A new tool that Blackboard has added in its 9.1 version is Course Files. Course Files gives instructors a central place to upload and view documents for a course. The documents can be linked from any page in the course, and in as many different places as the instructor wishes. Additionally, whenever the instructor makes a change in the document through Course Files, the changes are reflected everywhere the document appears.
Under the Attach File section of many pages, you'll notice that there is a new Browse Course button next to many Browse My Computer buttons. By choosing Browse Course, you are able to pick a file from your course files repository to attach.
Uploading Course Files
- To upload a new course file, go to Control Panel > Files and click on the right-pointing chevron icon next to it.
- You will be redirected to your course's main Course File page. Hover your mouse over Upload and click Upload Files.
- Click the Browse button at the top of the page. A window will appear asking you to select your file from its location. When you have found it, click Open.
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- Alternatively, you can drag and drop a file from your computer (places like your desktop or My Documents folder) into the box provided.
- When all files you wish to upload are listed, click the Submit button. You should be redirected to your main Course File page, where the new file(s) should appear.
Tips for Using Course Files
- Unfortunately, you cannot edit an uploaded document within Blackboard. However, you may edit the original document on your computer and Overwrite the File. When you are on the Course Files page, click the chevron icon next to the document, then choose Overwrite File from the menu. Click Browse to find a file from your computer, and Submit to upload it. The file will be replaced in the Course File menu, as well as anywhere else it appeared.
- Even if you do not plan on attaching single files to multiple places in your Blackboard course, having a course file repository can still be useful. With the repository, the files will be stored in your Blackboard course as well as your computer, making them accessible from any computer.