When we were using ANGEL it was required that students submit files in a RTF format in order for faculty to download and grade written assignments.   In Blackboard it is recommended that you have your students submit their work using any of the following file formats; Word (DOC, DOCX), PowerPoint (PPT, PPTX), Excel (XLS, XLSX), and PDF (PDF).  If you continue to have your students submit RTF files you are required to download each assignment manually grade their work and send the file back to your students via email or another source.

If you change your instructions and tell your students to submit their work using the above file formats no download is required.  Blackboard has inline grading using the Crocodoc features built into the system.  Faculty have the ability to grade, markup, and provide feedback to students from within Blackboard.  Here is a video on how to grade submitted assignments using the Inline grading feature.  I have also included the directions for students (below) on how to upload a file and what format they need to use.  This can be copied and pasted into your assignment. If you have any questions please let me know.
Resources:
– How to build an assignment in Bb (Drop boxes in ANGEL)
– Documentation on Inline Grading For Assignments
– How do students upload and assignment (Video)
– How to grade assignments using inline grading (Video)
– eLearning Faculty Support Center – Bb Learn Resources tab

Here are instructions that you can copy and paste into your assignments:
When submitting your files for grading please make sure it is in the following format: doc, doxc, ppt, ppts, xls, xlsx, pdf.  Note: if you are using Open Office to complete your coursework make sure you save the file in one of these file formats.
If you need help uploading your assignment please watch this video.

Donna Simiele