In the guide for adding content to both Content Folders and Learning Modules. Items: Items are versatile content types that can employ a variety of media and materials (P.1) Files: Single file uploads (P.2) Web Links: Hyperlinks to web addresses (P.3) Mashups: Multimedia, such as SlideShare, Flickr, and YouTube (P.4-6) Items vs. Files Items best for a collection of media types, such as articles with accompanying videos. It is also different from a file in that you could add a description to the file that you re uploading. Keep note that some embedded multimedia might NOT show up on Blackboard mobile, so for a fully online course, it s best to use Items only when necessary. Files best for deploying single files that don t need a description, such as a syllabus, course schedule, or a single document that was already discussed in class. Creating Items item, point to Build Content and click Item Fill in a name for the item and use the textbox to create the item. The textbox has its own guide which covers all of the functions within it. There are two methods for uploading files. Using the textbox icon Using the Attachments option Once you ve created the icon, set your viewing options and click Submit.
Uploading Files item, point to Build Content and click File Choose a name for the file. Tip: If the filename doesn t accurately describe the file in its simplest terms, consider changing it. Example: F2013_SYL_CRN100-601.docx o Renamed: Syllabus Tip: you could also change the color of the name temporarily so that it will pop for students. E.g. Download all the new files, highlighted in red font. Do note that this will NOT assist colorblind students. Once you ve decided on a name, browse your computer or content collection** to select the file. *We do not have Alignments at SUNY Cortland. **The Content Collection is a storage place for all of your courses. If the file is uploaded to another course, it s best to copy it and NOT use the content collection. E.g. If John Smith is in your current course, but not enrolled in the course you re copying from, he wont have the proper permissions to access that file and will be unable to see it.
Creating Web Links item, point to Build Content and click Web Link Choose a name for the web link. Then copy in the URL and add a description if necessary Below the textbox, you may also add an attachment and choose to open the link in a new window. Tip: It is always recommended to open it in a new window, because sometimes websites use what s called a redirect link and the student might be unable to use the browser s back button to go back to Blackboard. Click Submit when finished.
Embedding Mashups item, point to Build Content and select a Mashup Flickr On the above menu, click Flickr Photo Enter your search terms and click Go Select or preview the image from the list of results Then, customize your settings to your liking, though the standard options are typically preferable for viewing ease. Click Submit when finished
SlideShare On the above menu, click Slideshare Presentation Enter your search terms and click Go Select or preview the image from the list of results Then, customize your settings to your liking, though the standard options are typically preferable for viewing ease. Click Submit when finished
Youtube On the above menu, click Youtube Video Enter your search terms and click Go Select or preview the image from the list of results Then, customize your settings to your liking, though the standard options are typically preferable for viewing ease. Click Submit when finished