Blackboard Portfolios Faculty Frequently Asked Questions

How can I set up a template for my students to use to build their portfolios?

Portfolio templates provide pre-built pages and sections for students to use when they create a portfolio. That way, the structure of the portfolios will be consistent across all of the portfolios students create. This is ideal for courses or programs where consistency is important for assessment purposes.

The best approach is for you to create a sample portfolio structure that reflects the organization you would like students to use. You do not need to add any content - just build the Pages they should use. You may also build specific sections, if that would be applicable. 

Once you have a sample structure built, contact the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning by using the Ask a Question form. Indicate that you have created a portfolio structure and would like to have a template built. We will review the template and provide you with feedback, if necessary. Then we will work with the Division of IT to have the template built in Blackboard. 

It would be best to plan for approximately 2 weeks to have the template built and made available. Once the template is built, students will be able to use it to create a new Portfolio.

What types of media can students include in their portfolio?

Students can embed images, audio, video, and many other types of streaming media in their portfolio. For images, they can embed any of the following file types: .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp, .png, and .tif. For audio and video, we recommend using the Kaltura, which will let students use any of the following formats: .mov, .avi, .wmv, .flv, .mpg, .mp4, .mp3, .wav, .wma. Students can also embed videos that they have uploaded to YouTube.

For other file types, students can add them as an attachment or artifact. Someone viewing the portfolio will need to download the file to open or view it.

Learn more about adding content to portfolios.

Looking for More Answers?

Ask Your Blackboard Question

Not finding the answer to your Blackboard question? Submit your question to our NIU Blackboard support experts!

Ask A Blackboard Question


Login to Blackboard

Get Help

Technical Support and Student Help

Division of IT Service Desk

815-753-8100
servicedesk@niu.edu

Teaching Support and Faculty Help

Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning

815-753-0595
citl@niu.edu

Back to top