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Submit a Blackboard Assignment - Student Guide

Your tutor may ask you to submit an assignment in Minerva using the Blackboard Assignment tool. It is most commonly used to ask you to upload documents, though it can also contain different kinds of questions, examples include: multiple choice, fill in the blanks, yes/no, formula, mathematical and essay questions.


A separate assignment tool, Turnitin, works in a similar way but also checks for plagiarism. This tool is not described here, please read the Turnitin assignment guides for further information. Another assignment tool, Gradescope, allows you to submit a number of different assessment types, including handwritten work and computing code. If you are unsure of which assignment tool you need to use to submit your work, please check with your tutor.


Before submitting assessed work online, we recommend you also read Tips on submitting assessed work online

Step 1. Find and view the Assignment details

Find the Assignment and review the details before starting

1. In Minerva, open the relevant module.

2. You should find your Assignments in the Module Content area of the module in the Submit My Work folder within the Assessment and Feedback folder.

Your tutor may also organise Assignments in other folders and learning modules within the Module Content area. Make sure you check the Submit your work folder for what information is available to assist you with completing your Assignment – your School may upload an assignment brief or information about School procedures.

3. Click the name of the assessment, this will open the Details & Information panel – the Details & Information panel is important as it provides you with information you should review before starting your submission.

Review the Assignment details in the Details & Information panel

4. Review the details of your Assignment carefully. You will see:

  • the due date
  • if your submission is late

In addition, depending on the settings your tutor has used, you may see:

  • the number of submission attempts you will be allowed
  • a time limit, if imposed
  • if there is a rubric for grading
  • any restrictions on submitting late

5. Before starting the Assignment, check to see if a grading rubric is being used and, if so, make sure you read the rubric. If there is a link called 'This item is graded with a rubric' under the Grading rubric heading - your work will be graded using a rubric. Click This item is graded with a rubric to open the Rubric Details panel and view details of the rubric.

Closing the Rubric Detail panel by clicking the close icon from the top right will take you back to the Details & Information panel.

6. To view the assignment - from the Details & Information panel, click the Start attempt button.

Anonymous Grading

When you view an Assignment, you are informed if your submission is set to be graded anonymously. A banner at the top of the page will say: 'This assessment will be graded anonymously. Don't include any personal information, such as your name.'

You should not include any easily identifying information with your submission. Don't add your name to files you upload or use your name in any text you add.


Assignments with multiple attempts

If your tutor has enabled settings to allow you to submit multiple attempts, you'll be able to see this information when you view the Assessment under the Attempts heading in the Details & Information panel.


Finding your Assignment in the Activity Stream / Calendar

You can also find the Assignment in your Activity Stream or the Calendar tab of the module.

If the due date has passed for an Assignment, you’re alerted in the Important section of your Activity Stream.


Now let's move on to Step 2.

Step 2. (choose the relevant Assignment type from below)

Submit a Non-Timed Assignment where you have 1 attempt

1. Click the name of the Assignment. This will open the Details & Information panel - review the details of the Assignment.

Important: Late and in-progress submissions

Your tutor may decide not allow late submissions, which will mean in-progress attempts are submitted automatically at the due date and time. Please review the Assignment details carefully to check the settings that have been applied to your Assignment.

2. Click Start attempt when you are ready to begin. 

3. You'll then be shown the Assignment. Start answering the questions/upload your documents as prompted on screen. The Submit button will be disabled, until you attempt your first question, type some text in a text field or upload a file.

If you are asked to submit a file or type in text, you'll see a text editor field. Click into the field to see formatting and editing options.


If you are asked to upload files

a. Click into the text editor field to reveal the format and editing options.

b. Click the paperclip icon, this will open the file explorer for you to insert the file of your choosing.

c. Locate the document you want to insert and click Open. Your file will then be uploaded (at this point depending on how large your file is you may be given the option to cancel the download).

d. Click Save to confirm the file upload.

An document icon along with the name of your document should appear in the editor to show it has been attached. You have the option to delete the file by clicking the trash icon to the right of the file name.

When uploading multiple files, your tutor may ask you to combine them into a zip file first. If you're not sure how to create zip files, see zip your files for submission.


