Fall is in full swing, and there's a lot happening in eLearning! This month, Blackboard is rolling out two releases (October 2 and October 16), so there will be new features and enhancements coming your way twice in October.
You'll also find opportunities to connect with colleagues through our October 6 Online and Hybrid Teaching Learning Community, join us on October 23 for Fix Your Content Day, and don't miss the November 3 Technology Summit. Registration is open for this amazing event! We've also included a variety of upcoming professional development opportunities focused on accessibility, digital pedagogy, video and digital media, Blackboard, Respondus, Microsoft 365, Zoom, and more. Take a look and find something that can support your teaching, save you time, or spark a new idea!
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What's New in Blackboard
Blackboard uses a continuous release cycle, with new features and enhancements released each month. Some changes introduce significant new functionality, while others are smaller improvements. October is a little different, with two major releases scheduled just two weeks apart, on October 2 and October 16, 2026. We've highlighted several of the key changes coming with each release so you can see what's changing and when.
This feature will become available beginning October 2, 2026
Restrict Accepted File Types for Assignment Submissions
When configuring an assignment with file submission enabled, instructors can restrict accepted file types in two ways:
- Select from a list of common permitted file types, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ZIP formats.
- Enter custom file extensions manually.
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The following features will become available October 16, 2026
In response to feedback from Blackboard clients, Blackboard will restore several features that were changed recently in the Gradebook.
Gradebook Last Access Dates
Two new toggles will be available in the "Student options" section of the Gradebook Settings panel: Username and Last access. Both toggles will be off by default. When enabled, each toggle will dispay a sortable column to the right of the Name column in the grid view.
The Last Access Date option will provide instructors a quick way to see when an individual student most recently accessed a Blackboard course. This information will be useful for identifying students who may not be engaging with course materials and may benefit from timely outreach or additional support.
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Display Points Possible in the Gradebook List View
A column titled "Points Possible" will be coming to the Gradebook list view, and will be sortable. This will give instructors an at-a-glance view of point values for each gradable item. The Points Possible column wiill automatically populate based on the points configured for each gradable item. Items without a point value will be blank.
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View Exception Indicators in the Gradebook Grid View
Instructors will be able to identify at a glance when a student has an exception on a gradable item directly from the Gradebook grid view. A clock icon will appear in a student's cell when they have an exception on a gradable item. Exceptions include differences in due date, access dates, or attempts allowed. The clock icon will display from the time the exception is set until the item is graded.
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Dedicated Course Rubrics Page
Managing rubrics will soon be easier. Blackboard Ultra is gaining a standalone Course Rubrics page, which will replace the need to dig through Gradebook or Assignment Settings. The Course Rubrics page will display all rubrics in the course in a sortable, searchable table. Options to Create, Generate, Import, and Export rubrics will also be available. From this new centralized hub, you will be able to:
- Search and Filter: Find rubrics instantly by name or type using a sortable table.
- Streamline Workflows: Create, generate, import, and export rubrics all in one place.
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Explore More of What the Blackboard Gradebook Can Do
As we've mentioned in previous newsletters, Blackboard introduced an updated Gradebook Grid View on August 8, 2026. The new interface refreshes the look and layout of the Gradebook, with changes to how information is displayed and how you navigate and work with grades.
See What's Changed
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Did you know?
Did you know there is an easy way to override grades without clicking into each submission? Move your cursor just below the grade column heading until you see a purple pen. Click on it and begin overriding grades!
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Did you know that you can grant student-level accommodations or exceptions?
Sometimes students face situations or events that make it difficult or impossible for them to complete an assessment, such as submitting coursework or taking a test on a certain date/time. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to extend a due date, grant an additional attempt, or exempt a student from an assessment altogether. Just click in a cell for a particular assignment for a particular student. The exceptions can be added or edited. Review Blackboard's help article to learn more about accommodations and exceptions.
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Did you know you can record audio or video feedback?
Did you know that you can make your grading more personal by using Blackboard's audio/video feedback option? A short recording can efficiently explain strengths, offer suggestions, or clarify feedback without typing everything out. It can also help students hear the tone and context behind your comments, making feedback feel more personal and conversational. Review Blackboard's help article on audio and video feedback.
What else can I do in the Gradebook?
For additional Blackboard Gradebook functions, like filtering the Gradebook or downloading submissions, view the Knowledge Base articles for step-by-step help.
Join Us for a Gradebook Deep Dive
Join us for a quick 45-minute deep dive into the newest Gradebook features and lesser-known tools designed to save you time and simplify your workflow. The final 15 minutes will be reserved for Q&A.
Upcoming sessions:
- October 6, 2026 • 11 – 11:45am
- October 7, 2026 • 12 – 12:45pm
- October 14, 2026 • 12 – 12:45pm
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Blackboard Course Builder Access Changes
Starting this term, all requests to provide term course access to non-registered students must be submitted through the Registrar's Office. This includes requests for Course Builder access.
Once the request form is submitted, the Registrar's Office will provide the student with information about the required FERPA training. After the student completes the training, the Registrar's Office will send confirmation to eLearning, and eLearning will add the student to the course.
There is no need to submit a separate ticket to eLearning. The Registrar's Office will notify eLearning once the required training has been completed.
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Fix-Your-Content Day • October 23, 2026
Drop in anytime between 11am and 1pm on October 23, 2026, to work alongside experts from Student Accessibility Resources, eLearning Technologies, and University Libraries on making your digital content more accessible. Hosted in support of the university's WCAG accessibility initiative, assistance will be available at all three campuses, with a virtual option.
