Creating an Assignment

Return to tutorial list

When you create an assignment in Blackboard you also automatically create an entry for the assignment in the Grade Center and create a way for your students to submit the assignment.

To create an assignment you first need to log on to Blackboard, open your course and click on Assignments in left of the screen. An assignment can be added to any other items such as Course Documents, Course Information, or Quizzes and Tests.  However, if you place assignments in different locations (in Course Documents, Course Information, etc.), students may tend to "loose" assignments.  It is best to be consistent and place all assignments in the Assignments area. 

Click Evaluate on top to expand the options, then click on Create Assignment.

A new screen appears. Each assignment requires a unique name. Enter the name of the assignment and instructions. Unlike so many other areas where you can provide a short description of an item, in this case the instructions should be very clear, concise, and detailed. Because you are not in a face-to-face situation, you will not be able to quickly field questions about the assignment. In this situation, it is better to go into detail and avoid confusion or poor performance.

In step 2, if you have files that your students need to complete the assignment, you can attach file(s) in this step. 

Click on Browse for Local File to attach file(s).

This will open your Choose File to Upload dialog box.  Navigate to the file you need to attach, select it.

Click Open.

Determine the point value of the assignment.

As is the case with most items in Blackboard you have to select if you want this to be visible for the students and/or set availability dates: display after and display until. 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.

You can also set Due Dates for the assignment.

Set Recipients: all students individually or groups of students.

To finish adding an assignment, click on Submit.

The assignment will now appear in the Assignments area of Blackboard.

It is always a good idea to go to the Grade Center and check to see that the assignment was created there. Go to the Course Management area and click on Grade Center under Evaluation.

Your new assignment should be in the Grade Center.

Return to tutorial list