  • Depending on the settings your tutor has applied, you may see all the questions on one page, or you may have to view a question before you can see the next one. If this is the case you'll see a continue button under the question. Click Continue to move to the next question. If you move to the next question without answering the current question, you'll be reminded to review your answers before you submit.

Your progress is shown at the top of the screen, e.g. 2 of 4 questions remaining.


If you want to stop working for any reason and are not yet ready to submit, choose Save and Close.

When you are ready to resume working/submit, you'll be able to open the Assignment again by clicking Continue attempt.


4. Once you have answered the questions/uploaded the relevant documents and are ready to submit, select Submit.

5. A pop-up window asking you to confirm if you want to submit the Assignment will be displayed. Select Submit.


Unanswered Questions

If you have any unanswered questions when you click Submit, a pop-up window will ask you if you really want to Submit. Click Keep working if you want to go back and answer the question before submitting. Select Submit if you are ready to submit your work as it is.


Confirmation/receipt of submission

Once you have clicked Submit, you should see a 'Your submission was successful' pop-up message. This will provide you with a confirmation number and the time and date of your submission. It will advise you that you'll receive an email confirmation shortly. Note: during busy times, it can take a few hours for you to receive an email.

You will also have the option to Download a copy of your submission receipt. We recommend that you always download a copy of your submission receipt.


After you submit

You can't edit your work after you submit. After submission, if you look in the Gradebook, you'll notice the status column for the Assignment will now say 'Submitted'. You may need to refresh your browser.


Viewing your submission

You may see the option to ‘View Submission’ in the Details & Information panel (this appears when you have the Assignment open). Click View Submission to see the answers/work you submitted. Note: depending on the settings your tutor has used for the Assignment, you may not be able to view your submission until after your work is graded.

Submit a Non-Timed Assignment where you are allowed multiple attempts

If your tutor has enabled multiple attempts for an Assignment you'll see this information when you look at the Details & Information panel for the Assignment.

Submit your Assignment

1. Click the name of the Assignment. This will open the Details & Information panel - review the details of the Assignment. You'll be able to see the number of attempts you have (and how many you have left, after you submit).

 

Important: Late and in-progress submissions

Your tutor may decide not allow late submissions, which will mean in-progress attempts are submitted automatically at the due date and time. Please review the Assignment details carefully to check the settings that have been applied to your Assignment.

2. Click Start attempt to begin.

3. You'll then be shown the Assignment. Start answering the questions/upload your documents as prompted on screen. The Submit button will be disabled until you attempt your first question, type some text in a text field or upload a file.

If you are asked to submit a file or type in text, you'll see a text editor field. Click into the field to see formatting and editing options.


If you are asked to uploading files

a. Click into the text editor field to reveal the format and editing options.

b. Click the paperclip icon, this will open the file explorer for you to insert the file of your choosing.

c. Locate the document you want to insert and click Open. Your file will then be uploaded (at this point depending on how large your file is you may be given the option to cancel the download).

d. Click Save to confirm the file upload.

An document icon along with the name of your document should appear in the editor to show it has been attached. You have the option to delete the file by clicking the trash icon to the right of the file name.

When uploading multiple files, your tutor may ask you to combine them into a zip file first. If you're not sure how to create zip files, see zip your files for submission.


  • Depending on the settings your tutor has applied, you may see all the questions on one page, or you may have to view a question before you can see the next one. If this is the case you'll see a continue button under the question. Click Continue to move to the next question. If you move to the next question without answering the current question, you'll be reminded to review your answers before you submit.

Your progress is shown at the top of the screen, e.g. 2 of 4 questions remaining.


If you want to stop working for any reason and are not yet ready to submit, choose Save and Close.

When you are ready to resume working/submit, you'll be able to open the Assignment again by clicking Continue attempt.


4. Once you have answered the questions/uploaded the relevant documents and are ready to submit, select Submit.

5. A pop-up window asking you to confirm if you want to submit the Assignment will be displayed, select Submit.

  • If you have any unanswered questions when you click Submit, a pop-up window will ask you if you really want to Submit. Click Keep working if you want to go back and answer the question before submitting. Select Submit if you are ready to submit your work as it is.


Confirmation/receipt of submission

Once you have clicked Submit, you should see a 'Your submission was successful' pop-up message. This will provide you with a confirmation number and the time and date of your submission. It will advise you that you'll receive an email confirmation shortly. Note: during busy times, it can take a few hours for you to receive an email.

