Information Technology Services

By: Jodie Nehrt

One of the perks of Blackboard is the ability to export content from one semester to the next, or share it to another faculty member in your department. However, if you've ever completed an import only to discover that your Grade Center is suddenly cluttered with columns that confuse both you and the students, use this checklist before and after your import to ensure a smooth process (and less student emails asking for clarification).

Before Import:

1. Delete unneeded columns in the empty grade center of your destination course (total, weighted total). Those will become duplicates with the import.
2. Use the most recent export file for the course.

After Import:

1. Use Column Organization under the Manage tab to see a list of columns, categories, points, and the order they appear.
   • Use this to make your grading more organized—hide unnecessary columns and rearrange the instructor-view columns to an order that makes sense for you.
2. If using a weighted total grade calculation, choose “Edit Column Information” from the drop-down menu on that column, then
   • Compare percentages to the syllabus
   • Make sure all columns and categories are accounted for
   • Check that assignment and category names match those listed in the syllabus and elsewhere in the course
   • Review percentages and equal vs proportional settings for weighted categories
   • Confirm the total equals 100%
3. Set an External Grade column, indicated by a green check mark icon. This is for institution-level reporting purposes. This should be the student’s final grade column. 
4. Generate a student preview user account in your course to enter grades for the preview user and test the calculation in the grade center.

Throughout the Course:

1. Remember to enter zeros in a timely manner, according to your grading policy. Not entering zeros will give students a falsely inflated grade and waiting too long to enter zeros for missing work will suddenly drop student grades.
2. If you make any changes (adding columns, assignments, tests, etc.) during the term, refer to steps 2-5 above to check the calculations. This is especially important if you are using weighted grade calculations.