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Saving Documents in RTF Format

and

Uploading Documents into Blackboard

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.

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.

To save a Word document in RTF format (using Word 2000):

In MS Word 2000, click the File option.
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.

To upload a document:

Log into Blackboard at http://bb.elmhurst.edu.
Click the link for the desired course.
Click the "Control Panel" button located to the left of the screen.
Under Content Areas, click the link for the area to which you wish to add a document (i.e., Course Documents, Assignments, etc.).
Click the Add Item button.
Fill out the Content Information as desired.
Under Text, leave the radio button selected for "Smart Text," unless you are typing in HTML code. The "Smart Text" option recognizes regular text as well as HTML tags and hyperlinks.
Under Content, click the "Browse" button to select the file to attach to this item.
Change the "Files of type" option to "All Files (*.*)." (This is the only option in Mozilla Firefox.)
Select the desired RTF document to attach.
Click the "Open" button.
Type "Name of Link to File," if desired.
The Special Action default is to "Create a link to this file." Unless you are uploading a digital media file, it is best to use this option.
Select other options as desired.
Click the "Submit" button.
You should then receive a Success receipt.
Click the "OK" button.

You can test your documents by returning to the course page, going to the particular course area, and clicking on a desired link. Students will be able to open, view, and print these documents.

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