You will also have the option to Download a copy of your submission receipt. We recommend that you always download a copy of your submission receipt.

If the due date has passed, and you still have some attempts left, your tutor may enable a setting allowing you to submit these attempts late. You will see a system message advising you that your next attempt will be marked late. Do not attempt another submission after the due date has passed without first understanding the penalty for late submission (speak to your tutor if you are unsure).


After you submit

After submission, if you look in the Gradebook, you'll notice the status column for the Assignment will now say 'Submitted'. Under the name of the Assignment you'll also see '1 attempt submitted'. You may need to refresh your browser.

Attempting further submissions

Once you have made your first submission, you will be able to see the grading calculation that will be used to grade your Assignment - this can help you to decide if you want to make additional attempts:

1. Click the name of the Assignment to open the Details & Information panel.

2. Under the Attempts heading, click the link which tells you how many submissions you have submitted, e.g. 1 Submitted. This will open the Submission panel. Under the Final Grade heading you'll see the calculation your tutor intends to use, this could be one of the following:

  • Average of all attempts
  • First attempt with a grade
  • Attempt with highest grade
  • Last attempt with a grade
  • Attempt with lowest grade

3. If you want to attempt another submission, select Start attempt 2 (and so on). You will then submit your Assignment in the same way as before.


Viewing your submission

You may see the option to 'View Submission' in the Details & Information panel (this appears when you have the Assignment open). Click View Submission to see the answers/work you submitted for each of your attempts. Note: depending on the settings your tutor has used for the Assignment, you may not be able to view your submissions until after your work is graded.

Submit a Timed Assignment where you have 1 attempt

Your tutor may limit the amount of time you have to complete your Assignment (e.g. 60 minutes, once started). Time limit information appears alongside other Assignment details in the Module Content area. You'll also see the time limit when you open the Assignment - in the Details & Information panel, and within the Assignment, as you work.

Once you've started the Assignment, you'll find a timer at the top of the screen (above the questions). This will let you know the remaining time in minutes and, during the last minute, the time you have left down to the last second.


Start and submit a timed Assignment

1. Select the name of the Assignment to open it. This will open the Details & Information panel - review the details of the Assignment.

2. When you are ready to start, click the Start attempt button. If you see 'View assessment' instead of 'Start attempt' the assignment isn't timed, refer to the non-timed submission guides above.

A pop-up window will display, notifying you that the timer will start. If you're not ready to start, select Cancel. If you are ready to start, select Start Timer.

Important

The timer keeps running whether or not you're actively working on the Assignment. Once you start, if you save a draft or leave the Assignment page, the countdown continues and your work is saved and submitted automatically when the time is up.

3. You'll then be shown the Assignment. Start answering the questions/upload your documents as prompted on screen. The Submit button will be disabled, until you attempt your first question, type some text in a text field or upload a file.

If you are asked to submit a file or type in text, you'll see a text editor field. Click into the field to see formatting and editing options.


If you are asked to upload files

a. Click into the text editor field to reveal the format and editing options.

b. Click the paperclip icon, this will open the file explorer for you to insert the file of your choosing.

c. Locate the document you want to insert and click Open. Your file will then be uploaded (at this point depending on how large your file is you may be given the option to cancel the download).

d. Click Save to confirm the file upload.

An document icon along with the name of your document should appear in the editor to show it has been attached. You have the option to delete the file by clicking the trash icon to the right of the file name.

When uploading multiple files, your tutor may ask you to combine them into a zip file first. If you're not sure how to create zip files, see zip your files for submission.


  • Depending on the settings your tutor has applied, you may see all the questions on one page, or you may have to view a question before you can see the next one. If this is the case you'll see a continue button under the question. Click Continue to move to the next question. If you move to the next question without answering the current question, you'll be reminded to review your answers before you submit.

Your progress is shown at the top of the screen, e.g. 2 of 4 questions remaining.


If you want to stop working for any reason and are not yet ready to submit, choose Save and Close.

You are reminded that the timer will continue and will need to confirm if you want to Close Draft, or Cancel and return to the Assignment.

When you are ready to resume working/submit, you'll be able to open the Assignment again by clicking Continue attempt.


