Welcome to the Blackboard Mailbag, where we feature a commonly asked question that has been hitting our mailbox recently: blackboard@fordham.edu. You’ll find an archive of all of the previous questions and answers on our fordham.edu/blackboard website.
Note: Features may change with future updates.
As the semester winds down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the topics we’ve posted on in Blackboard Mailbag over the past few months. From fine-tuning feedback settings to exploring new features, we’ve covered a range of topics designed to enhance your experience with Blackboard and support your teaching and learning goals. Let’s revisit some highlights:
Grades and Feedback Visibility
One of the most-read posts this semester focused on ensuring students see their grades and feedback at the right time. We discussed settings like Grade Center visibility, release conditions, and how to manage the visibility of inline feedback to avoid confusion.
Adjusting Due Dates Efficiently
At the start of the semester, we shared tips for quickly updating assignment and test due dates when copying courses. Tools like the Date Management feature in Blackboard make this process seamless, saving you precious time.
Announcements: Maximizing Impact
This semester’s post on announcements explored how to ensure students don’t miss key updates by using features like email notifications and pre-scheduling announcements. This simple step can help keep students on track and informed.
Printing a Copy of a Test
We also tackled how to create a print-ready version of your Blackboard tests. Whether for archival purposes or to provide an alternative format for students, this guide walked you through the steps to generate a hard copy with ease.
Leveraging Forms for Course Engagement
Integrating forms into your Blackboard course can enhance student interaction. We shared a step-by-step guide on using forms to collect feedback, administer surveys, or create engaging activities.
Exciting New Features
This semester saw some exciting updates to Blackboard, including enhancements to the Ultra Course View, improved mobile app functionality, and new tools to streamline grading and feedback. These updates are designed to make your teaching experience smoother and more intuitive.
Looking Ahead
Thank you for following along with Blackboard Mailbag this semester! We hope these posts have helped you navigate Blackboard with greater confidence and efficiency. As we gear up for the next term, let us know what topics you’d like us to cover in the future. Your feedback shapes this blog and ensures we address your most pressing needs.
Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and updates next semester. Until then, have a wonderful break and happy teaching!
For additional FAQs and resources about Blackboard, visit fordham.edu/blackboard, attend one of our workshops, sign up to meet with us on our EdTech Consultation Calendar via Zoom, or reach out to us with your availability and we will work with you to accommodate small groups and one-on-one sessions.
Have feedback or suggestions on features? Blackboard’s parent company Anthology hosts The Idea Exchange. This is a place specifically for Blackboard to track and manage enhancement requests. It allows for things like upvoting ideas and sharing development plans and statuses. You will need to create an account to access the Idea Exchange.