Blackboard Course Content

• Text Formatting: Use the toolbar for bold, italics, underline, strikethrough, alignment, and the "Text style" menu for headings (Title, Header, Subheader).
• Lists & Tables: Click the list icon for bulleted/numbered lists or the table icon to insert and format tables.
• Hyperlinks: Select the chain icon, enter the URL and link text, then insert.
• Attachments & Files: Use the paperclip icon to upload files from your device or insert content from cloud storage.
• Media & Content: Click the plus (+) icon to embed images, YouTube videos, or other media.
• Math Editor: Use the dedicated math editor (often WIRIS) for complex formulas.
• Accessibility: Type directly in the editor for best results; use the "Clear Formatting" tool if pasting from Word/Google Docs to avoid jumbled fonts.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Press Alt + F10 (PC) or Fn + Opt + F10 (Mac) to jump to the toolbar. 

This universal shortcut removes fonts, colors, and other styles, making pasted text uniform with the surrounding content. Paste copied text into the textbox using the keyboard command:

Mac: Option-Shift-Command-V (⌥⇧⌘V): Press these keys simultaneously to paste text as plain text. 

PC: Ctrl + Shift + V: Works in web browsers (Chrome, Firefox), Google Docs, many modern apps

By default, Blackboard Learn formats text to 12-point, left-justified Arial. Use the content editor functions to apply other formatting. With the mouse pointer positioned in the text box, you can use four methods for adding, formatting and editing text and objects:

• Content editor functions.
• Right-click contextual menu.
• Keyboard shortcuts.
• Direct editing of the HTML code.

Embedding the Video in a Blackboard course

To add an iframe in Blackboard Ultra, create a new Document, use the "Add Content" or "Add HTML" block within the editor, and paste your iframe embed code (like <iframe src="..."></iframe>) into the HTML editor, then save; this lets you embed external content (videos, presentations, etc.) securely into your course materials. 

From vBrick: 

1. Go to https://bcm.rev.vbrick.com and log in with your BCM username and password
2. Find the content you want to embed
3. Click on the share icon on the right navigation [view screenshot]
4. Toggle to Embed
5. If you want to select any Embed Options, do it before you copy the code
6. Click Copy to copy the iframe code

Steps to Add an iFrame to a Blackboard Ultra Document:

1. Create a New Ultra Document: Navigate to your course content, click the plus sign (+), Click on Create, and select Document to create a new item.
2. Open the Editor: Give your document a name, then click the "Add Content" button or click into the text editor area to reveal the toolbar.
3. Access HTML View: In the toolbar, find and click the HTML button (often < > or </>) to switch to the source code editor.
4. Paste Your iFrame Code: Paste the iframe code (e.g., <iframe src="https://your-website.com" width="100%" height="500px"></iframe>) into the HTML window.
5. Update & Save: Click the Update button (or similar) in the HTML editor pop-up, then click Save at the top right of the document. 

Key Things to Remember:

• HTTPS Only: Blackboard typically requires that the src URL in your iframe code uses https:// for security.
• Security Restrictions: Be aware that complex or script-heavy embeds might be blocked by Blackboard's security settings; institutions can configure this, notes Blackboard Help (SaaS).

1. Go to https://bcm.rev.vbrick.com and log in with your BCM username and password
2. Find the content you want to link
3. Click on the video to open
4. Copy the URL (web address at the top of the page)
5. or Click on the share icon on the right navigation
6. Toggle to Link
7. Adjust the Link Options and then click Copy

Method 1: Create a weblink in a Blackboard course

1. Create a New Ultra Document: Navigate to your course content, click the plus sign (+), Click on Create, and select Link to create a new item.
2. Add a Display Name
3. Add the Link URL
4. Add a Description (optional) (Maximum 750 characters)
5. Save: Click the Save button

Method 2: Hyperlinking text within an existing Item/Page

1. Go to Course Content: Navigate to the content area where you want to add the link.
2. Edit or Create: Click the plus sign (+) and choose Create an Item, or edit an existing item.
3. Type & Highlight: In the text editor, type your desired link text (e.g., "Visit the TMC Library") and highlight it.
4. Click Link Icon: Click the chain link icon (Hyperlink) in the toolbar.
5. Paste URL: Paste the website's address in the "Link Path" or URL box.
6. Set Target: In the "Target" dropdown, select New window.
7. Insert: Click Insert (or Save) to add the link. 

