Adding a PowerPoint File to Blackboard

A PowerPoint file can be posted to Blackboard as an item, just like a Word file or other document format.

Before posting it, however, you should consider how students will use it and if they will have access to PowerPoint software. The issues are very similar to the decisions you must make about distributing a presentation without Blackboard.

Here is a list of options and considerations.

• Post as PowerPoint. When a student encounters a PowerPoint file in Blackboard, he/she is presented with two options: to view the file or download and save it.
  For either option, the student must have PowerPoint installed on his/her computer to use the file. For students who do not have PowerPoint, you can provide a link to download a free PowerPoint viewer from the Microsoft web site. This will allow the student to view the presentation in Slide Show view only.
  If a student elects to view the file, the slides display within Blackboard in Slide Show view, and the student advances the slide by clicking.
  If a student downloads the file, they will be able to open it, print it, see different views of it, and edit it, IF he/she has the PowerPoint software.
• Post as HTML. Posting as HTML will allow students who do not have the PowerPoint software to view both slide and notes pages content.
  For instructions on how to save a PowerPoint presentation as HTML, see Saving as HTML.
  Follow these instructions to post an HTML presentation in Blackboard:
  1. When you save a Ppt file as HTML, you will end up with a single HTML file (the "index" page of your presentation) and a folder of additional HTML and graphics files. PLACE BOTH OF THESE ITEMS INTO A NEW FOLDER.
  2. Place this folder in an archive file using WinZip (Windows) or StuffIt (Mac) software.
  3. Post the archive file to your Blackboard course using the AddItem function.
  4. In the Special Action drop-down menu, choose "Unpackage this file."
  5. Blackboard will ask you which file to use as the entry point. Select the index file for the presentation. It should be the first file name in the list that appears.
• Post as PDF. Posting a file as a PDF is an option of you know students will want to print the file and will not have the PowerPoint software. HOWEVER, you can only create a PDF file in a single format, so you will have to choose a specific handout format before you create your PDF.

For instructions on saving a PowerPoint presentation as a PDF, see Saving as PDF.