Quick Start Guide to Blackboard 9
To get started with the new version of Blackboard, there are a few key changes that you need to be aware of:
There are also some video tutorials provided by Blackboard Inc.
Please Note: Blackboard 9 is not fully compatible with older web browsers such as Internet Explorer 6. Please see the Operating System and Browser Compatibility table to see which browsers are compatible.
Edit Mode
Similar to the Edit view / Display view function in previous versions of Blackboard, the Edit Mode button allows you to carry out all instructor functions such as add content and carry out modifications to their course. With Edit Mode off, you will get a 'student view' of your course.
The Edit Mode button is at the top right of the Blackboard content screen. Select the button to switch between Edit mode ON and OFF.
| When Edit mode is off, the button will show as OFF: |  |
| When Edit mode is on, the button will show as ON: |  |
With Edit mode switched on, you will see additional functions available for you to use. Below is a visual comparison of a course with Edit mode OFF and then with Edit mode ON:
With Edit mode switched on, you can ...
Add new content areas or tools to the course menu area
Use the new plus sign at the top left of the course menu area to add new content areas, tools etc.
Modify course menu links
Every course menu link now has a drop down list to its right where you can re-name, hide from view, or delete the link.
Re-order course menu
You can now easily move or re-order your course menu items by hovering your mouse over the double ended arrow to the left of an item and then dragging until the dotted line box is in the position you want and then release the mouse.
Alternatively, you can re-order your course menu by selecting the keyboard access icon which can be found in the top right hand corner of the course menu area.
The drag and drop and keyboard access functions are available in various places through Blackboard 9, wherever you see these icons:
| Drag and drop (or double-end arrow) icon |  |
| Keyboard access icon |  |
Edit content area
To make changes to a content area, use the drop down list to the right of the content area name.
Create new content
Use the new Create, Build, Evaluate, collaborate, and More drop down menus to add all the various content types to your course.
The Control Panel
In Blackboard 9, instead of linking to a separate control panel area as with previous versions, the control panel functions are now available directly beneath the course menu with the heading Course Management. Students do not see this area.
Below are some common tasks that are carried out in the Control Panel area:
Course Copy
Select the ‘Packages and Utilities’ area in the Control Panel and then select ‘Course Copy’. The rest of the Course Copy process works in the same way as in Blackboard 8.
Make a course available
Select the ‘Customization’ area in the Control Panel and then select ‘Properties’. Set the ‘Make Course Available’ setting to ‘Yes’ and then ‘submit’.
Please be aware that many of the functions previously accessed through the control panel are now accessed via Edit mode.
Video Tutorials
The following Blackboard Inc. videos provide brief interactive demonstrations of using Blackboard 9:
- The Course Environment
- Adding Content
- Making Tools Available on the Course Menu
- Creating Blogs
- Creating Single Groups and Adding Users
- Creating a Grade Center Column
To watch these videos you will need to have a flash player installed. For a free download, please visit Adobe Flash Player (opens in new window).
The Blackboard Instructor manual (PDF 2,242Kb) provides more in depth guidance.
