Faculty Content Area

Add URL

The Add URL tool lets you place links to outside websites in any of the content areas. Placing external links on Blackboard lets you direct your students to relevant websites and saves them time from searching the Internet.

Adding an External Link

From the Control Panel:

1. Click on the Content Area link where you want the external link added (Syllabus, Course Materials, Assignments, External Links).
2. Click on the External Links icon.
3. Type the external link's information in the appropriate External Link Information fields.
4. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click on the Submit button.

Options:

• Do you want to make the External Link visible? – Enable this option to give your students access to the external link.
• Launch item in external window – Enable this option to have the external link open in a new browser window when your students click on it.
• Do you want to track number of views? – Enable this option to track how many times individual users access the external link.
• Do you want to add metadata? – Enable this option to add metadata. Metadata is data about the external link, such as ownership, resource format, and copyright information.
• Choose date restrictions – Enable both the Display After and Display Until options to control when your assignment is visible. This option automates the "make the External Link visible" option.

More Information

Q: Why would I want the external link to open in a new window?
A: There are two main reasons to open a website in a new window: copyright concerns and ease of navigation. Copyright scholars frown upon "framing." Framing is opening a website within the framework of another website. Many websites do not mind being framed. Educational institutions usually have more leeway than commercial organizations. You should ask permission before framing a website. To be safe, open the website in a new window. Opening a website in a new window also lets your students move back and forth between websites without losing their place.

Q: What is the benefit of including links in the content areas instead of listing them all together in one section like in Version 5.5?
A: Adding links anywhere in your course site creates learning modules and connects pieces of your course material. For example, you could have your students read an article about a certain company and then have them visit the company's website to gather additional information.