Controlling Access to Content in Blackboard

Both Original Course View and Ultra Course View provide options for determining when a specific content or assessment should be visible to students. The tools have different names and slightly different features.

  • Original Course View - Adaptive Release
  • Ultra Course View - Release Conditions

These features are especially useful when course content does not apply to all users in the course or when faculty members wish to create custom learning paths through course content and activities, displaying content based on prior activity in the course.

Adaptive Release in Original Course View

Screenshot showing how to access the Adaptive Release feature

To access Adaptive Release

Click the action link to the right of any content item, and select Adaptive Release from the menu.

The release of course content and activities to students can be customized to fit the needs or individual progress of students in the course, based upon:

  • Date and time
  • Username
  • Group membership
  • Grade Center item(s) completed
  • Grade Center item proficiency
  • Review status
  • Test Availability Exceptions
  • Any combination of the previous criteria

Release Conditions in Ultra Course View

Status: Available

To access Release Conditions

Open the visibility menu for any item in the course and select Release Conditions. This menu is in the upper right while editing a Document, Assignment, Test, Discussion, or Journal and is in the side panel while editing a Folder or Learning Module. It is also displayed just below the title of items on the Course Content page.

The release of course content and activities to students can be customized to fit the needs or individual progress of students in the course, based upon:

  • Date and time
  • Performance on assessments
  • User
  • Group membership
  • Any combination of the previous criteria

For Learning Modules, content can also be restricted to sequential viewing. This requires that students view content and submit assessments prior to unlocking the next item in the module. When sequential viewing is enabled, visual indicators help students track their progress toward completing the module. Edit the learning module to enable Forced Sequence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy my adaptive release rules?

No. Unfortunately, adaptive release rules applied within any course in Blackboard are specific to that particular section because the students in that course are unique from all other sections. Adaptive release rules must be re-established in the destination course after being copied.


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Technical Support and Student Help

Division of IT Service Desk

815-753-8100
servicedesk@niu.edu

Teaching Support and Faculty Help

Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning

815-753-0595
citl@niu.edu

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