Step-By-Step
Creating a Learning Unit
(Text version)

1. Blackboard allows instructors and TAs to add and organize content on their course site within a framework called a Learning Unit. Somewhat like a Folder, a Learning Unit can hold various content items relating to a single topic, idea or lecture. It is another method of organizing and presenting material to students. For instance, a Learning unit may hold lecture notes in PowerPoint format, readings in PDF format, images, video or sound pertaining to the unit and an Assignment or quiz. Learning Units can also be structured in a sequential order forcing students to view item #1 before item #2 and so on.

2. Learning Units can be added to any content area or any folder within a content area. To add a Learning Unit:

• Log in to the Blackboard site as usual:
• Go to Control Panel. Under the heading "Content" in the control panel, click on the content area that you would like to add the Learning Unit. This will display the Root Level of the content area.To add a Learning Unit to the folder you must first access the Folder Level. Click on the name of the folder. This will display the Folder Level.
• Use the dropdown box on the far right to locate "Learning Unit" Click on the "Go" button. This will display the Add Learning Unit form.
• You can use the dropdown box to select an item name or you can type in a name for the item to add in the box marked "or specify your own name".
• You can add a description of the Learning Unit in the box marked "Text".
  
• Under the sections marked "Options", decide if you want the item to be visible to students. Leaving the default "Yes" radio button will make the item visible to students. Selecting the "No" radio button will hide the item from students. You will always be able to see a hidden item in the control panel.
• If you want to force the Learning Unit contents to be viewed in sequential order, select the "Yes" radio button next to "Do you want to enforce sequential viewing of the Learning Unit?"
• If you want the Learning Unit to open in a new window, select the "Yes" radio button next to "Do you want the Learning Unit to open in a new window?"
• If you want to track the number of students that view this file select the "Yes" radio button marked "Do you want to track number of views?".
• Leave the "Add Metadata" radio button set to "No". - This function does not work in this version of Blackboard.
• You can choose a certain date and time for the item to become visible to students and/or a date and time to make the item hidden from students. To make the item visible to students at some time in the future, checkmark the "Display After" checkbox and use the dropdown boxes to select a date and time for the item to become visible to students. If you want the folder to become hidden at some time in the future, checkmark the "Display Until" checkbox and use the dropdown boxes to select a date and time for the item to become hidden from students. You will always be able to see a hidden item in the control panel.
  
• Click on the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page. A receipt will be displayed telling you that the Learning Unit has been added. Click on the "OK" button to return to the Root Level of the content area or the Folder Level of the folder. The Learning Unit should now be displayed.
  
• You can now add content items to the Learning Unit. To add content items to the Learning Unit you must first click on the Learning Unit title. This displays the Items Learning Unit level. Note that the name of the Learning Unit is at the top of the page. Items added here will become part of the Learning Unit.
  

3. You can add any number of items to a Learning Unit. For instance, to attach a file to a Learning Unit:

• Click on the "Add Item" button at the top of the page.This will display the Add Item form.
• You can use the dropdown box to select an item name or you can type in a name for the item to add in the box marked "or specify your own name".
• You can add a description of the item in the box marked "Text".
  
• Under the section marked "Content", click on the "Browse" button. This will display your computer's file locater dialogue box. Using the dropdown box on the top of the file locator, locate the directory and folder that contains the file you want to attach. Click on the name of the file then click on the "Open" button on the file locator. The locator dialogue box will disappear and the path to the file will be located in the box next to the "Browse" button.
• Type a link name into the box marked "Name of Link to File". These are the words the student will click on to see the file. It can be anything like for instance "View File".
• Leave the Special Action dropdown box set to "Create a link to this file".
  
• Under the sections marked "Options", decide if you want the item to be visible to students. Leaving the default "Yes" radio button will make the item visible to students. Selecting the "No" radio button will hide the item from students. You will always be able to see a hidden item in the control panel.
• Leave the "Offline Content" radio button set to "No". - This function does not work in this version of Blackboard.
• If you want to track the number of students that view this file select the "Yes" radio button marked "Do you want to track number of views?".
• Leave the "Add Metadata" radio button set to "No". - This function does not work in this version of Blackboard.
  
• Click on the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page. A receipt will be displayed telling you that the item has been up updated. Click on the "OK" button to return to the Learning Unit level of the content area or folder. The item is now listed as part of the Learning Unit.
• You can add as many items as you like to the Learning Unit.

4. Students access a Learning Unit by clicking on the proper Content button or folder name, then clicking on the name of the Learning Unit.

• Unlike a folder, the Learning Unit will be displayed for the student showing the first content item or link. There is also a "Content" button and a Next /Previous button. If you choose to force sequential view, the student will have to use the Next/Previous button to view the material or links. If you did not force sequential viewing, the student can view the material with either the Next/Previous button or through the content button.

5. To modify or remove a Learning Unit:

• Go to Control Panel. Under the heading "Content" in the control panel, click on the content area that contains the Learning Unit. This will display the Root Level of the content area. If the Learning Unit is in a folder, click on the folder name. This will display the Folder Level.
• Click on the "Modify" button. This will display the Modify Learning Unit form.
• Click on the "Remove" button. A warning will be displayed. Click "OK". The Learning Unit is now removed completely.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this Step-By-Step procedure contact the Tufts Blackboard Administrator at: nhirsig@tufts.edu