This article deals with Blackboard assignments created by the EMA Integration. These assignments always have the prefix [IC] in their name.
Move the assignment to the correct folder
When the EMA Integration creates Blackboard assignments in a course it places them in the ‘Assessment’ learning module.
The assignments should be moved into the relevant folder.
To do this
- expand the Assignment folder
- drag the Blackboard assignment into this folder
Provide Instructions
You can use the ‘Instructions’ field to provide specific instructions for this assessment and/or more general guidance – such as a link to our guide on submitting to a Blackboard assignment.
Check / Edit the assignment settings
Go into the editing assignment screen (click on the 3 dots, then choose Edit).
Now apply the appropriate settings for your assignment. The list below shows the settings which you are most likely to want to apply for a summative assignment.
For more detail on all the options available, please see or guide on Assignment Settings.
Prohibit new attempts after the due date
- If your School has on-time and post-deadline submission points, tick this option for the on-time assignment.
- Do not tick this option if your School has a single submission point for all students.
Submission method
The default is Online Submissions and this applies to the vast majority of assessments. Offline Submissions is applicable only to assessments where students will be presenting in class, or submitting a physical object, and are not required to make any kind of electronic submission.
You can specify the allowed format of submission you expect from students. The two options are File Upload and Text Entry.
- File Upload allows students to submit documents such as Word files, PDFs, spreadsheets, or other attachments. This is useful for longer, formatted work like essays, reports, or projects. We recommend switching off File Upload for video-based assessments, unless students are expected to upload additional files alongside their recordings.
- Text Entry lets students type or paste their response directly into the built-in editor within Blackboard. This option works well for shorter answers, reflections, or discussion-style responses. Text entry must be enabled for video-based assessments, as it allows students to select the YuJa Media Chooser via the Content Market.
By default, both options are selected and this is appropriate for most types of assessment. You may opt to switch off the Text Entry option if the assessment requires a file to be uploaded.
Attempts allowed
The default is a single attempt. We recommend that you select ‘Unlimited’.
Anonymous Marking
Tick the box to hide student names from markers and programme administrators.
This option is not available for Group Assignments.
Use marking rubric
Select a rubric, if required. Rubrics can be copied from Blackboard Learn original to Ultra, see our guide Copying Blackboard Rubrics.
Assigned Groups
Click here if this is a Group assignment. It is recommended that groups are set up before assigning groups to the assignment.
If you have already set up the groups (see our guide Create a Group Assignment), select them from the Reuse Groups section in the drop-down “Group Students” menu.
Originality Report
Click ‘Enable Turnitin’ if you wish submissions to generate a Turnitin Similarity Report.
See Turnitin Similarity Reports in Blackboard Assignments.
Release Conditions
The EMA Integration sets Blackboard assignments to become visible to students 4 weeks before the due date. If you wish to bring this date forward, click on ‘Release Conditions’, top right of the assignment screen.
Then edit the ‘Show on’ date.
A ‘Hide on’ date should not be applied to coursework assessments.
Guide last updated on May 19, 2026