4. Once you have answered the questions/uploaded the relevant documents and are ready to submit, select Submit.

5. A pop-up window asking you to confirm if you want to submit the Assignment will be displayed, select Submit.

If you do not click Submit before the timer lapses then, depending on the settings your tutor has applied, you may see one of two messages when the timer gets to zero:

  • Your Assignment will auto-submit and you'll see a message advising you the Time is up and that your Assignment has been submitted.

OR

  • You'll see a message advising you that Time is up and that you can continue working for an extra amount of time, though work submitted after the limit may receive partial credit. Click Submit Now if you want to avoid the penalties for extra time.


Unanswered Questions

If you have any unanswered questions when you click Submit, a pop-up window will ask you if you want to Submit. Click Keep working if you want to go back and answer the question before submitting. Select Submit if you are ready to submit your work as it is.


Confirmation/receipt of submission

Once you have clicked Submit, you should see a 'Your submission was successful' pop-up message. This will provide you with a confirmation number and the time and date of your submission. It will advise you that you'll receive an email confirmation shortly. Note: during busy times, it can take a few hours for you to receive an email.

You will also have the option to Download a copy of your submission receipt. We recommend that you always download a copy of your submission receipt.


After you submit

You can't edit your work after you submit. In-progress attempts will be submitted automatically once the timer counts down to zero.

After submission, if you look in the Gradebook, you'll notice the status column for the Assignment will now say 'Submitted'. You may need to refresh your browser.


Viewing your submission

You may see the option to 'View Submission' in the Details & Information panel (this appears when you have the Assignment open). Click View Submission to see the answers/work you submitted. Note: depending on the settings your tutor has used for the Assignment, you may not be able to view your submission until after your work is graded.

Submit a Timed Assignment where you are allowed multiple attempts

Your tutor may limit the amount of time you have to complete your Assignment (e.g. 60 minutes, once started), along with giving you multiple attempts to submit. Time limit information appears alongside other Assignment details in the Module Content area. You'll also see the time limit when you open the Assignment - in the Details & Information panel, and within the Assignment, as you work.

Your tutor may also allow you to submit multiple times, you'll see the number of attempts you have in the Details & Information panel. The time limit for the Assessment applies to each attempt.

Once you've started the Assignment, you'll find a timer at the top of the screen (above the questions). This will let you know the remaining time in minutes and, during the last minute, the time you have left down to the last second.


Start and submit a timed Assignment

1. Select the name of the Assignment to open it. This will open the Details & Information panel - review the details of the Assignment.

2. When you are ready to start, click the Start attempt 1 button. If you see 'View assessment' instead of 'Start attempt' the assignment isn't timed, refer to the non-timed submission guides above.

A pop-up window will be displayed to notify you the timer will start. If you're not ready to start, select Cancel. If you are ready to start, select Start Timer.

Important

The timer keeps running whether or not you're actively working on the Assignment. Once you start, if you save a draft or leave the Assignment page, the countdown continues and your work is saved and submitted when time is up.

3. You'll then be shown the Assignment. Start answering the questions/upload your documents as prompted on screen. The Submit button will be disabled, until you attempt your first question, type some text in a text field or upload a file.

If you are asked to submit a file or type in text, you'll see a text editor field. Click into the field to see formatting and editing options.


If you are asked to upload files

a. Click into the text editor field to reveal the format and editing options.

b. Click the paperclip icon, this will open the file explorer for you to insert the file of your choosing.

c. Locate the document you want to insert and click Open. Your file will then be uploaded (at this point depending on how large your file is you may be given the option to cancel the download).

d. Click Save to confirm the file upload.

An document icon along with the name of your document should appear in the editor to show it has been attached. You have the option to delete the file by clicking the trash icon to the right of the file name.

When uploading multiple files, your tutor may ask you to combine them into a zip file first. If you're not sure how to create zip files, see zip your files for submission.


  • Depending on the settings your tutor has applied, you may see all the questions on one page, or you may have to view a question before you can see the next one. If this is the case you'll see a continue button under the question. Click Continue to move to the next question. If you move to the next question without answering the current question, you'll be reminded to review your answers before you submit.

Your progress is shown at the top of the screen, e.g. 2 of 4 questions remaining.


