Adding learning modules and folders

Use learning modules or folders to group learning materials by topic, learning outcome or schedule of delivery. The default module template contains folders and Learning modules:

Instructions

1 Learning modules vs folders
2 Creating learning modules
- 2.1 Autogenerate learning modules
3 Adding Folders

Learning modules vs folders

Learning modules and folders are used as containers to organise collections of content (folders, documents, videos, etc) but only to a depth of 3 levels.

You can use a folder to organise collections of content (folders, documents, videos, etc). Using folders reduces the need to scroll and enables students to find content more easily. Students can explore the content in a folder in any order they chose.

Within a learning module students navigate the order of the contents using the forward/ backward arrows in sequence.

Alternatively, students can explore the content in a learning module in any order and at their own pace. If required, you can use Forced Sequence to force the items to display sequentially where the first item must be viewed before the second can be launched (pictured).

Learning modules provide the option to add an image to enhance the visual appearance of the container. You can create Learning modules manually or use the AI design assistant.

You can switch between folder and learning module by clicking on the ellipsis (three dots):

Creating learning modules

Within the Course Content window, hover your mouse where you wish to add new content and select the (purple) + icon.

This brings up the add content context menu, select Create

This brings up the Create Item context menu. From the Create Item Course Content Items menu, select Learning Module.

The panel will now display the create Learning Module screen. Click on the title to change the name of your Learning Module, you can use the textbox to add a description – this text will appear beneath the title. You can change the learning module’s visibility by clicking on “Hidden from students” at this point or later from the course content.

You have the option to add an Image and to turn on Forced Sequence (optional), just remember to click on Save.

Autogenerate learning modules

This tool will build a course structure of learning modules based on a description or existing course content.

In Course Content choose the plus icon and select Auto-Generate Modules from the drop-down menu.

This open up the AI design assistant, here you can add a description or Select course items to inform the generation a set of learning modules.

For instance you can search for and select items such as a course handbook or PowerPoint presentations to inform the learning modules.

You can chose a Title Prefix e.g. Week, whether to include images or descriptions the Complexity (from Undergraduate though to PhD), number of Learning modules, then select Generate.

This will generate your learning modules, if the module selection is not appropriate you can select Generate to regenerate the selection or click on the circular arrows to re-generate an image.

When you are happy with the choices select the check boxes beside the modules you want to use and select Add to Course.

The learning modules will appear in the Course content area of your module, ready for you to add your content.

NB you can use the ellipsis to edit any of the modules

Find out more about Blackboard AI tools

Always check AI-generated content for accuracy or bias.

Adding Folders

Within the Course Content window, hover your mouse where you wish to add new content and select the (purple) + icon.

This brings up the add content context menu, select Create

This brings up the Create Item context menu, select Folder.

The panel will now display the create Folder screen.

At the top of the panel click on the title to add the name of your folder. You can add a description – this text will appear beneath the title.

You can Change the setting “Hidden from students” at this point or later from the course content. Just remember to click Save.

Although a learning module can contain a folder, folders cannot contain learning modules!