Blackboard 9: Build Content:Create: course Link

From TeachToolsWiki

1 Course Link
2 Format the Link Information
3 Add the Link
4 Permit Users to View the Content Item
5 Tracking
6 Date and Time Restrictions
7 Where can I get help?

Course Link

A Link is a shortcut to an area, a tool, or an item. Add a Link to a Content Area to provide quick access points to relevant materials and tools. Options for Links affect the availability and tracking of the content items no matter where they are accessed.

Format the Link Information

Enter a Name for the Link. The name is the linked text that appears in the Content Area. Use a descriptive name so users will understand the destination of the link. Choose a color for the text of the Link. Be sure to select a color that will provide enough contrast with the background of the Content Area so users can easily read the text. Enter a description of the link, or any instructions for using the link in the Text box. This information is optional, but can assist users understand expectations and any associated goals and tasks.

Add the Link

Click Browse to open the Menu to view all available Link options. Only existing Tools, Content Areas, and content items may be used to form a Link.

Permit Users to View the Content Item

A Link may be used to access the content item, area, or tool as long as it is available to users. For example, if a Link is created to a tool, and that tool is not turned on, users accessing the Link receive a message informing them that the tool is not turned on. The same is true if a Link is created to a content item that is subject to Adaptive Release rules. Users who are not permitted to access the content because of a rule will receive a message informing them that access to the content is not permitted. Select No and a Content Item associated with the Link will be unavailable to users. This will make the content item unavailable, even if another Link exists in another place. This setting does not apply to tools such as the Discussion Board. If a Link to the Discussion Board is made unavailable, the Link will not display to users. Users will still have access to the Discussion Board from the tool panel as long at the tool itself is available.

Tracking

To turn on Tracking Statistics for the item that is connected to the Link, select Yes for Track Number of Views. Tracking Statistics will record the number of times the item is viewed, when it is viewed and by whom. This applies to the item no matter how the User accesses the item. Even hits not generated through the Link will be counted.

Date and Time Restrictions

Links can be set to display on a specific date and time and to stop displaying on a specific date and time. Display restrictions do not affect content availability, only the appearance of the Link.