Summary
Blackboard’s new theme boasts a modern interface, improved accessibility, and a better mobile experience. Recent system updates also added new features, like drag and drop functionality, submission receipts for students, the ability to send reminders from within Grade Center columns, and more.
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Improved Accessibility. The updated theme was designed with WCAG 2.0 principles in mind and follows accessibility guidelines for structure, color contrast, and navigation. Fully visible keyboard focus has been built directly into this theme as well as best practices for the definition of buttons and menus used for navigation.
Improved Experience for Mobile Devices. The new theme is built using responsive design strategies that allows for a significantly improved experience on a mobile browser. We know this is an important improvement for Boise State; during Fall semester 2016 just over 13% of Blackboard traffic (nearly half a million user sessions) were on mobile devices!
Drag and Drop files. When instructors create content items, assignments, and web links, they can drag files from their computers to the “hot spot” in the Attach Files area. Students can also drag files to upload when they submit assignments.
Submission receipts. Administrators and instructors can keep track of all student submissions, regardless of whether the attempt or assignment is deleted or the submission history is changed. A submission receipt is captured at the time of submission and includes information such as attached file information, date, time, etc. This feature provides evidence for academic disputes, giving students assurance about their work.
New Course Icons. All Blackboard course sites will now use & display the modern Bb Learn 2016 set of icons.
Submit and Cancel buttons. No need to scroll to the bottom of the page, cancel/submit buttons will always pin to the bottom of the page regardless of device. Please don’t forget to scroll down to complete your settings before clicking submit.
My Grades for Instructor. My Grades course menu link works for instructors! Easily verify what your students see for course grades.
Send reminders. Instructors can send email reminders from Grade Center columns to students and members of groups who have missing coursework. Students receive a system-generated email that lists the course, coursework, and the due date if used.