Method 3: Adding a standalone "Link" content item

1. Add Content: In your Course Content, click the plus sign (+) where you want the link.
2. Select Link: Choose Link from the menu.
3. Enter Details: In the panel, type a Display Name and paste the URL.
4. Preview (Optional): Click the globe icon to preview the site.
5. Save: Select Save. You can then adjust visibility (Show/Hide) for students.

Key Tips

1. New Window: Always set the link target to "New Window" so students stay in your course.
2. Standalone vs. Inline: Use Method 1 for text within an assignment/document, and Method 2 for a direct link to a resource alongside other files. 

To add a YouTube video to a Blackboard Ultra course, go to your Course Content, click the plus sign where you want the video, select "YouTube Video" to search and embed directly, or choose "Document," then use the + icon in the editor to find it via "Media" or paste the link for seamless playback within the course. You can display it inline or as a link and add alternative text for accessibility. 

Method 1: Using the YouTube Video Tool (Recommended)

1. Navigate: Go to your Course Content section in your Ultra course.
2. Add Content: Click the plus sign (+) where you want the video to appear.
3. Select Tool: Choose "YouTube Video" from the menu that appears.
4. Search/Paste: Type your search terms or paste the video's URL into the search box and click Search.
5. Select Video: Click the Select button next to the desired video.
6. Configure: In the settings panel, add alternative text (for screen readers) and choose to display it "Inline" (playable in the page) or as a "Link".
7. Insert: Click Insert. 

Method 2: Embedding in a Document (For more control)

1. Create a Document: Click the plus sign (+), select Create, then Document, give it a name, and click the + icon in the editor.
2. Add Media: Click the Insert Content (+) menu and choose Media.
3. Paste URL: Paste the YouTube video's URL into the Media URL field.
4. Insert: Add your description and click Insert. 

Tips

1. Display Options: Always choose "Inline" if you want students to watch the video without leaving Blackboard; it will appear as a playable player.
2. Accessibility: Use the alternative text field to describe the video for users with disabilities.
3. Alternative Method: If the YouTube tool isn't available, use the "Media" option within a Document to paste the URL

Embedding a Box document in a Blackboard course allows one to synchronize a document through Blackboard in real time. This is useful for updating lecture notes, course schedules, and other documents across Blackboard without having to upload files to multiple course shells.

Box.com

1. go to www.bcm.box.com and log in with your BCM username and password
2. Find the content you want to embed
3. Click on the icon with three dots. It looks like a LEGO brick. [view screenshot]
4. Scroll down to More Actions and expand the menu. [view screenshot]
5. Select Embed Widget.
   1. Copy the code provided by Box. If you want the file to appear bigger or smaller, make adjustments on the screen (Size) before copying the Embed Code provided by Box. Use the preview link to look at your document before committing to the code. [view screenshot]

Embedding the Video/Document/Folder in a Blackboard course

To add an iframe in Blackboard Ultra, create a new Document, use the "Add Content" or "Add HTML" block within the editor, and paste your iframe embed code (like <iframe src="..."></iframe>) into the HTML editor, then save; this lets you embed external content (videos, presentations, etc.) securely into your course materials. 

Steps to Add an iFrame to a Blackboard Ultra Document:

1. Create a New Ultra Document: Navigate to your course content, click the plus sign (+), Click on Create, and select Document to create a new item.
2. Open the Editor: Give your document a name, then click the "Add Content" button or click into the text editor area to reveal the toolbar.
3. Access HTML View: In the toolbar, find and click the HTML button (often < > or </>) to switch to the source code editor.
4. Paste Your iFrame Code: Paste the iframe code (e.g., <iframe src="https://your-website.com" width="100%" height="500px"></iframe>) into the HTML window.
5. Update & Save: Click the Update button (or similar) in the HTML editor pop-up, then click Save at the top right of the document. 

