Common Blackboard Terms

This page includes descriptions of some common Blackboard terms, especially terms related to content you can add to your Blackboard course using the Action bar. The Action bar lets you Build Content, as well as add Assessments and Tools.

Build Content Menu

Content tools are primarily for delivering information to your students, here's a quick review of the options available.

Item A versatile content tool that delivers content directly through text, attached documents, web links, or embed videos.

File Allows you to link directly to one file with no description area. Used heavily with the online/hybrid course structure.

Audio/Image/Video Not recommended. Use the Item tool to embed and link information.

Web Link Allows you to link directly to one webpage outside of Blackboard in each instance. Use to link OneDrive documents.

Learning Module A content container. Recommended for use with the online/hybrid course structure. Learn more in the article Blackboard Folders Vs. Modules.

Course Link Creates a shortcut to an item or tool you previously created inside of Blackboard.

Content folders A content container. Recommended for use with the Remote Learning course structure. See the article Blackboard Folders Vs. Modules.

Module Page A page to display Blackboard Content Modules. Read more about Course Module Pages.

Mashups Can be used with Kaltura; however, we recommend creating an Item and embedding the video in the item. Read more about linking and embedding Kaltura Media in your course.

Assessments Menu

Review the Assessment Tools in Blackboard article for a more detailed review of these tools.

Test Create and link exams, tests, and quizzes. Allows you to add question types, such as Multiple Choice, True/False, Matching, Calculated, and Essay. Read more about Tests in Blackboard.

Survey Anonymously poll student opinion and conduct class evaluations.

Assignment Used to submit files (Word documents, PowerPoint files, Kaltura videos, Excel files, PDF documents, and so on) for grading. You can think of it as a "drop box" for student work. Learn more about Creating Assignment Submission Areas.

Self and Peer Assessment Allow students to review the work of their classmates through criteria-based evaluation and constructive feedback.

Kaltura Video Quiz The Kaltura video tool allows you to create video quizzes. Read more in the faculty resource article Interactive Video Quiz Guidelines.

Tools Menu

Discussion Board/Blogs/Journals/Wikis/Groups Use this menu to quickly link a tool on the lessons homepage or in a weekly lesson. More tools are available.