Blackboard Tip

Using Sound Files in Blackboard

Introduction
Sometimes a voice message can be more friendly than a text message.  When you start a new unit or want to sum up class performance on a test you may want to consider creating a sound message.

You must have a microphone plugged into your computer to create a sound file. On the back of the computer there is usually a small graphic of a microphone next to the correct hole

Directions
Create the Message
To create your message, use the Sound Recorder, available in all windows Accessory menus:

·      Click Start / Program/ Accessories/ Entertainment/ SoundRecorder to bring up the recorder.

·         Click the button with the red circle on it  to record and speak into the microphone.

·         You can record for one minute. If your message takes less than a minute, click the stop button  when done.

·         Save the file. Click File/ Save and give the file a name. The file will be in the wav format.

·         If you want a longer message, start a new file and record again. Then combine the two files:

o        Click File/ New

o        Click the red button to record and speak into the microphone.

o        Save the second file with a different name.

o        Combine the two files:

§         Click File/ New

§         Click Edit / Insert File. Browse for the first file and click Open.

§         Click Edit / Insert File again. Browse for the second file and click Open.

§         Save the new combined file using a unique name.

Put the message in Blackboard

To put the message in a content area:

·         On the Control Panel, click on the part of the course where you’d like to add the file.

·         Click Add Item.

·         Complete the Subject and put any text in the text box.

·         Browse for the sound file.

·         From the Special Action drop down menu, choose “Display Media File Within the Page."

·         Click Submit.

·         BlackBoard inserts a player with controls for the file to play on.

To put the message in the announcements:

·      First upload the sound file to your digital drop box. In your drop box click Add File. Browse for the sound file and click Submit.

·       When the file appears in your digital drop box, right click the file name.

·       Click on Properties and copy the Address by highlighting it and pressing Control/ C. Make sure you get the whole thing, starting with http and ending with wav.

·      Go to the Control Panel and click Announcements

·      Click Add Announcement

·      Enter a subject and text, if desired. Press Control/V to paste the url of the sound file into the message. (When the file plays it will play with whatever audio program is associated with audio on the student’s computer.)