The Content Editor toolbar allows you some control over the look and feel of your content. You can create lists,
use predefined styles, format the style of the text, use a math editor, create links, insert images, add video from the web, attach files, and create tables.
You can type directly in the text area or paste content from other sources (such as Microsoft Word). As you type the word count will appear below the text box. You also can add an image into your text area. If you are adding files, you will most likely organize your content into chunks by choosing to Add Text multiple times as you design your Document Space. You will be able to move your items around as needed. As a workflow, you might first add text to create a heading, then upload an image, and then upload additional text for the paragraph text.
Content Editor Options
Let's take a look at the Content Editor options available to you in more detail.
Text Style
Use the Text Style drop-down menu to select predefined styles to apply to your content and modify its look and feel. Since documents are the primary way to build content in Ultra, you may find yourself placing a significant amount of content within this item and then arranging the material visually. Create visual hierarchies by including a title, headers, sub-headers, and paragraphs on your page.
Font Type
Change the font type to either match your institution's branding style or to best convey your course materials. For example, if you are creating a course for elementary school teachers you may want to use Comic Sans sparingly to show your learners how to use a font designed like a crayon to communicate with their students.
***As a reminder, fonts without serifs like the one used here is easier for reading in digital spaces.
Font Size
Adjust the font size to make the information readable on the page.
Color Picker
Change the font colors to help create visual hierarchies or interest on the page.
Font Features
To change the font, select the text and then choose bold, italic, and underline from the main toolbar.
Additional Text Menu
From the three dots after the underline symbol, access strikethrough, superscript, or subscript. You can also add code snippets. These code snippets do not embed coding into the page but can be used if you want to show learners what coding can look like for your computer courses. The code snippet tool identifies eleven programming syntax:
- Python
- Java
- JavaScript
- Kotlin
- R
- PHP
- Go
- C
- Swift
- C#
- HTML
Tables
The Table icon allows you to create or edit tables. To save time, you can paste a formatted table into the Text Editor from another source such as Word or Excel. Tables may contain up to 10 rows and 10 columns. As a best practice, designate header rows to improve accessibility.
Text Alignment
Change the alignment of the highlighted text within the textbox to left-aligned, centered, right-aligned, or justified.
Lists
You can create bulleted (i.e., unordered) and numbered (i.e., ordered) lists, change the line height, or modify the direction of the text. Select the content and then choose the desired formatting.
Undo
This feature allows you to remove the previous changes made within the text editor.
Clear Format
Use this tool remove text formatting and styles. Once applied the text will change the paragraph style.
Link
Link to a file or website.
Attachments
You can insert local files and Content Market (LTI Item) files within the context of the content.
When inserting a local file, you will be prompted to select a file located on your computer. Choose whether the file should be view only, download only, or view and download.
When adding a file from the Content Market, you may add links to tools and resources.
You can use your keyboard to jump to the text editor toolbar quickly, without needing to use your mouse. For example, if you'd like to add a link, you can use the Shift + arrow key to highlight the text and then jump to the toolbar to add the link. To navigate to the Text Editor toolbar from the text area, press ALT + F10. (Mac users, press Fn + ALT + F10) and then use the arrow keys to select an option (e.g., link, numbered list).
Images
Use the image feature to either upload an image from your desktop or find an image from UnSplash.
Math
Insert a math formula using the MathJax editor, a powerful tool for displaying mathematical notation and includes additional LaTeX delimiters for rendering mathematical formulas. This is compatible with standard STEM workflows.
Image from URL
Add images from online using an image URL. Make sure to follow copyright guidelines, such as indicating where you got the images.
Media
Embed media files you have on your desktop.
Youtube video
Use the search menu to locate a video from Youtube that you can embed into the course.
Content Collection
Add course materials from your Blackboard course content collection.
Content Market
Link external third-party course materials such as lessons from Pearsons.
Cloud Storage
Connect to your cloud storage to add course materials.
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