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Saving Documents in RTF Format
Blackboard allows you to put in your own documents, such as web pages, syllabi, PowerPoint slides, or any other handouts you may wish to make available electronically to your students. Most of you will probably opt to use documents in MS Word (or other word processor) format. However, a quirk in Blackboard makes it difficult for users to consistently open word processor documents while using Netscape Navigator.
There is a way around this problem: instead of saving your documents as word processor files (with the extensions .doc, .wpd, .mcw, et cetera), save them as RTF files (with the extension .rtf). RTF stands for Rich Text Format. RTF files can be read by a wide variety of word processing programs, across different platforms (Mac as well as PC). Another plus is that your original formatting and alignments will be preserved.
Once a document has been saved in the desired format, you can upload it.
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PLEASE NOTE: The saving directions below are particular to Word 2000; depending on what version of Word you use, some of the areas in the "Save As" window may be labeled differently. Users of other word processing programs may have entirely different steps to follow, yet the principle of the procedure remains the same -- it is essential to somehow change the saving format from the default to RTF. Even if you have not had problems with documents not opening consistently in Blackboard, it is highly suggested that you save your documents in RTF format, as it cannot be assured or assumed that your student users will have access to the same word processing program that you use. |
- In MS Word 2000, click the File option.
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If you are saving a document for the first time, select Save; otherwise, select Save As.
- In the Save As window, click the down-arrow located
to the right of the "Save as type" option already
selected, this may read as "Word Document (*.doc)."
- Scroll down and select the option "Rich Text
Format."
- Type a "File name" for your document,
if necessary. It is best if your file name is relatively
simple, not involving spaces or any special characters,
as Blackboard will delete those characters.
- Click the "Save" button.
Your document will now have the extension .rtf instead of .doc; your uploaded document should now be readily viewable, once it is uploaded.