Key Things to Remember:

• HTTPS Only: Blackboard typically requires that the src URL in your iframe code uses https:// for security.
• Security Restrictions: Be aware that complex or script-heavy embeds might be blocked by Blackboard's security settings; institutions can configure this, notes Blackboard Help (SaaS).

1. Go to https://bcm.box.com/ and log in with your BCM username and password
2. Find the content you want to link
3. Click on the share button. [view screenshot]
4. Toggle the Share Link On. [view screenshot]
5. Click the Link Settings and make any adjustments
6. Click Save
7. Select the User Permissions
   • People with the link - Publicly accessible and no sign-in required
   • People in your company - Users need to sign into SSO to access the content
   • Invited people only - Only invited people can access the content
8. Select the View Permissions
   • Can view and download
   • Can view only
9. Click Copy to copy the link once all the settings are adjusted

Method 1: Create a weblink in a Blackboard course

1. Create a New Ultra Document: Navigate to your course content, click the plus sign (+), Click on Create, and select Link to create a new item.
2. Add a Display Name
3. Add the Link URL
4. Add a Description (optional) (Maximum 750 characters)
5. Save: Click the Save button

Method 2: Hyperlinking text within an existing Item/Page

1. Go to Course Content: Navigate to the content area where you want to add the link.
2. Edit or Create: Click the plus sign (+) and choose Create an Item, or edit an existing item.
3. Type & Highlight: In the text editor, type your desired link text (e.g., "Visit the TMC Library") and highlight it.
4. Click Link Icon: Click the chain link icon (Hyperlink) in the toolbar.
5. Paste URL: Paste the website's address in the "Link Path" or URL box.
6. Set Target: In the "Target" dropdown, select New window.
7. Insert: Click Insert (or Save) to add the link. 

Method 3: Adding a standalone "Link" content item

1. Add Content: In your Course Content, click the plus sign (+) where you want the link.
2. Select Link: Choose Link from the menu.
3. Enter Details: In the panel, type a Display Name and paste the URL.
4. Preview (Optional): Click the globe icon to preview the site.
5. Save: Select Save. You can then adjust visibility (Show/Hide) for students.

Key Tips

1. New Window: Always set the link target to "New Window" so students stay in your course.
2. Standalone vs. Inline: Use Method 1 for text within an assignment/document, and Method 2 for a direct link to a resource alongside other files. 

OneDrive
First of all, the file that you want to embed needs to be saved in OneDrive.

• Access OneDrive by going to https://onedrive.live.com
• Faculty, Staff, and Students at BCM get 1TB (1000GB) of storage space on OneDrive.
• Click Sign in in the top right corner of the page and enter your BCM email address. If you’re on campus you’ll be logged in automatically, if you’re off campus continue to enter your password and the token.
• You’ll see your OneDrive storage space and you might see some files already listed.
• It’s good practice to keep all of the files you want to share and embed in a separate folder, this way you know that all of the files you’ve embedded somewhere are organized for you to manage in one place.
• Using the links at the top of the page choose New > Folder and enter a name such as Shared Files.
• Once you’ve create the folder you’ll see it in your list of files, click on it to go inside the folder.
• You can upload files to OneDrive in two ways, you can either drag and drop them onto the browser window and they’ll be uploaded into the folder you’re in on OneDrive or you can choose Upload > Files at the top of the page and select the file(s) you would like to upload.
• Once you’ve uploaded at least one Microsoft Office file to your new Shared Files folder, you’ll see something like this: [view screenshot]
• Note: You can manage your files by clicking one or more of them. Download, Delete, Copy and Move options will appear at the top of the page.

