The Add Course Link feature allows you to link to any item that appears in the course map from anywhere else in Blackboard. For example, Add Course Link can be used to add a discussion forum or quiz right after a specific posted article. Instructors can easily refer to previous documents, or the syllabus, which may reside in different sections of the course.

From the Control Panel:

1. Click on desired Content Areas (Course Materials, Assignments, Syllabus, Books).
2. Click the Add Course Link icon.
3. Choose a Name from the drop down menu or enter the name of the document in the Name field.
4. Enter a description into the Text field.
5. Click the Browse button to find the item to link to.
6. Click on the plus sign next to the folder icon you wish to open within the course map window.
7. Select the radio button next to desired document or folder.
8. Click the Submit button at the bottom of the course map window.
9. Choose an option from the Special Action menu.
10. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the Submit button.

Special Action Choices:

• Create a link to this file - This option is used to create a link to a document or download.
• Display media file within the page - This option is used when you are working with graphic images or media files you want displayed within the page.
• Unpackage this file - This option is used when uploading .zip or compressed files. This is typically used with PowerPoint presentations saved in HTML format or as a collection of linked web pages.

Options Section:

• Do you want to make the content visible? - This option allows you to make the visible, or accessible to your students.
• Do you want to add offline content? - This option is used when your course has a companion CD-ROM.
• Do you want to track number of views? - This option lets you track how often individual users view the document.
• Do you want to add metadata? - This option indicates if metadata will be used. Metadata is data about the added item, such as ownership, resource format, and copyright information.
• Choose date restrictions - This option lets you set the dates that the document will be visible and invisible. This automates the "make contents visible" function.

More Information

Q: Can I link to the email feature from the Content Areas?

A: No, you can only link to items that appear in the course map. These are typically documents (uploaded files), forums, quizzes and folders.

Q: If I create a course link, is the item removed from the original location?

A: No, the feature simply creates a link to the item. The item stays in its original location.

Q: Can I link to an entire folder or does it have to be an individual file?

A: You can link to anything that appears within the course map, this includes folders as well as documents.