Recent Updates
This page provides recent updated features in key areas for meeting instructor needs in Blackboard. Below are the categories of updates. Recent updates are closest to the top for each category:
Print Test Item Option
Now tests and other assessment items can be printed! Check out steps to the print option below:
Return a True/False to an Unanswered State - Students
Duplicate Test Question Items
You can duplicate questions with the new Duplicate function/feature option. This feature is useful when creating match-item questions.
Weighted Calculations
You can now see how your assignments and other test items are calculated.
The image below shows how your overall total or category is distributed proportionally. A category with multiple items will inform you on the distribution of the percentages.
The image below shows how your overall total or category is distributed equally. A category with multiple items will not show a break down in percentages of items.
Reuse Questions when Building a Form
If you have already created one or more forms, you can reuse those questions when building a new Form using the Reuse Question function.
Multiple Attempts for Forms
Instructors can now grant multiple attempts to forms for Groups.
Need Grading Filter Option
Instructors can now filter out graded items pushing ungraded items to be more visible for grading.
Private Grader Notes
Instructors can now add a private note while grading students' work. Private Grader Notes can serve as reminders and/or highlight particular events surrounding the grade of a student.
Image below shows saved private grade notes with the image and role of the instructor.
Instructors can also access saved grade notes from the Grades page, by first selecting Gradebook and then selecting the assessment item and clicking on the grade for the student. Access is also available from the Submission page.
Two-Panel Grading View
Instructors now have access to two panels, one on both sides, to input grade and grade feedback.
Per Question Feedback
Instructors can now provide feedback by questions. This allows instructors to improve their learner-centered approach by giving more customized responses to students.
Instructors can also hide the feedback from themselves as they move forward to make other feedback.
Override Final Grade Function
Instructors can now make changes to posted final grades by using the Override Final Grade function. Click on the ellipsis (3 dots) on the right of the grade pill and select the override function from the drop menu list.
Option to Post - Announcements
Anonymous Discussion Post
In the event that the instructor would like to keep students' discussion posts anonymous, there is now a feature that allows for that option.
Number of Announcement Notification
Instructors and students can now note the number of unseen/unread announcements in the top navigation bar.
Mark as Read/UnRead
Instructors and students can now choose to indicate announcements as read or unread.
Pop-up Announcement Feature
Upon opening the course, instructors and students will face a pop-up box showing read and/or unread announcements.
Matching Announcement and Message Indicators
Both announcement and messages have similar indicators located at the top navigation bar.
