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🚀 Learn 2016 Theme

As part of the most recent Blackboard upgrade, COD has moved to the Blackboard Learn 2016 Theme. This theme improves the mobile experience and has a fresh, updated look which more closely matches the mobile interface, providing a more consistent experience overall. Mobile users can expect better navigation and enhanced Discussion Boards and Content Areas. The Submit button is now pinned to the bottom of the screen, eliminating the need to scroll to the bottom of the page.

Additionally, the 2016 Theme follows WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.0 for structure, color contrast and navigation which, while designed for users with disabilities, benefit everyone. Users who prefer navigating pages using the keyboard will appreciate the fully visible keyboard focus which helps keep track of location on a page. Users of screen readers will also notice landmarks that simply navigation have also been added.

With the 2016 Theme, Blackboard removed the ability to customize themes based on feedback from students that they prefer consistency across their courses. This change means instructors will not be able to choose a different color for the Course Menu or select a customized Course Theme, but it ensures the contrast is sufficient for all users, including those with low vision or color blindness.

We think you and your students will like the contemporary, clean look! For more details on what to expect with the upgrade or assistance with Blackboard, check out the Learning Technologies Knowledge Base or contact Learning Technologies at learningtech@cod.edu, 630-942-2490 or visit us in BIC 3401.

📦 Download Annotations in Box View

Students and instructors were accustomed to downloading annotated files when Crocodoc handled inline file rendering. With the switch to New Box View, this capability wasn’t available and highly requested. Blackboard listened and developed the ability to download annotated files using the New Box View.

In this release, both instructors and students can download certain file types (DOC, DOCX, PDF, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX) with annotations as an annotated PDF. Students can download the annotated file after their submission has been graded.

Visit Inline Grading and New Box View Update on the Blackboard Community for more information and a video demonstration.

Partially adapted from Blackboard Release Notes

Are you a student looking for more information? Visit Blackboard Help for Students or call our Student Help Desk at (630) 942-2999.