For Faculty

Mobile Apps for Blackboard

by Leslie DeBusk, Blackboard Support Coordinator

We just returned from Blackboard World 2017 and one of the promotions at this extensive conference was the mobile apps that are now available for Blackboard. These apps can be installed on mobile phones or tablets and replace the previous apps.

The Blackboard Instructor app allows the instructor to post announcements, access course content, view and print documents, reply to discussion posts, create discussion board threads, send email/course messages, view exam questions and assignments and access Collaborate sessions.

The Blackboard app for students is simply called Blackboard App. It allows the students to post a discussion, reply to discussion posts, view or print documents, view grades, take exams (though taking exams on a mobile device is not recommended), submit assignments, send email/course messages, view due dates, access Collaborate sessions. The app links to Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive.

Bb Grader is a mobile app that provides instructors with a portable solution for reviewing, providing feedback, and grading student assignments and portfolios for Blackboard Learn courses. Bb Grader requires iOS 7 or higher and is compatible with iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad 2, 3, or 4. Instructors can access the courses they are enrolled in as an instructor, teaching assistant or grader.

Look for "Blackboard App" and "Blackboard Instructor" in your device app store. The Blackboard apps are free, and available for iOS or Android operating systems. Bb Grader is not available on the Android operating system.

IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS TAKE EXAMS ON MOBILE DEVICES.