This document provides instructions for customizing the style features of a Blackboard Learn module area. It discusses options for selecting the module entry point, theme, menu style, content view, and adding a banner. The module entry point, menu style, and content view defaults are recommended for accessibility. Module themes can add color but the default grey is preferred. Custom banners must be designed externally and kept to the recommended size.

1. Introduction to customising
your module area
Blackboard Learn 9.1
Kirsten Thompson | University of Leeds

2. In this tutorial we are
going to explore the
Style features available
for customising the
module area.

3. Options to design the
module area can be
found in the
Customisation area of
the Control Panel.

4. Expand
customisation
to see all the
options.

5. From the
Customisation
area, select Style.

6. In the Style area, we
will look at:
1. Select Module Entry
Point
2. Select Module
Theme
3. Select Menu Style
4. Default Content
View
5. Select a Banner

7. By default, the Module Entry Point is
set to the Announcements page; this
is the preferred option at the
University. The Announcements page
also provides the option to display a
banner which can brand your VLE
module.

8. Module Themes enable you to add
interest and colour to your VLE module.
The default setting is a grey
background. Use the scroll bar to the
right of the visible themes to browse all
of them.

9. Select the theme you would
like to apply by clicking on
it.

10. The default Menu Style is “Text”;
this is the most accessible and
therefore preferred option; when
choosing a text and background
colour, ensure there is a good
contrast between them.

11. The default Content View is “Text
and Icon”; this means both text and
icons will be associated with each
piece of content you add to your
module area. Retain this default
setting, to appeal to learners with
different learning styles and
accessibility needs.

12. By default your module area will not
have a banner. If you wish to
include one, this needs designing
outside of the VLE using software
such as Paint, SnagIt, Photoshop or
similar.
The Blackboard recommended size
for banners is 480 x 80 pixels.

13. Once you have changed the Style
settings, select Submit.

14. A green “Success” receipt
will appear at the top of the
screen providing the
actions were completed as
requested.

15. The module banner is now visible on
the Announcements page; you may
wish to increase the width of the
banner, but bear in mind, making it
too wide can degrade the
experience when accessing from a
small web browser.

16. Which menu style
would you choose?

17. All students and
staff accessing
your module will
benefit from an
accessible and
easy-to-read
menu.

18. End