Files stored on OneDrive are private by default and only you can access them. Because we’re going to embed them on Blackboard, we need to tell OneDrive that we would like other people at BCM to be able to access them. We can even tell OneDrive what kind of access rights we would like to give, for example we can keep the files read only so that people can only view the information inside the file, or we can make the file writable, so that people can make changes to the file.

In this example, we will change the access permissions on the whole Shared Files folder so that instead of it being private it’s available to anyone at BCM, but read only, they won’t be able to make any changes to it or the files inside it.

You’ll also notice that some of the language used could make it sound like we’re giving everyone at the College access to your files, we’re not. Only the people you share the files with will be able to access them, so for example if you embed a file in a Blackboard module, only students at the College will be able to access it. No one will be able to list or view the files until you embed somewhere or share them with them via email.

Office Online

In this example we’ll be embedding a PowerPoint file into a Blackboard module, but the same steps could be used to embed a Word document or an Excel file.

1. In OneDrive, go into your Shared or My Files folder and click on the name of the file you want to embed in Blackboard. This should launch Office Online, if it doesn’t, click on the file and choose Open > Open in PowerPoint Online from the top of the page.
2. From the ribbon at the top of the page, choose File > Share > Embed. [view screenshot]
3. An Embed window will appear, in the Dimensions settings choose 962 x 565 to set that dimensions that your embedded file will be displayed at.[view screenshot]
4. Select and copy the text in the Embed Code section.

Embedding the File/Video in a Blackboard course

1. To add an iframe in Blackboard Ultra, create a new Document, use the "Add Content" or "Add HTML" block within the editor, and paste your iframe embed code (like <iframe src="..."></iframe>) into the HTML editor, then save; this lets you embed external content (videos, presentations, etc.) securely into your course materials.
2. Steps to Add an iFrame to a Blackboard Ultra Document:
3. Create a New Ultra Document: Navigate to your course content, click the plus sign (+), Click on Create, and select Document to create a new item.
4. Open the Editor: Give your document a name, then click the "Add Content" button or click into the text editor area to reveal the toolbar.
5. Access HTML View: In the toolbar, find and click the HTML button (often < > or </>) to switch to the source code editor.
6. Paste Your iFrame Code: Paste the iframe code (e.g., <iframe src="https://your-website.com" width="100%" height="500px"></iframe>) into the HTML window.
7. Update & Save: Click the Update button (or similar) in the HTML editor pop-up, then click Save at the top right of the document. 

Key Things to Remember:

1. HTTPS Only: Blackboard typically requires that the src URL in your iframe code uses https:// for security.
2. Security Restrictions: Be aware that complex or script-heavy embeds might be blocked by Blackboard's security settings; institutions can configure this, notes Blackboard Help (SaaS).

Accessing the Embedded Content in Blackboard

1. Once the content has been added to Blackboard, users will need to log into O365.
2. If users are on campus using BCM Wifi, then only SSO is required.
3. If users are off campus using non-BCM Wifi, then SSO + MFA Token is required. 

OneDrive
First of all, the file that you want to embed needs to be saved in OneDrive.

• Access OneDrive by going to https://onedrive.live.com
• Faculty, Staff, and Students at BCM get 1TB (1000GB) of storage space on OneDrive.
• Click Sign in in the top right corner of the page and enter your BCM email address. If you’re on campus you’ll be logged in automatically, if you’re off campus continue to enter your password.
• You’ll see your OneDrive storage space and you might see some files already listed.
• It’s good practice to keep all of the files you want to share and embed in a separate folder, this way you know that all of the files you’ve embedded somewhere are organized for you to manage in one place.
• Using the links at the top of the page choose New > Folder and enter a name such as Shared Files.
• Once you’ve create the folder you’ll see it in your list of files, click on it to go inside the folder.
• You can upload files to OneDrive in two ways, you can either drag and drop them onto the browser window and they’ll be uploaded into the folder you’re in on OneDrive or you can choose Upload > Files at the top of the page and select the file(s) you would like to upload.
• Once you’ve uploaded at least one Microsoft Office file to your new Shared Files folder, you’ll see something like this: [view screenshot]
• Note: You can manage your files by clicking one or more of them. Download, Delete, Copy and Move options will appear at the top of the page.

