Creating a Learning Module

What is a Learning Module in Blackboard?

Learning Modules are intended for a logically structured collection of course content – similar to a chapter in a textbook. In Blackboard, you can add a descriptive image of the Learning Module and even generate one using AI. If the “Forced Sequence” setting is selected, learning module content is presented sequentially, with navigation arrows that students use to move through the content horizontally. (Instructors can only see this in Student Preview.) You can add one level of Folders to a Learning Module, meaning each folder can only contain content items, but not additional folders.

 

What’s the Difference between Learning Modules and Content Folders?

In Blackboard Ultra, Learning Modules and Folders are the two types of top-level containers you can use to organize course content. Although similar, there are key differences for the student experience. Content folders are limited in their functionality in comparison to learning modules, as content is presented vertically. A Content Folder cannot contain nested Learning Modules, but you can add one level of nested Folders. Learn more about Content Folders by reading through this Faculty Blackboard Help resource dedicated to Content Folders.

 

How do I Create a Learning Module?

  1. In the Course Content area, hover your mouse where you want to add a learning module and select the plus sign > Create. 
    The drop down menu after clicking on the plus sign between content items to create content in the content area
  2. In the Create Item panel, select Learning module.
    Create Item panel, with learning module highlighted
  3. Name your Learning Module.
    Add Learning Module screen, with an arrow pointing to the pencil beside the name that allows you to change the name of the module.
  4. By default, new Learning Modules are hidden from students. You can change the visibility of the learning module to “Visible to students”, “Hidden from students”, or set “Release conditions”.
    The setting for the visibility of learning module, with Visible to Students highlighted.
  5. Optionally, you can add a description.
  6. You can enable Forced Sequence. This will ensure that students view the contents within the Learning module in sequential order.
    The 'Advance in Sequence' setting, where you can force the order of modules to be completed in order.
  7. You can also add an image. To do so, click either the icon or the link “Add image”.
    Add Image area, with an arrow pointing to the Add image icon and hyperlink.

    1. It opens up the Insert Image panel. There are three options: Upload from Device, Stock images from Unsplash and Generate images.
      Add image menu, with options for uploading from your device, adding stock images from Unsplash, and generate images.
    2. To Upload from Device, select a file you want to use from your Device.
    3. To use Stock images from Unsplash, enter search keywords into Search, and click the Search button. It will list the search results. Select the one you want to use for your module.
      Insert image from Unsplash menu.
    4. When you choose Generate images, you will receive AI-generated images that match the keywords you input. However, please be aware that these images might be culturally inappropriate or inaccurate. They may also portray objects, animals, or people in unnatural proportions or sizes. Please read more about AI Design Assistant.
    5. After selecting an image, adjust how the image should be shown in the module. The image will be cropped to square. When you are satisfied, click Save.
      Adjust image area for module images, where you can crop and zoom the image.
  8. Select Save after you made desired settings.

How do I add content to a Learning Module?

  1. Expand the Learning Module and within the module frame, select the plus sign.
    The menu for adding Content to a Learning Module, with options for create, copy content, upload, content market, cloud storage or content collection
  2. To create new content, select Create and from the Create Item panel, choose what you want to create.
  3. To reuse content that already exists, select the appropriate option depending on the location of the content.

How do I generate Modules using the AI Design Assistant?

Step-by-step instructions are also here, as follows:

  1. When your course has no items set up, you can ask AI Design Assistant to generate modules. To do so, click the Auto-Generate Modules button.
    Add Modules selection, where you can add content, or auto-generate modules in a blank course.
  2. If you already have some content embedded, you can still use AI Design Assistant by clicking the + sign, then select Auto-Generate Modules.
    The auto-generate module option from the create content menu.
  3. It opens up the configuration panel. Please note that if you select include images, it includes generated images. We recommended that you replace images with real photographs from Unsplash or the files on your device. By adding properly formatted descriptions, you can create a set of modules that can be revised and utilized.
    The auto-generate learning modules menu, where you can enter a description, select course items, add different title prefixes, include images, and change the number and complexity of modules.

 

Need support? Contact the Innovative Learning Support Centre. We are here to help!

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