Messages

Messages are the primary method of communication in the Ultra Course View. Unlike sending email in the Original Course View, Messages retains a copy of the content within Blackboard while allowing the sender to choose whether the content is sent via email.

Messages can be sent and read from the base navigation, where a notification badge indicates the number of unread messages. They can also be sent from the Messages tab in the upper right corner of the Ultra Course View. Unread messages appear first in the list. Each message displays the profile picture of the creator. Under the creator's name, you can view how many participants are included or if the message is for the whole class.

When messages are sent to more than one recipient, they may be sent as individual messages (i.e., blind copied, other recipients not visible) or group messages (i.e., carbon copied, recipients visible to all), depending on how and where they are sent. A statement just below the recipients list will indicate whether it is an individual or group message.

All Roles (Instructor, TA, Student, etc.)

Messages with multiple recipients are treated as group messages (i.e., CC, other recipients visible) when sent from the following locations:

• Messages on the base navigation
• Messages tab within a course
• Message icon next to the course instructor icon within a course
• Messaging a user from the course roster

Instructor, TA, Facilitator Role

Messages with multiple recipients are treated as group messages (i.e., CC, other recipients visible) when sent from the following locations:

• Messages sent to a group from within a group set, an Assignment, or a Discussion
• Gradebook, student list view (ellipsis next to a student, then add additional students)
• Gradebook, individual student view (Send Message button, then add additional recipients)

Messages with multiple recipients are treated as individual messages (i.e., BCC, other recipients not visible) when sent from the following locations:

• Discussion > View Analytics page (accessed via the ellipsis ... associated with a discussion), click the ellipsis for the Students who haven't participated field and the Message all X non-participants option
• Class Performance page, Message icon - this page can be accessed from the Gradebook Settings or from the overall Grades page on the base navigation. It is also called Course Activity Related to Grades

Send a Course Message

If you select multiple recipients when sending a message from the Messages tab, the message will be sent as a group message (i.e., CC) where all recipients see one another's names and all replies.

1. Click the Messages tab in the upper right corner of the course
2. Click the plus sign (+) to start a new message
3. Start typing in the Recipients field to add one or more recipients to the message. Instructors can also message the entire class
4. Type your message in the Message field
5. Click the Send an email copy to recipients checkbox to have the message sent via email
6. Click the Send button

Send a Message from the Gradebook

Messages can also be sent from the submission list in the gradebook, to facilitate communication while grading. When viewing the list of submissions for an assessment, if you select multiple recipients when sending a message from the Gradebook, they will each receive an individual, private copy of the message.

1. Click the Gradebook tab in the upper right corner of the course and go to the Overview of Gradable Items tab
2. Click the title of an assessment to view the submission list
3. Click the checkbox to the left of one or more students
4. Click Send Message from the upper right