Files stored on OneDrive are private by default and only you can access them. Because we’re going to embed them on Blackboard, we need to tell OneDrive that we would like other people at BCM to be able to access them. We can even tell OneDrive what kind of access rights we would like to give, for example we can keep the files read only so that people can only view the information inside the file, or we can make the file writable, so that people can make changes to the file.

In this example, we will change the access permissions on the whole Shared Files folder so that instead of it being private it’s available to anyone at BCM, but read only, they won’t be able to make any changes to it or the files inside it.

You’ll also notice that some of the language used could make it sound like we’re giving everyone at the College access to your files, we’re not. Only the people you share the files with will be able to access them, so for example if you embed a file in a Blackboard module, only students at the College will be able to access it. No one will be able to list or view the files until you embed somewhere or share them with them via email.

From OneDrive

1. In OneDrive navigate out of the Shared Files folder using the breadcrumb navigation at the top of the page, you’ll see something like this: [view screenshot]
2. Find your Shared Files folder in the list, from the Sharing column click on the word Private and then select Grant Access from the panel that appears on the right of the page. [view screenshot]
3. When the Grant Access box appears you’ll see a prompt to Enter a name or email address, enter the following: Everyone except external users
4. As you start to type Everyone except external users you’ll notice that OneDrive will start to automatically suggest the group name. Confirm the suggestion by clicking on it. [view screenshot]
5. IMPORTANT: Change the Can Edit option to Can View and un-tick the Notify People check box.
6. Select Grant Access.

Method 1: Linking the File/Video in a Blackboard course

1. Create a weblink in a Blackboard course
2. Create a New Ultra Document: Navigate to your course content, click the plus sign (+), Click on Create, and select Link to create a new item.
3. Add a Display Name
4. Add the Link URL
5. Add a Description (optional) (Maximum 750 characters)
6. Save: Click the Save button

Method 2: Hyperlinking text within an existing Item/Page

1. Go to Course Content: Navigate to the content area where you want to add the link.
2. Edit or Create: Click the plus sign (+) and choose Create an Item, or edit an existing item.
3. Type & Highlight: In the text editor, type your desired link text (e.g., "Visit the TMC Library") and highlight it.
4. Click Link Icon: Click the chain link icon (Hyperlink) in the toolbar.
5. Paste URL: Paste the website's address in the "Link Path" or URL box.
6. Set Target: In the "Target" dropdown, select New window.
7. Insert: Click Insert (or Save) to add the link. 

Method 3: Adding a standalone "Link" content item

1. Add Content: In your Course Content, click the plus sign (+) where you want the link.
2. Select Link: Choose Link from the menu.
3. Enter Details: In the panel, type a Display Name and paste the URL.
4. Preview (Optional): Click the globe icon to preview the site.
5. Save: Select Save. You can then adjust visibility (Show/Hide) for students.

Key Tips

1. New Window: Always set the link target to "New Window" so students stay in your course.
2. Standalone vs. Inline: Use Method 1 for text within an assignment/document, and Method 2 for a direct link to a resource alongside other files. 

1. Get the Embed Code from Microsoft Forms
   1. Navigate to forms.office.com
   2. Open the specific Microsoft Form you want to embed.
   3. Click on the Collect Responses button, usually found at the top right of the form.
   4. In the pop-up window, select the Embed icon, which looks like two brackets (</>).
   5. Click the Copy button to grab the HTML embed code.
2. Embed the Code in Blackboard Ultra
   1. In the new Ultra document, click the plus sign again to open the building blocks menu and select Add HTML.
   2. In the HTML Code View window that appears, paste the embed code you copied from Microsoft Forms.
   3. Click Save.

Notes:

If you use the embed code as HTML, you can adjust the size to make it fill up a little more of the screen, but you have to use specific values. 

