Introduction
Anthology releases monthly incremental updates to their Blackboard software, the August update brings a larger-than-normal set of new features and improvements. Because there are several things that we want to bring to your attention we have decided to split the regular blog post into two parts.
In this first part, we will focus on the new and improved document features within the Content Designer which have received significant updates to better support content design and help improve learner engagement. The blog will explore how staff can take advantage of these updates to get the most out of these enhanced document features.
Following this blog post, we will release additional support guides and training materials so stay tuned!
Content Designer: Enhanced Documents Feature Update.
Content design is key to creating an engaging module that supports learner needs. The new document feature is a useful option for creating and presenting a variety of visual elements.
The following screenshot shows an example of how a document in Blackboard can now look.
Enhanced Document with diverse content laid out in rows and columns
Key Enhancements:
1. Diverse Content Blocks: Currently, Blackboard documents allow various content types to be added as page-wide blocks of content, additional content can then be added either above or below.
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| Default content block selection option in current Blackboard documents | Current workflow to add new content above or below the existing content |
In the new workflow, module leaders can design ‘Documents’ using similar block types however the user interface to access and add this content has been given several interface improvements.
Empty Document with block options
The following content types can be added:
- Content Block: Add content via the content editor.
- HTML Block: Insert content using HTML or CSS.
- File Upload Block: Upload files from your local machine.
- Cloud Upload Block: Add files directly from cloud services.
- Content Collection Block: Select files from the Content Collection.
- Convert a File Block: Convert and insert files (PDF, PowerPoint, Word) into the Document.
2. Enhanced Document Layout: Previously, to add content blocks to a Blackboard a module leader would select the first content block option (as above) and then use the purple plus button, there is now an option to open a ‘Blocks’ panel on the left of the interface by selecting the “+” icon to choose and add the desired block.
The new “+” button is used to access the Blocks menu.
Document with the Blocks menu opened.
Following this month’s update, once a new content block has been added to a document it can be resized by selecting the purple handles on either side to allow for multiple-column layouts to be developed. In the following screenshot, the first content block has been resized to half the width of the row to allow an additional content block to be inserted to its right.
Resizing content blocks in Blackboard documents.
3. Persistent Document Menu Bar: A new menu bar improves efficiency, staying in view as you scroll. Selecting the Edit option to modify the document.
This top menu stays viewable as you scroll through the document
After selecting Edit the menu will update to display the following additional options
- Edit
- Add Blocks
- Undo/Redo
- Cancel
- Save
The edit options become visible once the Edit button is clicked
4. Resizing and Moving Blocks: Current Blackboard documents do allow content items to be re-ordered by clicking on the ‘Move’ icon associated with each content block.
However, as mentioned above content blocks can only be moved above or below other content blocks.
The updated workflow allows for the creation of enhanced layouts by resizing, dragging and dropping blocks not just above and below other content blocks but into rows and columns. This provides a more modern and inclusive document layout, supports engagement in teaching and learning and allows robust options for content design. This also includes an improved workflow for moving content within a document as each row and block has menus for moving, resizing, editing, or deleting.
Move, expand, and shrink options via keyboard controls
These enhancements simplify the workflow for creating engaging and well-organised content, making it easier to design visually appealing modules that support learner needs.
*NOTE: If you would prefer to interact with Blackboard documents similar to that which you experienced before please consider the following.
- Create a new Blackboard document
- Select the type of content to add a block as ‘Content’
Open a new Document and select the Content option
- Add all content to this content block as
Using a single content block can function like the previous Blackboard Ultra Documents.
Contact Us
If you would like to discuss any of the above in more detail, please contact the Digital Learning Specialists, who will be more than happy to arrange bespoke coaching and mentoring sessions.
They are contactable at elearning@tees.ac.uk.