If you want to stop working for any reason and are not yet ready to submit, choose Save and Close.

You are reminded that the timer will continue and need to confirm if you want to Close Draft, or Cancel and return to the Assignment.

When you are ready to resume working/submit, you'll be able to open the Assignment again by clicking Continue attempt.


4. Once you have answered the questions/uploaded the relevant documents and are ready to submit, select Submit.

5. A pop-up window asking you to confirm if you want to submit the Assignment will be displayed, select Submit.

If you do not click Submit before the timer lapses; depending on the settings your tutor has applied, you may see one of two messages when the timer gets to zero:

  • Your Assignment will auto-submit and you'll see a message advising you that Time is up and that your Assignment has been submitted.

OR

  • You'll see a message advising you that Time is up and that you can continue working for an extra amount of time, though work submitted after the limit may receive partial credit. Click Submit Now if you want to avoid the penalties for extra time.


Unanswered Questions

If you have any unanswered questions when you click Submit, a pop-up window will ask you if you want to Submit as you still have unanswered questions. Click Keep working if you want to go back and answer the question before submitting. Select Submit if you are ready to submit your work as it is.

 


Confirmation/receipt of submission

Once you have clicked Submit, you should see a 'Your submission was successful' pop-up message. This will provide you with a confirmation number and the time and date of your submission. It will advise you that you'll receive an email confirmation shortly. Note: during busy times, it can take a few hours for you to receive an email.

You will also have the option to Download a copy of your submission receipt. We recommend that you always download a copy of your submission receipt.

If the due date has passed, and you still have some attempts left, your tutor may enable a setting allowing you to submit these attempts late. You will see a system message advising you that your next attempt will be marked late. Do not attempt another submission after the due date has passed without first understanding the penalty for late submission (speak to your tutor, if you are unsure).


After you submit

You can't edit your work after you submit. In-progress attempts will be submitted automatically once the timer counts down to zero.

After submission, if you look in the Gradebook, you'll notice the status column for the Assignment will now say 'Submitted'. Under the name of the Assignment you'll also see '1 attempt submitted'. You may need to refresh your browser.


Attempting further submissions

Once you have made your first submission, you will be able to see the grading calculation that will be used to grade your Assignment – this can help you to decide if you want to make additional attempts:

1. Click the name of the Assignment to open the Details & Information panel.

2. Under the Attempts heading, click the link which tells you how many submissions you have submitted, e.g. 1 Submitted. This will open the Submission panel. Under the Final Grade heading you’ll see the calculation your tutor intends to use, this could be one of the following:

  • Average of all attempts
  • First attempt with a grade
  • Attempt with highest grade
  • Last attempt with a grade
  • Attempt with lowest grade

3. If you want to attempt another submission, select Start attempt 2 (and so on). You will then submit your Assignment in the same way as before.


Viewing your submission

You may see the option to 'View Submission' in the Details & Information panel (this appears when you have the Assignment open). Click View Submission to see the answers/work you submitted for each of your attempts. Note: depending on the settings your tutor has used for the Assignment, you may not be able to view your submissions until after your work is graded.

Submit a Group Assignment

Your tutor can create a Group Assignment where you will collaborate with other students and submit work that you all contribute to.

Your tutor may assign you to a Group or ask you to join a Group so that you can contribute to a Group Assignment.

Group Assignments where the tutor assigns members

In the Module Content area, if a Blackboard Assignment is a Group Assignment, you'll see your group name listed under the Assignment name. Group member names appear at the bottom of the Details & Information panel when you open an Assignment.

Group Assignments where you join a Group to participate.

In the Module Content area, if you see a 'Join a group to participate' link under the Assignment name, select the link to choose a Group.

Clicking the link will open the Groups page, where you can join the Group of your choice.

Once you've selected a Group, the name of the Group you have chosen will appear under the Assignment name in the Module Content area and the Details & Information panel of the Assignment.

The Assignment will then also be listed in your Gradebook for the module.

For further guidance on joining a Group, see Groups in Minerva.


Submitting a Group Assignment

Any of the group members can submit the Assignment on behalf the group.