• When creating or editing your content, click on the visibility drop-down menu to change its visibility status. You may make your content visible to students, hidden from students, or set release conditions. [view screenshot]
• You may also change the content availability directly from the course content page.  Click on the content visibility drop-down menu to change an item's visibility status. You may make your content visible to students, hidden from students, or set release conditions. [view screenshot]

1. Locate Your Content: Find the document, folder, assignment, or test you want to control on your course content page.
2. Open Visibility Menu: Click the three dots (...) or the visibility dropdown menu next to the item.
3. Select Release Conditions: Choose "Release Conditions" from the menu.
4. Create Rules: In the panel that opens, select the criteria you want to use. 

• Date/Time: Set content to become available ("Show on") or disappear ("Hide after") on specific dates and times.
• Performance: Require students to open, start, or achieve a specific score (e.g., above 80%) on another graded item (like a quiz or assignment).
• Membership: Restrict access to specific individuals or predefined groups.
  Activity: Make content available only after a student has opened or started a prerequisite item (like a video or document). 

• Combining Rules: You can add multiple conditions (e.g., must finish Quiz 1 AND it must be after a certain date) for complex paths.
• Student View: Use the Student Preview feature (found in the Blackboard Ultra interface) to test your rules and ensure content appears as intended.
• Locked Items: Locked items show a lock icon and a message, allowing students to click for details on what they need to do.

1. When you create new content or copy individual content into your Ultra course, all content will default to Hidden from Students. You may adjust the visibility for these items one at a time or use the Batch Edit tool to update them all at once.
2. On the Course Content page, click on the Options Menu (three dots on the right side of the page) and select Batch Edit. [view screenshot]
3. This will bring you to the Batch Edit page. Click the check box next to the items you want to update. You can choose entire Folders or Learning Modules, or individual items. If you select an entire Folder or Learning Module, all items within it will also be selected. You may click to open a Folder or Learning Module in order to select individual items within it. [view screenshot]
4. Once you have selected your items you may:
   1. Edit Dates: Edit due dates on selected items. You may change the dates by a select number of days, based on course start, or change to a specific date/time.
   2. Edit Visibility: Choose whether to show or hide the selected items for students. This is especially useful if you copied content from a previous course or did not update your visibility settings when creating content.
   3. Delete Items: Delete all selected items.

For more information, go to the Batch Edit support article or watch the Batch Edit tutorial video.

1. Find Your Item: Locate the specific content item (folder, assignment, document, etc.) that has the release condition.
2. Open the Menu: Click the three dots (•••) or the contextual menu icon next to the item's title.
3. Select Edit: From the dropdown menu, choose Edit.
4. Access Release Conditions: In the edit panel, click the dropdown for visibility and select Release Conditions.
5. Locate the Rule: Find the specific rule you want to remove in the list of conditions.
6. Delete the Rule: Click the three dots (•••) next to that rule and select Delete.
7. Save Changes: Click the Save button at the bottom of the panel to confirm your changes and remove the restriction. 

Important Note: Deleting the rule removes the condition, but you might still need to adjust the item's general visibility (e.g., from "Hidden from students" to "Visible") if you want all students to see it immediately. 

1. Open Destination Course: Navigate to the Ultra course where you want the content to go.
2. Initiate Copy: Click the plus sign (+) where you want content, or the three dots (...) menu above your content list.
3. Select Copy Content: Choose Copy Content from the menu.
4. Find Source: In the panel, find and select the course or organization you're copying from.
5. Select Items: Check the boxes next to individual items or folders you want to copy.
6. Confirm: Click the button to copy the selected content (e.g., "Copy Selected Content"). 

1. Open Destination Course: Go to the empty Ultra course.
2. Initiate Copy: Click the three dots (...) menu in the top right.
3. Select Copy Items: Choose Copy Items (or Copy Content).
4. Select Source Course: Find and select the checkbox next to the entire source course.
5. Start Copy: Click Start Copy. The process runs in a queue, and you'll see a spinner. 

