Instructors can create assessments that appear on the Course Content page that don't require students to upload submissions. Instructors can add instructions, files, a rubric, and goals so students can prepare for the offline work. Instructors can also enable conversations, but can't add questions or grade anonymously.
Examples of offline work:
- Oral presentations
- Acting performances
- Artwork delivered in person
- Face-to-face team building exercises, panel discussions, and debates
Offline assignments also support the grading process. For example, instructors can use a rubric in Blackboard to grade an in-class presentation as a student presents. This assignment type eliminates the need to take notes outside Blackboard or add a score later.
Offline Assignments vs. Manually-Created Gradebook Column
Instructors also have the option to create gradebook columns manually. However, creating an offline assignment allows instructors to provide assignment details and use the same feedback options for Ultra assignments that are submitted online, including using a rubric to grade the assignment.
Create an offline assignment
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When you create an assessment, you can choose to collect submissions offline in the settings panel. When students open this type of assessment, they're informed they can't submit work online. If you create groups to collect submissions offline, students can view their group members. For submissions collected offline, you can't allow multiple attempts, allow a time limit, or use SafeAssign.
- Create a new Assignment. Include assignment instructions or details and attach files (if applicable).
- Select the Assignment Settings (gear) icon.
- Select "Collect submissions offline."
- Configure other assignment settings, such as setting a due date and associating a rubric.
Grade offline submissions
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- When you're ready to grade offline submissions, open the submissions list page from the assessment page of the gradebook.
- Select a student's name, which will open the Create Attempt panel.
- Provide a submission date and time, and select "Save."
- On the student's submission page, you can assign a grade, use a rubric if you associated one, and provide assignment feedback.
What Do Students See?
Students can view the assessment alongside other content on the Course Content page and on their global and course grades pages. Students are informed they can't submit work online. They can access other information, such as the instructions and a rubric if you added one. Students can participate in the assessment's conversations if enabled.