- City Campuses: DCIH 260 and SCB 2005
- Valley Campus: KHS 4402
Please register for accessibility training so we can plan staffing at all three locations. For questions or to request specialized accessibility training for your department, contact accessibility@gvsu.edu.
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Join the Online and Hybrid Learning Community!
After a hiatus, the eLearning Faculty Learning Community is back! In addition to keeping you updated on developments in campus learning technology and providing a place to share digital learning experiences, this year we're trying something new. Well-known educator Flower Darby recently published a new book that directly touches on the focus of our learning community. Titled The Joyful Online Teacher: Finding Our Fizz in Asynchronous Classes, we thought it would be a great resource to explore together.
Our first meeting will be Tuesday October 6 from 1pm to 2pm via Zoom. Future dates will be scheduled based on input from community members. We'll spend some time with announcements, including a discussion of changes in Blackboard that happened over the summer. After that we'll talk our way through the introduction to Darby's book.
Participants should feel free to acquire their own physical or digital copy of the book (the eBook is available on Amazon). If that's not an option or you'd like to try it out, the GVSU Library has 5 digital copies of the book. That might not be enough for everyone to have it open at the same time, but it should give everyone a chance to read the content in preparation for our meetings.
If you'd like to officialy join our learning community, email Matthew Roberts. You'll be added to the learning community's Blackboard organization where you'll be able to find the Zoom link and information on past meetings. You'll also receive all future announcements about learning community meetings.
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GV Technology Summit 2026: Check Out the Schedule & Register Now!
The GV Technology Summit returns for its second year on November 3, 2026. All GVSU faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend free of charge and explore how technology is transforming learning, research, teaching, and work across the university.
Explore the Agenda
The day will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Imran Mazid, a panel discussion on high-performance computing, and breakout sessions on topics including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital accessibility. Poster presentations will also highlight innovative work and projects happening across campus.
Event Sponsors
Thank you to our event sponsors for helping make the Summit possible:
We look forward to seeing YOU at the Summit!
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Professional Development Opportunities for October and November
Each semester the eLearning team offers a variety of webinars covering a wide range of technology-related teaching topics. Most sessions are facilitated as LIVE webinars using Zoom. Click on the title of the webinar to register in Workday Learning and obtain your Zoom meeting link.
Accessibility Trainings
FTLC Learning Community - Building Accessibility Leaders Across Campus
Facilitated by: Barbara Stevens, eLearning, and members of the Digital Accessibility Committee
Location/Campus: Hybrid - Valley Campus
Duration: This is a year-long learning community that will take place in the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 semesters. 3 meetings per semester. In-person and Zoom meetings will be available for each session.
This training is self-paced.
All sessions are 15 minutes.
10/9/26 • 9am
10/13/26 • 3pm
10/15/26 • 11am
10/12/26 • 3pm – 3:30pm
11/6/26 • 9am – 9:30am
Note: This workshop is in person on the City Campus (Grand Rapids) in DCIH 260. Please bring your laptop for hands-on work. Virtual options will be offered winter semester. Contact Glenna Decker at deckerg@gvsu.edu for more information.
11/5/26 • 12pm – 1:30pm
Blackboard and Respondus Trainings
10/6/26 • 11am – 11:45am
10/7/26 • 12pm – 12:45pm
10/14/26 • 12pm – 12:45pm
Don't miss this session presented by Julia McCarty of Respondus, where you'll see the latest enhancements for LockDown Browser and Monitor, including support for a second camera, using MS Word and Excel during a secure exam, and much more. Also see the creative ways these tools are being used for in-class assessments, labs, homework assignments, presentations, and, of course, remote proctoring.
10/5/26 • 12pm – 1pm
This training is self-paced.
10/8/26 • 11am – 11:45am
11/12/26 • 11am – 11:45am
12/10/26 • 11am – 11:45am
10/5/26 • 11am – 11:45am
10/15/26 • 12pm – 12:45pm
11/2/26 • 12pm – 12:45pm
12/9/26 • 12pm – 12:45pm
10/26/26 • 12 – 12:45pm
Help your students study and retain your course content. Blackboard can automatically suggest study flashcards for instructors to review, edit, and approve for student exam preparation. Join us to see how this works, how little time is involved for the instructor, and help identify knowledge gaps for learners.
11/16/26 • 1pm – 2pm
Digital Pedagogy Topics
10/13/26 • 1pm – 2pm
11/10/26 • 1pm – 2pm
This training is in-person in DCIH 260 (City Campus/Health)
11/13/26 • 1pm – 2:30pm
Video and Interactive Digital Media Topics
10/6/26 • 10am – 11am
This workshop will be held in-person in DCIH 260.
10/20/26 • 2pm – 3pm
10/19/26 • 1pm – 2pm
11/4/26 • 1pm – 2pm
11/10/26 • 2pm – 3pm
11/12/26 • 1pm – 2pm
Windows 11, Microsoft 365, and Zoom Trainings
10/7/26 • 1pm – 2:30pm
10/14/26 • 1pm – 2:30pm
10/28/26 • 1pm – 2pm
11/18/26 • 1pm – 2pm
11/11/26 • 1pm – 2pm
10/21/26 • 1pm – 2pm
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Connect with eLearning!
There are many benefits to working with eLearning. We can assist in optimizing your Blackboard course structure, enhancing online and hybrid learning experiences, and incorporating innovative tools to foster active learning. You're encouraged to contact your eLearning Technologies liaisons or submit a consultation ticket at your convenience.
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Sincerely,
Kim Kenward, Director of eLearning Technologies
kenwardk@gvsu.edu
GVSU Information Technology
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