Course Updates

If you are assigned to teach an existing online course in Blackboard,  you should be aware that your course was intentionally designed to meet various accreditation, program, accessibility, and/or copyright requirements.  Please keep this in mind if you plan to modify the course.  We ask that you consult your program director and instructional designer before making changes, particularly if you are new to the course.

The guidelines below provide more specific guidance around which type of edits might require approval or assistance.

"Green Light" changes

If you follow the guidance provided below, these types of changes are typically safe to make without consultation or approval.  You can always ask for help if you’re not sure! 

I want to make minor modifications to module overview text using the Bb content editor. ▾

  • Make sure to type out your changes directly in the Bb editor or paste them in as plain text.  Copying and pasting formatted text (e.g., from Microsoft Word) can sometimes create formatting and consistency issues.  You can apply headings and styles using the Bb editor menu.
  • Make sure any changes to “How to Proceed” or “Graded Activities” sections match the actual assignments in the module.
  • Make sure any minor changes to module objectives are also updated in your syllabus.
    • Check with your instructional designer and/or program director if you wish to make substantial changes to module objectives, as this can impact course alignment or program accreditation. 

I want to make minor modifications to assignment/discussion instructions. ▾

  • Make sure to type out your changes directly in the Bb editor or paste them in as plain text.  Copying and pasting formatted text (e.g., from Microsoft Word) can sometimes create formatting and consistency issues.  You can apply headings and styles using the Bb editor menu.

  • Be aware that discussion and journal instructions appear in two locations and must be manually updated in both locations.

  • Check with your instructional designer and/or program director if you wish to make substantial changes to a discussion/assignment, as this can impact course alignment or program accreditation.

I want to make minor changes to existing test/quiz questions or answers. ▾

  • Make sure to type out your changes directly in the Bb editor or paste them in as plain text.  Copying and pasting formatted text (e.g., from Microsoft Word) can sometimes create formatting and consistency issues.  You can apply headings and styles using the Bb editor menu.

  • Make sure that your updated test/quiz still aligns with your module objectives.

  • Check with your instructional designer if you wish to make changes to a test/quiz that a student has already taken.

I want to add or update hyperlinks to online resources. ▾
(e.g. websites, YouTube videos, blog or newspaper articles, library links to journal articles)

  • Use descriptive text as your link rather than the URL.  Avoid vague descriptive text such as “click here”, as this creates difficulty for those using screen readers.

  • Make sure you set hyperlinks to open in a new tab.

  • If the resource you wish to add requires you to upload a file to Blackboard (versus inserting a hyperlink), please see "I want to upload a third-party document to Blackboard" in the Red Light section.

"Yellow Light" changes

These changes might be safe to make, but you’ll need to consult with your instructional designer and/or program director to be sure.  You’ll also need to follow the guidance below.  We’re happy to help make these changes for you if you’re not sure how to do something!

I want to upload an instructor-created document. ▾
(e.g. worksheet, project instructions, description of a case/scenario).

  • Make sure your document is accessible.

    • Your document shouldn’t be a scanned PDF.  Text should be readable by a screen-reader.

    • Images/figures should include alternative text.

    • Blackboard Ally can point out any additional accessibility issues and coach you on how to correct them.

    • You can also work with your instructional designer to make your document more accessible if needed.

  • Try to use a descriptive name for your document.

  • If you did not create the document yourself, make sure you have permission to upload it (see “I want to upload a third-party document” in the Red Light changes section).

I want to add, remove, or make substantial changes to learning objectives. ▾

  • Check with your program director to ensure changes do not impact accreditation requirements.

  • Work with your instructional designer to ensure assignments, assessments, and resources align with the updated objectives.

  • Make sure your module objectives are also updated in your syllabus.

I want to add, remove, or make substantial changes to assignments/assessments. ▾

  • Check with your program director to ensure changes do not impact accreditation.

  • Work with your instructional designer to ensure assignments/assessments still align with existing module objectives.

  • Make sure that you update your syllabus where these assignments are referenced (including point values/grading scheme).

  • Use the “Column Organization” view in the Grade Center to ensure new/modified assignments appear in the correct order and are assigned to the correct category.

  • Attach a rubric in Blackboard, if applicable.

I want to upload an image to Blackboard using Bb text editor. ▾

  • Check with your instructional designer to make sure that no special HTML coding will be required (certain layouts require editing the HTML code).

  • Make sure you have permission to upload the image to prevent copyright infringement.  If attribution is required, please include with the image.

  • Make sure the image is accessible:

    • Avoid including images of text.

    • Images should include an alternative description for screen readers.

    • Pay attention to contrast and color choice in images (i.e., visual impairments, color blindness).

"Red Light" changes

These changes require approval from your program director before implementing and/or assistance from your instructional designer.

I want to upload a third-party document to Blackboard. ▾

  • Consult with your instructional designer to obtain and/or verify permission.  Your instructional designer can help you:

    • Check the license of the document to see whether permission is required.

    • Find a link to the document on the web or in the library databases. This bypasses the need to upload the document and obtain permission.

    • Work with the library to obtain copyright clearance or add the item to the course reserves system.

I want to make substantial changes to my course (30% or more). ▾
Examples include the addition/deletion of modules, reorganization of the course, major changes to content, objectives, or major assignments.

  • Substantial changes must be communicated to and approved by the program director before implementing.

  • Work with your instructional designer to implement substantial changes to your course.

  • It may be helpful to use the “Course Changes Map” to communicate your desired changes to your program director and/or instructional designer.

  • Substantial changes must be communicated by the revision requests due date provided by the instructional designer during the course prep process (typically 6 weeks before the course start date).