Linking to an External Web Site from Blackboard

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External links can actually be used in Course Document, Course Information, Assignments, and Quizzes, etc.  That is, you can link to an external site from these area.  For this example, we will show you how to create a link to a site using the Course Documents Content Area.

Click on Course Documents.

To add an URL, click on Build, then select Create External Link.

You will need the exact URL address to create the link.  An easy way of doing this is to open a browser...

locate the site of interest and highlight the complete URL (including the http://) and copy.

Then in Create External Link page, paste the URL in the appropriate line.  As always, whenever you add a link, file, item or folder, give it a unique name and provide a short description.

Files can be attached to the above information. Click Browse to select the file to attach and specify a name for the link to this file. This is the same process used to add an attachment to content.

For the most part, the Options have been discussed with regard to availability of content for students,  However, this time we need to address where the item will be launched.  It is advisable to launch external links in an external window.  If you select "No" for this item the new page will open in Blackboard.  This has the potential of confusing students and making navigation difficult.  A second reason for opening in a new or external window, is that this will differentiate outside content from your content. If you set up date restrictions, make sure to set up both start date and end date and you should select the date through calendar rather than enter it manually.

Once you have made the appropriate selections, click on Submit.

Then you will see the success message confirmation.

To check your link, click on the link.

Hopefully this link will open.  If not, you can always go back and modify your settings.

One final word:  Because you are not in control of outside content, make sure you double check your links every now and then to assure that the sites you are linking to are still active, and presenting the intended content.

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