Instructor semester startup checklist for Blackboard
NOTE: Your new Course Shell is set up for you before the start of the semester along with your student enrollments each semester.
☐ Request multiple sections be combined into one single session (if desired) by opening a Service Desk Request and selecting Blackboard Service Request for the courses you want combined.
☐ Course Copy content from previous semester’s course to your new semester course shell. This can be done by the instructor following these guidelines or open a Service Desk Ticket for assistance.
☐ Update or add due dates using the bulk Date Management tool or go to each item that needs adjusting in the course. See the Blackboard Instructor help page for reference on the following items:
Assignments
Quizzes and Tests
Discussions
Other content for review (example; Syllabus)
☐ Add or edit content including links to other resources (create menu item links to add easy access points)
☐ Set up a collaboration tool link (Zoom, Blackboard Collaborate, Google Meet) in case a student needs remote access.
☐ Set up the grade center so that students can see their graded work.
☐ Post an announcement (be sure to check the “send a copy of this announcement immediately” so that the students receive it in their email inbox). Some things to include in the welcome message:
Syllabus
Required materials
Book requirements
Date the course will become available (this is typically the first of classes but can be modified)
Additional resources: Blackboard Getting Started
Service Desk Request: https://helpdesk.maritime.edu/support/home
Note: There is an extensive Knowledge base repository on the Service Desk homepage Click on the Search for Answer menu to view the self-help articles.