Work with Learning Modules

Here we look at the full process of creating a learning module in your Blackboard course site, adding materials to it, and establishing forced sequence (to make sure students know which content to access and in what order).

Notes: Learning Modules, in this form, are only available in Ultra-style Blackboard courses. In addition, Learning modules can ONLY be added to the top level of the content area -- you cannot add them to a folder or sub-folder.

Create a Learning Module

To create a Learning Module, click the ADD button on your main Course Content page and choose CREATE.

Create button for content

Then choose Learning Module.

Learning module create button

Click the module's current name in order to give it something clearer or more appropriate. Add a description to the text box below the name.

animated image of initial learning module creation

Notes: See other articles about Forced Sequence and Release Conditions. If you want to use sequential viewing (Forced Sequence), make sure your module is all set up before you turn it on. Once you've activated this you won't be able to make changes to the module. In addition, you can only set the Forced Sequence condition if students haven't started working in the module. You can remove the condition after students start working, but you can't reapply it.

Save your changes.

Edit Learning Module

On the main Course Content page, click the three gray dots to the right of the Learning Module and then click Edit. From here you can change the title, description, Forced Sequence status, and release conditions.

Edit buttons

To move items around within the module, drag and drop them just as you would any other item in Blackboard Ultra content.

Animated image of reordering content

Add to Learning Module

Once initially created, Learning Modules function like folders -- click the Add (+) button inside the Module to put an item or activity into the Module.

action to add to a learning module

Forced Sequence

The biggest difference between Learning Modules and folders is the option to include required sequential viewing.

Notes: If you want to use sequential viewing, make sure your module is all set up before you turn on Forced Sequence. Once you've activated this you won't be able to make changes to the module. In addition, you can only set the Forced Sequence condition if students haven't started working in the module. You can remove the condition after students start working, but you can't reapply it.

From the Edit Learning Module window, click the Forced Sequence box.

Forced sequence button

When students open an item that has Forced Sequence turned on, they'll see all the items in the unit listed with locks beside the items they haven't reached yet. They can jump directly to an item they've already viewed (no lock), but they need to view a preceding item before the next item in the list is unlocked.

student view of learning module

Note: You can also control access to individual pieces of content within the module. You can show or hide content within the module and the visibility setting is preserved even when the module is visible. In addition, you can make this content available based on other conditions (see other articles on Date or Time Release Conditions or Performance Release Conditions.)