Each course offered by an institution is hosted on a Web site. Course Web sites contain all the content and tools required to teach a course. The Instructor assigned to a course Web site oversees the course through the Course Control Panel. While the Instructor has control over the course Web site, the Administrator sets overrides that restrict or require content areas and tools.
A course Web site consists of a navigation path, a Course menu, and a content frame. The navigation path allows users to return to any page accessed between the main course page and the current page. The Course menu links users to the available content areas and tools. The content frame displays Web pages accessed through the buttons or navigation path.
Organization Web sites function in the same way as course Web sites. The organization Manager uses the flexible learning tools of a course Web site to provide an online environment for the organization. Organizations are only available with the Blackboard Learning and Community Portal System.
To create a link to a course Web site, simply copy the URL from the address bar in the Web. Links to course Web sites can be posted inside the Blackboard Learning System or externally. In either case, the user will be prompted for authorization before accessing the course Web site.
The table below includes information on the components of a course Web site. The names of the areas are customizable by the Instructor or the System Administrator.
|
Area |
Description |
|
Announcements
|
Announcements post timely information critical to course success. Announcements occupy the Main Frame upon entry to a course Web site and can also appear on the My Institution and Courses area depending on system configuration.
Click Announcements from the course Web site tool bar to view course announcements. |
|
Staff Information |
Staff Information provides background and contact information on course Instructors and Teaching Assistants. |
|
Content Areas |
Content areas can contain a wide-range of content items including:
Course Information – Course Information may display descriptive materials about the course. Materials posted here include the syllabus and course objectives.
Course Documents – Course Documents include learning materials and lesson aids, such as lecture notes. |
|
Assignments |
Assignments lists the due date and description for class work. The Instructor posts assignments and can modify the instructions and due date. Students may view files the Instructor has attached to an Assignment. They may also attach files to an Assignment to submit to the Instructor. |
|
Communication |
Course users communicate through the CommunicationCenter. The CommunicationCenter allow users to:
· send and receive email · read and post messages to Discussion Boards · enter Collaboration Sessions · view Student roster · view Group pages |
|
External Links |
External Links connects course users to outside learning materials. Instructors may select outside materials and post a hyperlink and brief description for each external source. |
|
Tools |
Tools that can be used in the course Web site. Tools include: Digital Drop Box, Edit Home Page, Personal Information, Course Calendar, View Grades, Student Manual, Tasks, and Electric Blackboard.
Note: Students may access the Drop Box from the Tools area on the course Web site, but Instructors must access the Drop Box from the Course Tools on the Course Control Panel. |
|
Course Map |
Allows course Web site navigation through a collapsible tree directory. Instructors can go directly to various course areas. |
|
Control Panel |
Accesses the Course Control Panel. The Course Control Panel is used to set up and administer a course Web site. |