Your institution's Blackboard Administrator has the option of displaying Learning Modules with or without the Table of Contents side panel feature. The final section of this page has information for users without the Table of Content feature.
A Learning Module is a container for organized collections of content. Learning Modules help you stay focused on a lesson or concept by allowing you to move through content in a structured and distraction-free way. Instructors may use Learning Modules to align course content with a textbook or to guide you through a sequence of learning activities. On this page learn about:
Navigating a Learning Module
Read this information if your institution uses Learning Modules with the Table of Contents feature.
When you open a Learning Module, a collapsible table of contents is displayed on the side panel of your screen. This panel shows all the content items in the Learning Module and helps you quickly understand the scope and organization of the contents.
- Select any item in the table of contents panel to open it directly (unless your instructor has enforced a specific sequence).
- If you want to hide the table of contents, select the arrow button at the top corner of the table of contents.
- Use the Next and Previous buttons at the top right to move through content in order.
- If your instructor has enabled forced sequence, you may notice the next item is locked. You’ll need to meet certain conditions before Next and the next item in the Table of Content menu become available. You can still revisit any previously unlocked items.
Tracking Your Progress
Read this information if your institution uses Learning Modules with the Table of Contents feature.
You can track your progress through the Learning Module in two ways:
- Automatic tracking: Items are marked as complete when you open them.
- Manual tracking: You can manually mark items as complete from the table of contents.
Progress icons appear next to each item:
- Green circle with a check mark: You have completed this content.
- A partially filled black circle: You have opened this content, and it is in progress.
- An empty circle: You haven't started this content.
- A lock icon: You haven't met the conditions to access this content.
Working with content in a Learning Module
Read this information if your institution uses Learning Modules with the Table of Contents feature.
A Learning Module appears similar to a folder on the Course Content page. Select the title or arrow to open the Learning Module and view its contents.
Learning Modules can include:
- Readings and files
- Assessments (Assignments and Tests)
- Group projects
- Discussions and collaboration tools
You can view all visible content within the Learning Module, including due dates.
Forced sequence
If your instructor requires items in the Learning Module to be completed in a specific order, a message appears. Other conditions, such as access dates or prerequisites, may also apply.
If the Learning Module contains folders, you navigate through them the same way as other content. Your instructor may require that you complete content within a folder before moving on.
Assessments in Learning Modules
Read this information if your institution uses Learning Modules with the Table of Contents feature.
When you open an assessment from within a Learning Module, it appears in a full-page panel. This layout provides a consistent and focused experience, helping you stay engaged with the material.
Learning Modules
These sections describe and explain the layout and functionality of Learning Modules without the Table of Contents feature. Your institution has control over whether to use Learning Modules with or without the Table of Contents feature.
A learning module is a container for organized collections of content. Modules let you navigate from one content item to the next without distractions or extra clicks. A learning module keeps you focused on the lesson or concept you're learning. If your course uses a textbook, your instructor may use modules to group content to match the pace of these materials.
Your instructor may allow you to explore the content in a learning module in any order. Alternatively, the instructor can require you to open and complete content before you move to the next item. A content order can help you understand concepts before you move on to further lessons.
Work in a learning module
A learning module appears similar to a folder on the Course Content page. Select the title or arrow to open the module and view content.
In addition to content items, files, and assessments, your instructor can add activities and tools that promote interactive learning and collaboration.
For example, you may see assignments or group projects in the module. You may also open collaboration tools such as discussions where you can brainstorm and share your ideas about the topics presented.
You can view all visible content within the module, including due dates. You can open the content in any order. If your instructor requires a content order, a message appears. Other conditions such as an access date are also included.
After you open a content item, navigate through the module with the arrows at the top of the browser window.
You can exit the module before completion. When you return, icons appear next to the module content if the order is enforced. The icons show which content is complete, in process, and not started, so you can pick up where you left off.
- A green circle with a check mark means that content is complete
- A partially filled black circle means the content is in process
- An empty circle means that you haven't started the content
- A lock icon means that you do not meet the conditions to access the content yet
If the module contains folders, you navigate through content in folders the same way as any other content in the module. Remember, your instructor may require that you access and complete content within the folder before you move on.
