Why Build Tests and Grades in Blackboard?
As educators, we have the opportunity to lead by example and show students what learning looks like in a modern, connected world. Blackboard Ultra gives us the tools to teach smarter, not harder, by automating grading, organizing assessments, and making course expectations clear. When we build our tests and grades in Blackboard, we’re not only freeing ourselves from unnecessary administrative tasks, we’re also giving students the transparency and consistency they deserve. Leaning into these tools allows us to elevate both our teaching practice and our students’ experience, preparing everyone for success in a digital age.
The Provost requires every course to have at least a syllabus and schedule in Blackboard, but you don’t have to stop there. By building your assessments and grades in Blackboard Ultra, you’ll save time, stay organized, and give students the clarity they need. In this tip, we’ll show you how to create a test, use question pools, and set up your Gradebook so both you and your students benefit.
Efficiency: Automatic grading for many question types saves time.
Transparency: Students always know where they stand, reducing grade disputes and repetitive “what’s my grade?” emails.
Equity: Rubrics, posted assignments, and visible grade weights help ensure consistency and fairness.
Accreditation / QM alignment: Online grading supports institutional quality standards and program reviews.
Future-proofing: Once you build tests and assignments in Blackboard, they can be easily reused and adapted for future semesters.
Before You Start
Save yourself the trouble of building from scratch. If you already have test questions in a Word document, the guide linked below walks you through converting them directly into Blackboard Ultra.
How to Create a Test in Blackboard Ultra
- Add a Test
- In your Course Content area, click the plus sign (+) where you want the test.
- Choose Create → Test.
- Enter a name and optional description.
- Add Questions
- Inside the test, click the plus sign (+) to add content.
- Choose to create new questions (multiple choice, essay, etc.), reuse from other tests, or upload from a file.
- Build Question Pools(recommended)
- Select Add Question Pool.
- Filter and select questions from other tests or banks.
- Decide how many questions students should see (e.g., 10 out of 30).
- Pools add variation and reduce academic integrity concerns.
- Adjust Settings
- Set due date, number of attempts, feedback visibility, and availability.
- Save your work.
- Grade & Post
- Blackboard auto-grades most question types.
- Review responses for open-ended questions, provide feedback, and then post grades so students can see them.
Don’t Forget: Set Up Your Gradebook
Save yourself time and stress at the end of the semester by setting up your gradebook now. Organize your grade categories and overall grade so students see how everything adds up.
The more you build in Blackboard now, the easier your future semesters will be.
Final Thoughts
Building your assessments and grades in Blackboard Ultra is an investment in your teaching and your students’ success. Each step you take now makes future semesters smoother, reduces your workload, and creates a more transparent, equitable learning environment.
For assistance, please email id@daemen.edu rather than contacting an individual team member. This ensures your request is received promptly, even if one of us is in a meeting or away, and allows the Instructional Design office to provide you with the most timely support.