Key Things to Know

1. Ultra to Ultra: You generally copy content between two Ultra courses.
2. Check for Errors: After copying, check the content for any issues or missing items, as some legacy content might not transfer perfectly.
3. Visibility: Visibility settings usually carry over. 

To add HTML code for an accordion in Blackboard Ultra, you must use the dedicated Add HTML content block feature within a document. Standard content editor text boxes do not allow for the necessary interactive HTML/CSS elements to function correctly. 

Prerequisites

1. You will need functional HTML, CSS, and likely JavaScript code for an accordion feature. Blackboard
2. Ultra supports standard, responsive, and accessible code, but complex scripts might be limited by security settings.
3. Ensure your institution has the necessary configuration (an alternate domain configured) to fully support custom HTML/CSS blocks in Ultra documents. 

Steps to Add the Accordion Code

1. Navigate to your course in the Ultra Course View.
2. Locate where you want to add the accordion. You can add it to the main Course Content page, or within a specific Learning Module or Folder.
3. Select the plus sign (+) icon to open the content creation menu.
4. Choose Create to open the right-side panel.
5. Select Document from the available options. This will create a new content item. (If you are adding to an existing document, open it, select Edit Content, and find the plus sign where you want to insert the block).
6. Name your document (e.g., "FAQs" or "Accordion Content").
7. Select Add HTML as a new content block. This opens an inline HTML editor.
8. Paste your HTML code (including any necessary <style> or <script> tags if they are permitted by your institution's settings) into the editor.
   1. Websites that autogenerate HTML code
      1. W3Schools: Code snippets for HTML, CSS and JavaScript
9. Select Save. The HTML code will be processed, and the interactive accordion will be displayed within the document if the code is correctly formatted and supported.
10. Exit the document to see how the content appears to students. 

If the interactive elements do not work, it might be due to security restrictions in Blackboard Ultra. In such cases, a common workaround is to host the HTML content externally (e.g., in an Articulate Storyline module) and embed it as an external link or content item. 

As an instructor, you can upload an image to be the thumbnail in the Courses page in Ultra Base Navigation. It can also be the internal course banner inside Ultra courses.

To create a Course Banner with the correct dimensions, instructors can use the attached banner template for creating a custom banner for use in their course. The size of the slide template has been pre-configured for 1200 pixels x 240 pixels, (12.5” x 2.5”). There is no need to make any changes to the slide size. Simply open the template in PowerPoint and insert an image and/or text to the template to suit your requirements. When you export/save the slide as a PNG image, it will automatically be sized to 1200 x 240, which is the needed size for an Ultra Course Banner.

1. Enter Your Course: Navigate to the specific Blackboard Ultra course where you want to add a banner.
2. Open Settings: In the "Details & Actions" panel, find the "Course Image" section and click the link that says "Edit display settings" or the image icon.
3. Upload Your Image:
   1. Click the image icon or "Upload new image".
   2. Select your image file (JPG or PNG recommended) from your computer, cloud storage, or choose from Unsplash stock photos if available.
4. Position & Zoom: Drag the image and use the zoom slider to set the focal point; keep key content in the center.
5. Enable as Banner: In the settings panel, toggle the switch to turn the image into a banner (it will turn green).
6. Add Accessibility Text: Enter text in the "Image description" field (e.g., "Welcome to PSYCH 101" or mark as decorative if appropriate).
7. Save Changes: Click the "Save" button at the bottom of the panel. 

Tips for Best Results

• Dimensions: Aim for at least 1200 x 240 pixels for ideal display.
• Central Content: Place important text or logos in the center (around 550x150px) to ensure visibility across devices.
• File Formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
• File Type: Use web-friendly formats like .jpg or .png.
• Images with text don't scale well.
• Keep the main content within the center, at 550 x 150 pixels of a 1200 x 240 pixels banner, to guarantee its visibility. Anything outside that 550 x 150 central pixel area may be cropped out at various screen sizes for either the course card or the banner.
• Abstract images or an image with a focus at the center work better for a banner, due to cropping variability.

For more information about course banners, visit Blackboard's Course Banners Page.