6 STEPS to setting up problem free Blackboard assignments
1
Before you start
□ Find out your department’s/ School’s Policy on e-assessment and inform your School
Director of T&L of your plans
□ Attend TEL training on e-assessment
□ Induct students in the e-submission process (take 5 mins in a f2f class)
2
Create Assignments and My Grades Areas on the Course Menu
□ Ensure the Assignment submission area is clearly laid out, and simple for students to
navigate.
□ If you have multiple assignments on the same Blackboard course, consider setting up a
separate folder for each one.
3
Provide students with general e-Submission Information
□ Include a Disclaimer
□ Students will receive an email receipt on submission
□ Reminder to check the submitted file immediately after submission (to ensure it is the
right one, and that it has uploaded correctly)
□ What to do if students face problems when submitting online
□ What to do if students do not submit on time
□ Link to help in the ‘Support for Student’ Tab in Blackboard
□ Instruct students to submit well ahead of the deadline to avoid problems
□ Present instructions in a format that is easily read by and visible to students (e.g. use bullet
points, headings and vary font size)
4
Provide students with specific information about the Assignment
□ Highlight the Deadline – date / time
□ What file format and file naming convention to use
□ When the submission opens (e.g. 3-4 weeks before deadline)
□ When feedback and marks will be available and how they can be accessed
□ Present instructions in a format that is easily read by and visible to students (e.g. use bullet
points, headings and vary font size)
5
e-Submission Settings
□ Use a succinct naming convention for e-submission links
□ Choose appropriate options in the settings
o Correct dates for deadlines, availability of e-submission link
o Ensure that the Grade Centre Column is hidden from student View
□ Make e-submission link available at least 3 weeks before the deadline
□ Set up a separate e-submission link for Late submissions and ECFs (give appropriate
information)
□ Hide the on-time e-submission link on the deadline date / time
□ Reveal the Late submission link immediately after the deadline
□ Ensure effective communication between those setting the assignment and those doing
the marking/moderating to ensure dates and settings on the assignments are correct
□ Set yourself a calendar reminder to reveal feedback and marks manually (15 working days
after deadline)
□ Manually release grades in Bb on the intended date
6
Create an Announcement in the course that tells students when and how Marks and Feedback
are ready to access