Blackboard Course Content
Update: June 5, 2006
Blackboard 6.3 - Managing Blackboard Course Content - PDF File - Click to Download
- What kind of content can I post to Blackboard?
- How do I add text content?
- How do I attach files?
- How do I create hyperlinks?
- How do I create folders?
- How do I create links to other sections of course?
- How do I create a learning unit?
- How can I use HTML is my Blackboard course?
- What kind of multimedia can I use in Blackboard?
- What is Quick Edit?
What kind of content can I post to Blackboard? You can post any type of content that is relevant to your course: text, PDF documents, PowerPoint presentations, audio clips, video clips, podcasts, Flash/Shockwave animation, hypertext links, graphics and more. The only limitation is that you can only post content of a type that is readable by your students. If your students do not have access to the necessary program to read the files, you should not post them. In addition, you should keep the size of files in mind. Some of our students do not have broadband Internet access (e.g., cable modem, DSL, campus network). Large files will take a LONG time for students with dial-up access to download. One major new feature of Blackboard 6.3 is the ability to organize all of your materials in the various Content Areas that you have created. You can not only add file content, but also hyperlinks, assessments, learning units, assignments, and links to other sections of your Blackboard course. The following questions and answers relate to only adding text, files, hyperlinks, folders, course links, and learning units. Adding other items are covered in their respective sections (use your browser's Back button to see the other topics). |
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Text content is added to your course site by typing directly into the Blackboard interface. This works exactly the same way as it did in version 5.5 with the addition of a Text Editor which allows you to create WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) based entries. Note: The text box editor is only available on a Windows-based computer with the Internet Explorer browser. Other users will be able to enter text, but will not be able to use the WYSIWYG features. |
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You can attach any type of file that is pertinent to your course. The only limitation is that your students must have access to the program(s) that open the file. A collection of plug-ins for reading common audio, video, Microsoft products and a few other files can be found here. |
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Unlike in Blackboard 5.5, you are not limited to placing hyperlinks in the External Resources section of your course. You can add hyperlinks in any content area of your Course and even in the Course Menu. |
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One way to organize your course material is to create folders which contain like minded resources. |
How do I create links to other sections of my Course? Another new feature of Blackboard 6.1 is the ability to link to other sections of your Course. For example, if you have a content area titled Christianity, you may include within this area text, PowerPoints and external links to resources on this topic. You may also have created a discussion board for out of class discussion. Rather than having the students search through the discussion board section of your course, you can create a direct link to this discussion board from within your Christianity content area. Click here for step-by-step instructions for creating course links. (Courtesy of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) |
How do I create a learning unit? A learning unit is an organized collection of content that students can move through. While learning units are usually created along a structured, linear path, they can also be created so that students can move through non-linearly. Click here to view a video guide on creating a learning unit. (Courtesy of Blackboard Inc.) |
How can I use HTML is my Blackboard course? You can use HTML code in any content area of your Blackboard course. There are three options for adding HTML:
There are several resources available, both on and offline, that can help you to learn more about HTML. You may want to check the Gutman Library online catalog for books on HTML and web page design. If you prefer electronic resources, you might want to look at the following electronic resources:
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What kind of multimedia can I use in Blackboard? Blackboard works like most pages on the World Wide Web: it can display any multimedia file as long as the computer you are using has the appropriate plug-ins. The most common multimedia files used in Blackboard are:
A collection of plug-ins for reading common audio, video, Microsoft products and a few other files can be found here. |
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Quick Edit is a new feature that allows you to go directly to the edit screen while you are viewing the course. Whenever you are looking at a content area page, a link will appear in the upper right hand corner of the screen that says Edit View. By clicking on this link, you will automatically be taken to the editing screen where you can make changes to that content area. When you are in editing mode, a link will appear in the upper right hand corner of the screen that says Display View. By clicking on this link, you will automatically be taken to the display version of the content area you are editing and see what your students will see. |
