is to make new documents number one; this places them at the top of the page, making your most recent document the first item students see.
Q: Can I add folders in other folders?
A: Yes, once inside a folder you can choose to add additional folders or any other type of content available in Blackboard.
The Add Link feature allows you to place links to outside websites within any content areas of a Blackboard course site. Students click on the link and are taken directly to the linked website. As many students do not yet have experience using the Internet for research purposes, this feature allows you to provide them a list of approved reference sites. Adding URLs can also be used to provide online "field trips" where you send your students to a particular business or organization to look around or participate in online activities.
1. Click on desired Content Areas (Course Materials, Assignments, Syllabus, Books).
2. Click on the Add Link icon.
3. Type a name for the URL or link in the Name field.
4. Type the complete address for the website in the URL field.
5. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the Submit button.
Q: Why would I want the URL to open in a new window?
A: There are two main reasons you might want the web site to open in a new window; copyright concerns and ease of navigation. Opening a website within the framework of another is called framing and is frowned upon by copyright scholars. Many sites do not mind being framed. Educational institutions usually have more leeway than commercial organizations, but asking permission first is always a good idea. To be safe, choose to open the site in a new window.
Opening a website in a new window also allows users to more easily move back and forth between sites without losing their place. Another consideration is personal preference: some people like having multiple windows open on their desktop while others do not.
Q: What would be the benefit of including links in the content areas instead of listing them all together in one section, like in Version 5.5?
A: The ability to add links anywhere in your course site allows you to create learning modules or simply connect pieces of course material. For example, you could have your students read an article about a certain company or organization, then have students visit the company's website to gather additional information.
The Add Course Link feature allows you to link to any item that appears in the course map from anywhere else in Blackboard. For example, Add Course Link can be used to add a discussion forum or quiz right after a specific posted article. Instructors can easily refer to previous documents, or the syllabus, which may reside in different sections of the course.
1. Click on desired Content Areas (Course Materials, Assignments, Syllabus, Books).
2. Click the Add Course Link icon.
3. Choose a Name from the drop down menu or enter the name of the document in the Name field.
4. Enter a description into the Text field.
5. Click the Browse button to find the item to link to.
6. Click on the plus sign next to the folder icon you wish to open within the course map window.
7. Select the radio button next to desired document or folder.
8. Click the Submit button at the bottom of the course map window.
9. Choose an option from the Special Action menu.
10. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the Submit button.
Create a link to this file - This option is used to create a link to a document or download.
Display media file within the page - This option is used when you are working with graphic images or media files you want displayed within the page.
Unpackage this file - This option is used when uploading .zip or compressed files. This is typically used with PowerPoint presentations saved in HTML format or as a collection of linked web pages.
Do you want to make the content visible? - This option allows you to make the visible, or accessible to your students.
Do you want to add offline content? - This option is used when your course has a companion CD-ROM.
Do you want to track number of views? - This option lets you track how often individual users view the document.
Do you want to add metadata? - This option indicates if metadata will be used. Metadata is data about the added item, such as ownership, resource format, and copyright information.
Choose date restrictions - This option lets you set the dates that the document will be visible and invisible. This automates the "make contents visible" function.
Q: Can I link to the email feature from the Content Areas?
A: No, you can only link to items that appear in the course map. These are typically documents (uploaded files), forums, quizzes and folders.
Q: If I create a course link, is the item removed from the original location?
A: No, the feature simply creates a link to the item. The item stays in its original location.
Q: Can I link to an entire folder or does it have to be an individual file?
A: You can link to anything that appears within the course map, this includes folders as well as documents.
The Add Test feature allows you to add a test, quiz, or survey to any Content Area of your course site. You can use this feature to either create a new test or to add an existing test. Tests created in Blackboard are automatically graded and entered into the Gradebook.
1. Click on desired Content Areas (Course Materials, Assignments, Syllabus, Books).
2. Click on the Test icon.
3. Select your test from the Select an existing test list.
4. Click the Submit button.
5. Click the OK button.
6. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the Submit button.
Test Information - Change the color of the test link, add a short description of the test and/or have the test open in a new window.
Do you want to make the link visible? ¡ This feature allows you to give your students access to a specific test. Visible means that your students can see and take the test. Typically documents are made invisible when you don't want students to access them yet. This can be changed at any time.
Allow multiple attempts - This feature allows students to take an assessment multiple times. Only the most recent score is saved, not the highest one.
Set time limit - This feature allows you to limit the time your students have to take a test. The clock starts as soon as the student begins taking the test and displays in the lower left corner of the screen on the browser. Students get a five-minute or one-minute warning, depending on time limit. If the student goes over the limit they will still be allowed to complete the test, however, they will not receive a grade. The status of the test will be "Needs Grading." You will have to review the test and the time they exceeded, in order for you to change or accept the score.
Display after - This feature allows you to put an automatic timer on when the test is available to students. Make sure to check the dates for both this section and the Display until section, as this calendar function may not automatically display the current time and date.
Display until - This feature removes the functionality of the test link on a specified date. This feature does not alter the visibility of the link.
Set password - This feature requires that students enter a password, which is assigned by the instructor, before taking the assessment. This optional choice can increase security for online tests.
Test Feedback - This feature allows you to select how much feedback you want your students to receive after they take the test. Options include: just the score, the score plus the correct answers, or more detailed feedback.
Test Presentation ¡ This feature allows you decide whether to present your test in a continuous screen to scroll down, or one question at a time. You can also choose whether you want to randomize the questions or prohibit backtracking.
Q: I have created a test in the Test Manager, but the students cannot see it.
A: The test needs to be added to a Content Area using the Add Test icon. Tests also need to be made visible under the Modify test options before students can access them.
Q: I created a test earlier, but it doesn't show up in my "Select an existing test" box.
A: Tests can only be added to Content Areas once. If the test has been used before, it will not show up on the list of available tests.
Q: Where can I get more instructions on how to create a test?
A: See the Test Manager document.
Q: May I also create a link from the Announcements page?
A: You can create a link to the Content Area where the test is located, but can no longer create a direct link to the test in the Announcements section.
Q: How do I view grades?
A: When students take a test in Blackboard, their score is automatically entered in the Gradebook. If you want to view a student¯s individual question responses, click on their score in the Gradebook.
Q: How do I grade the short answer questions?
A: From the Gradebook, access the student's test results by clicking on the Exclamation Point in the spreadsheet view. This will show you the student's individual answers. Add the points received in the Points field and click Submit.
Q: How do I turn off the test when I no longer want students to be able to take it?
A: In the Test Manager, click on the Modify button next to the name of the test. In the Modify Test Options link, choose No for the Do you want to make this link visible question and click Submit.
Note: Do not turn this feature off, otherwise you will lose all your grades. Be careful when editing options.
Q: How secure are on-line tests? How can I make them more secure?
A: Anytime you give a student a test online, you run of risk of cheating. At this time, there is no way to make sure that your student is the one actually taking the test. This does not mean that the test feature in Blackboard should not be used. To increase test security you can add passwords, randomize questions, put time limits on tests, or administer them in a proctored lab environment. A good use of the test feature in Blackboard is for practice or review tests. This is an especially good use for the Allow Multiple Attempts, the random sampling and question pool features.
This page was last updated on 8/31/05.
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