Using the Assignment tool in Blackboard can save time and trouble of grading by hand or email, and keep all assignments in one place. There are also features to check for plagiarism (via SafeAssign) as well as using the rubric tool in Blackboard to assist with fair and consistent grading.  In this knowledgebase article, you will learn how to successfully add an assignment in Blackboard as well as learn how to grade, use Safe Assign and change assignment settings.

Ultra Assignments

Create assignments

• Create an assignment

• Video: Create an assignment

• Define assignment settings and options

• Add text and files to assignments

• Add a timer to assignments

• Allow multiple attempts

• Create group assignments

• Create offline assignments such as oral presentations or lab work

Assignment grading options

• Enable anonymous grading

• Enable parallel grading

• Allow self and peer assessments

• Add rubrics

• Use SafeAssign

• Setup the grade book

Grade assignments

• Assign grades

• Video: Grading assignments

• Give feedback

• Mark up submissions

• Video: Bb Annotate overview

• Grade an assignment with multiple attempts

• Grade anonymous submissions

• Evaluate self and peer assessments

• Grade group assignments

Grade offline

• Grade submissions submitted offline Download assignments

• Video: Download assessment submissions

Other Important Links

1. Peer Assessment

2. Using Rubrics

Tips for Success

Don't want to bother downloading and uploading files? You can grade and insert comments using the inline grading tools within Blackboard.

To create a "dropbox" for students to upload an assignment document, choose: Assessments > Assignment

Note: If you have questions or trouble with assignments, reach out to the IDEA Team to help you test them BEFORE students submit them. We can help you make sure the assignment submission process will work well: ideateam@ssw.umaryland.edu

Keep in mind that you can check individual essay questions using the Test tool if you'd rather not have students upload Word documents. You can set up tests with essay questions and short answer questions that are open-ended and check them using that tool.

Also, you can use the Survey tool to get anonymous feedback from students during the semester.