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Learning Technology Team

Ultra Workflow 2: Blackboard Assignment

Information for Staff

When to use a Blackboard Ultra assignment

You can use a Blackboard Ultra assignment when:

  • Your students are submitting individually or as a group;
  • Your students are submitting single or multiple files;
  • Your students are submitting any type of file, including large files, and video and audio files;
  • You want to upload an external file as part of your feedback to your students, or to give video feedback.

You cannot use a Blackboard Ultra assignment if:

  • It is imperative that your students' work is checked for originality;
  • It is imperative that you mark your students' work anonymously*.

*While Blackboard Ultra assignments do allow the option to hide student names during marking, this is not recommended because a permanent paper ID is not generated, which means that it is not possible to keep a record of which pieces of work were internally moderated. Additionally, it is not possible to de-anonymise individual submissions where academic misconduct is suspected. For these reasons, anonymous marking is only recommended when using Turnitin assignments.

How to set up an individual Blackboard Ultra Assignment

This guide explains how to set up a Blackboard Assignment. It covers all the recommended settings and steps to ensure the assignment runs smoothly for both staff and students throughout the submission and grading electronically process.

To help your students understand the process, please add a link to the student guide in your Ultra course: Submitting a Blackboard Assignment - Student guide.

NOTE: All submission points must be placed in the 'Assessment and submission' Learning Module on Ultra courses. This is defined within the NILE design standards and is a mandatory requirement.

Select the Assessment and submission folder.

Select Create.

Select the Assignment item from the Assessment submenu.

Enter the Assignment name based on the Assessment ID and description listed in your module specifications.

Add a summary of the assessment and upload any additional files students may require to complete the assignment.

Select Settings.

Select and modify the Due Date and Time.

Prohibit Past Due Date submissions, if appropriate.

In the Mark Category section, ensure the category is set to Assignment.

Select and modify Attempts allowed.

Select Mark Using and choose UG or PG Letter, Points or Percentages.

Select Maximum points and set to 100.

Please note that Anonymous marking is not recommended with Blackboard Ultra Assignments as a permanent paper ID is not generated, which means that it is not possible to keep a record of which pieces of work were internally moderated. Additionally, it is not possible to de-anonymise individual submissions where academic misconduct is suspected. For these reasons, anonymous marking is only recommended when using Turnitin assignments, therefore please always leave 'Hide student names' unchecked when setting up a Blackboard Ultra Assignment.

Select Add marking rubric to use an existing rubric or create a new rubric. 

Select Description and enter an optional description of the assessment. 

Select Save.

Select Hidden from students to change the availability of the assessment. 

Select Close to return to the Course Content screen.

Your Blackboard Ultra Assignment is now set up.

If you require assistance with NILE, please contact LearnTech Support using the NILE Enquiry Form

If you require assistance with PebblePad, please contact PebblePad Support using the PebblePad Contact Form