Blackboard - Content folder and learning module
NB! This page is under construction and some errors and omissions may occur.
On this page you will find information about the content types Content Folder and Learning Module. two tools which are helpful in allowing you to provide a structured presentation of content in Blackboard.
Norsk versjon - Blackboard - Innholdsmappe og læremodul
Topic page about Blackboard | Pages labelled Blackboard
Content folders and learning modules are containers for content #
Content Folder and Learning Module are best understood as containers for other content in Blackboard, and what they contribute is first and foremost ways of building structure and overview in a course by sorting content and providing the user with a collective presentation of it. That they are containers for content also means that the menus for adding content are available to the course builder:
Both content folders and learning modules may therefore contain all content types, forms of assessment and tool links. Moreover, access to the menus for adding content allows one to build structures on several levels. It is for example possible to add one or more content folders to a learning module, and vice versa, one or more learning modules to a content folder.
What is the difference? #
The work flow for adding content to content folders and learning modules is the same. What separates the two is the way the content is presented to the user.
A content folder displays all the content at once, listed in the order it has been given:
A learning modules, on the other hand, displays one and one piece of content, and the user must either click through these in sequence or use the table of contents to jump in the module:
A learning module can also be set up to enforce sequential viewing. If so, the table of contents cannot be used for navigating the learning module and the user must go through the material in the specified order. This may be useful in cases where one would like to create a particular learning path for students.
How to create a content folder or learning module? #
To create a content folder or learning module one has to start on a page where one has access to the Build Content men.
- Select Build content. Choose either content folder or learning module
- Common settings for content folder and learning module: Specify a name (required field), if desired, add a description
- Review the standard alternatives
- A: Permit users to view this content: Whether or not this folder should be visible for users.
- B: Track number of views: Logs how many times this folder has been opened.
- C/D: Select date and time restrictions: Defines a period in which this folder is visible. Leave blank for no time restrictions.
In addition, for learning modules:
- Under Learning Module options, chose whether the learning module should enforce sequential viewing. This removes the option of navigating by the table of contents.
- should open in a new window. If set to open in a new window the learning module will display without the side menu, leaving more screen space for the content.
- Under Table of contents select whether a table of contents should be displayed to users. Note that turning it off in practice enforces sequential viewing even if that option is set to no.
- select how the hierarchy is to be displayed.
Below are examples of what the table of contents looks like with the various hierarchy displays:
When finished reviewing the options, press Submit to create the content folder/learning module.
Add and preview content #
When the content folder/learning module has been created one must enter it to access the menus for adding content. Note that edit mode must be turned on for the menus to display. With edit mode turned off you will view the content folder/learning module as the students view it. It is a good idea to use this option actively when building content to ensure that the content displays as you plan, and to give your self the option of adjusting things as you go.
See also #
Contact #
Orakel Support Services can help if you have questions or if you encounter difficulties.