Blackboard Ultra Template Start Here Checklist

A Blackboard template is applied to every ATC Blackboard course. Use this checklist to ensure the template’s Start Here module is properly set up for your course. If you have any questions about the “Start Here” module or the Blackboard template, please submit a Blackboard Support request from OKTA. For additional guidance on using the Blackboard template, please see the Blackboard Ultra Template article in the CTL Solution Center.

1. Open/Expand the Start Here Module: From your Blackboard course, left mouse click on the module’s image, title, or downward-facing chevron to open/expand the Module. Once inside the module, look for the words “PLACEHOLDER” and “DELETE” as these will signify items that require your interaction. Once you’ve made all changes to the Start Here module, use the chevron under the module title to select “visible to students”.

Screenshot showing ways to open/expand the Blackboard Start Here module

2. Blackboard Orientation Link: Once inside the Start Here module, ensure the Blackboard Orientation link is present and visible to students.

Screenshot showing Blackboard Orientation link inside the Start Here module

3. Getting Started in This Course: Once inside the Start Here module, open/expand the Getting Started in This Course document. Select Edit content to remove the PLACEHOLDER directions in red font located at the bottom of the document, replace them with course/program-specific instructions, save your changes, and ensure the document is visible to students. 

Screenshot showing the Getting Started in This Course document inside the Start Here module

4. PLACEHOLDER: Instructor Bio and Contact Information: Once inside the Start Here module, open/expand the PLACEHOLDER: Instructor Bio and Contact Information document. Select Edit content to remove the directions in red font, replace them with instructor-specific information, save your changes, and ensure the document is visible to students.

Screenshot showing the Instructor Bio and contact Information document inside the Start Here module

5. Simple Syllabus: Once inside the Start Here module, instructors should open the Simple Syllabus link, input their information where indicated, and submit it for approval. Once the syllabus is approved, the link will become active for students. Ensure the Simple Syllabus link is present and visible to students.

Screenshot showing the Simple Syllabus link inside the Start Here module

6. PLACEHOLDER: Course Pacing Guide: Once inside the Start Here module, open/expand the PLACEHOLDER: Course Pacing Guide document. Select Edit content to remove the directions in red font, replace them with your Course Pacing Guide, (or upload as an attachment) save your changes, and ensure the document is visible to students.

Screenshot showing the Pacing Guide document inside the Start Here module

7. Respondus Lockdown Browser: Since only a few courses at the college utilize this feature, this option is “hidden from students” by default. If the Respondus Lockdown Browser is not used, skip this step. However, if this option is used, open/expand the Start Here module, then open/expand the Respondus Lockdown Browser document. Select Edit content to remove the directions in red font, replace them with course/test-specific instructions, save your changes, and ensure the document is visible to students.

Screenshot showing the Respondus Lockdown Browser document inside the Start Here module

8. PLACEHOLDER: Participation / No Show Assignment Once inside the Start Here module, open/expand the PLACEHOLDER: Participation / No Show Assignment document. Select Edit content to remove the directions in red font, replace them with your Participation / No Show Assignment instructions, (or create an assignment or test) save your changes, and ensure the document is visible to students. 

Screenshot showing the Participation / No Show Assignment document inside the Start Here module