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• Table of Contents
• Preface
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 4


• Chapter 5
• Chapter 6
• Appendix A
• Appendix B
• Appendix C

• Advanced Course Building
• Manage Course Menu
• Organization Guidelines
• Groups


• Active Learning Design Guidelines
• Using PowerPoint in Blackboard
• Impatica


• Compressing & Uploading Files
• Multimedia Guidelines


• Adding Multimedia Content
• The Text Edit Box
• Using Course Cartridges

Chapter 6

The Text Edit Box

The text edit box allows users to insert six types of multimedia files within the area designated for entering text.

• Use the Attach File button to attach any file necessary. Be aware of the specific file types your students are able to access.
• Use the Attach Image button to insert an image within your text box. Be sure to know the appropriate image size (i.e. resizing by hand may distort the image).
• The Add MPEG/AVI Content button may be used to add videos in either MPEG or AVI format. Added videos will play within the text box.
• The Add QuickTime button is used to add QuickTime content (.mov).
• The Add Audio Content button is used to add audio files within the text box.
• Use the F button to insert Flash/Shockwave files.

Before choosing to display a media file, note that the Blackboard software allows only a few media formats to display within the browser page. Also note that students must have the correct software to display the file. For example, they must have the Windows Media Player to view .wmv files.

Multimedia Formats Supported by Blackboard

• Image: .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png
• Movie: .mpg, .mpeg, .mov, .avi, .wmv
• Sound: .wav, .aiff, .wma, .au, .mp3

If "Display a media file within page" is selected as the Special Action, but the attached media file is not supported by Blackboard, then the software will automatically create a link to the file. This link will allow users to download the file and display it using software on their machine.

To view or operate other formats not supported within Blackboard, users must have the relevant plug-ins or application software on their computers. When the attachment is a media file that requires a plug-in or another application, select "Create a link to the file," and provide instructions to the viewers about the software requirements for that file type.