A short tutorial introducing the Blackboard Learn 9.1 module menu. This tutorial is part of initial VLE training for colleagues at the University of Leeds.

1. Introduction to
the module menu
Blackboard Learn 9.1
Kirsten Thompson | University of Leeds

2. In this tutorial we are
going to explore some
of the key features
available to structure
the module side menu.

3. Make sure
Edit Mode is
ON.

4. The module side menu
provides inline editing; edit
features can be accessed
by hovering the mouse
over the relevant area.

5. From the + icon above the
module side menu, you
can add more Content
Areas, tools and features.
Let’s add a new Content
Area by selecting the
Content Area link.

6. Give the Content
Area a name e.g.
Assessment. By
default the
Content Area will
be unavailable to
users
(students), unless
you check the
box. Select
Submit.

7. If you forget to
make a link
available, want to
rename or delete
it, you can do so by
hovering your
mouse over the
item. Select the
arrow to the right of
the link and select
the relevant option.

8. By default, new
items are added
to the bottom of
the menu.

9. Use the double-
headed arrows to
re-order items on
the menu by
dragging and
dropping.

10. Remember, keyboard accessible re-ordering
of the menu is also available. If the web
browser you are using isn’t compatible with
the drag and drop function, accessible re-
ordering provides an alternative solution.

11. Let’s add a
new Tool to the
menu by
selecting Tool
Link.

12. Give the Tool
Link a name
e.g.
Discussion
Board.
Notice the
Type
dropdown box.

13. Select the
correct tool
type from the
dropdown box;
in this
case, Discussi
on Board.
Check the box
to make it
Available to
Users and
Submit.

14. When adding a
tool link to the
menu, take care
to ensure you
add the correct
tool; if you
accidentally add
the wrong
tool, delete the
item from the
menu and start
again.

15. Let’s add a Divider
to the menu.
The Divider can be
used to enhance the
visual appearance
of the
menu, separating/gr
ouping links, to
make the menu
easier to read.

16. The Divider is
added to the bottom
of the menu. Use
drag and drop to
reposition it.

17. Let’s add a
Subheader.
The Subheader is
similar to the
Divider. Some users
regularly expect the
Subheader to be a
link; it isn’t.

18. Add a Subheader
e.g. Collaboration
zone.
Notice the
Subheader will be
available
immediately, once
you select Submit.

19. In this example
the Subheader
(Collaboration
zone) is used to
separate all
online
collaborative
activities and
tools.

20. Keep the menu tidy and
provide meaningful
names for all menu items
so that your students
quickly understand what
to find where, and can
concentrate their time on
engaging with their
learning.

21. End