Center for eLearning

What's New in Blackboard Learn

Over the summer, Blackboard was updated to a more recent version (Q4 2016). Though the majority of Blackboard will operate the same as when you left, there are some important new features that we would like to highlight:

Name Description

Drag and Drop

When instructors create content items, assignments, and web links, they can drag files from their computer to the "hot spot" in the Attach Files area. Students can also drag files to upload when they submit assignments.Drag and Drop Hot Spot

Submission Receipts

instructors can keep track of all student submissions, regardless of whether the attempt or assignment is deleted or the submission history is changed. A submission receipt is captured at the time of submission and includes information such as attached file information, date, time, etc. This feature provides evidence for academic disputes, giving students assurance about their work.

A receipt is generated for each group member when a student submits on behalf of the group, and the anonymous state of an assignment is respected. For assignments with multiple attempts, students receive a different number for each submission.

Reminders

Instructors can send email reminders from Grade Center columns to students and members of groups who have missing coursework. Students receive a system-generated email that lists the course, coursework, and the due date if included.

Instructors can also send reminders for assignments with anonymous or delegated grading enabled. To protect anonymity, students' names and attempt statuses aren't revealed.

Fewer Needs Grading items

When multiple-attempt assessments are set to calculate using the first or last attempt, there are potentially numerous other attempts that will never be used for the grade calculation. This can be particularly problematic in anonymous or delegated grading scenarios where it can be difficult to determine which attempts are associated with students and therefore require grading. A new filter is now available both in the Needs Grading workflow as well as within the Grade Center to show or hide these attempts. Attempts that won't calculate towards the assessment grade are now indicated with an icon.

For more detailed explanations and to see a full list of upgrades, please visit the Blackboard Learn Release Notes site.