  • You can view a Group Assignment without submitting it. When you select View assessment, you can just view the Group Assignment or add some work.
  • If you are not ready to submit, select Save and Close. Your work on behalf of the group is saved and not submitted. Select View assessment to resume working.
  • Everyone in the group can keep track of the latest version of the work. Until a member selects Submit, you can open the Group Assignment as many times as you want.

For guidance on how to submit your Group Assignment, refer to the relevant guide above, keeping in mind that the Submit button can be clicked by anyone in the Group and that Group members should agree on who is going to submit the Assignment on behalf of the Group.

Group Tests cannot be timed, but can have a due date and time.

Additional guidance for Assignments

Additional guidance: Viewing files that have been included in an Assignment

Your instructor may attach files that you need to read or use to complete an Assignment. Your tutor decides if you can:

  • view the file
  • download it
  • view and download it

If your tutor allows file downloads, you'll see a three dots icon to the right of the file name which will give you the option to download the file.

If you are only allowed to view the file, you'll only see a downward arrow. Click the arrow or file name to open the file and see it within the Assignment page.

For video and audio files, select the name of the file to open them. You have controls for play, pause, and volume control. For video files, you can view the video in full screen.

Images are shown directly within the Assignment page.


Want to decide where your downloads are saved?
For most browsers, you can select where the files that you download are saved.

For example, in Chrome, navigate to Settings > Advanced > Downloads. You can select the location for file downloads and choose if you want the browser to ask each time. In Safari, you have the same capabilities. Navigate to Preferences > General > File download location.

Additional guidance: How to check your word count

If you are typing in the editor (usually for essay questions and for free-form responses), the word count appears below the editor. After you save, the word count no longer appears.

These items are included in the word count:

  • Individual words
  • Web links
  • Text in bulleted or numbered lists, but the bullets or numbers themselves aren't included
  • Superscript and subscript text not part of another word

These items and formatting elements don't affect the word count:

  • Images, videos, and file attachments
  • Math formulas
  • Blank spaces and lines
  • Alternative text

Additional guidance: Confirmation/receipt of submission

Once you have submitted your work, you should see a 'Your submission was successful' pop-up message. This will provide you with a confirmation number and the time and date of your submission. It will advise you that you'll receive an email confirmation shortly. Note: during busy times, it can take a few hours for you to receive an email.

You will also have the option to Download a copy of your submission receipt. We recommend that you always download a copy of your submission receipt.

Additional guidance: Late submissions

Your tutor may allow you to submit an Assignment late, (late submissions may be subject to penalties).

After the due date has passed and you open an Assignment, you’re alerted that your submission will be classed as late. You can view the alert in the Details & Information panel and in the Submit confirmation pop-up window. In the Details & Information panel, you can also see if any submissions are or will be late.

If you are not allowed to submit late, the Details & Information panel will say, 'You can't submit after the due date'. This means that you must complete your Assignment before the due date and time, regardless of the number of attempts or time limit you have to submit your work. In-progress and saved attempts will auto-submit at the due date and you will receive a submission receipt via email.

If you need to submit late and are not able to, or are unsure of the penalties for submitting late, you must contact your tutor/school

Additional guidance: Can I re-submit my Assignment?

You cannot normally re-submit and assingment, but it depends on the settings your tutor has chosen.

If your tutor has enabled multiple attempts, you should be able to submit again (though the number of times you can do this will vary). See the guidance above on Submitting Assignments where you are allowed multiple attempts:

If you need to re-submit and are not able to, you must contact your tutor/school.

Additional guidance: Starting a timed Assignment that may cause you to finish after the due date

If your tutor has set up an Assignment so that you cannot submit work after the due date, and you start an attempt too close to the due date, you will see a message in the Details and Information panel that states your time limit has changed.

Once you start, a timer with the new limit appears at the top of your submission attempt (for example, an Assignment is due at 4pm and is 1 hour long, you start at 3:30pm. This means you will have a 30 minute time limit as that is all the time that remains).


Additional guidance: Assignment is asking for an Access Code

Your tutor may require you to enter a a 6-digit access code before you can view the Assignment.

If your tutor wants to use the access code feature, they will share the code with you. After you type the code in, you can open the Assignment. You can use the code to resume an Assignment you have started and not yet submit.

You won't need the code to view your grades and feedback.

If you are asked to enter an Access code and do not have one, please contact your tutor for help.

Further Assistance