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Offline Submission Assessments

Blackboard Ultra allows instructors to use the Collect Submissions Offline option to create assignments that do not accept file uploads but still support grading, rubrics, and written feedback. This is helpful when the actual work is completed outside Blackboard.

Some assignments are completed in person—such as in-class activities, paper submissions, presentations, lab work, or demonstrations. In these cases, instructors may still want the assignment to appear in the Gradebook so they can enter grades, use rubrics and provide feedback digitally.

This KB page includes:

Create an Offline Submission Assignment

  1. Go to your Course in Blackboard Ultra.
  2. Navigate to the Content area where you want the assignment to appear.
  3. Click + then click, Create.
  4. Select Assignment.
  5. Add the assignment name and instructions.
  6. Open Assignment Settings by clicking the gear icon ⚙️ in the top-right corner.
  7. Enable the option Collect Submissions Offline.
    Blackboard screenshot showing the "Collect Submissions Offline" check box.

  8. Set the due date, points, grading rubric (optional), and any other settings.
  9. Click Save.
  10. Make the assignment visible to students when you are ready.

This creates an assignment that does not accept digital files but still appears in the Gradebook for grading and feedback.

Add Grades and Feedback for an Offline Submission Assignment

  1. Go to your Course in Blackboard Ultra.
  2. Navigate to the Content area and select the offline submission assignment.
  3. Click on the Grades tab.
    Blackboard screenshot showing the "Grades" tab

  4. Click on any student’s name to open the grading panel.
    Blackboard screenshot showing students. One student's name is surrounded by a red box for emphasis.

  5. A prompt will appear asking you to create an attempt.
    • Because the assignment was collected offline, Blackboard requires you to enter a submission date and time.
    • Choose the correct date/time and click Save.
      Blackboard screenshot showing the attempt creation window.

  6. After saving, the student’s grading page will open.
  7. On the right-hand side, open the Feedback panel (expand it if needed).
    • Enter your written feedback in the text box and click Save.
      A Blackboard screenshot showing the overall feedback form.

  8. Enter the grade for the student in the grade box.
     A Blackboard screenshot with a student's grade emphasized by a red box

    • If using a rubric, scroll through each criterion and choose the appropriate level or points.
      Blackboard screenshot with grading rubric emphasized by a red box

    • You can also open the rubric in a separate full-panel view if preferred by clicking the icon in the section heading.
      A Blackboard screenshot showing the option to open the rubric in a separate window. Emphasized by a red box.

  9. Repeat these steps for each student.
  10. When you are finished, make sure to Post all grades so students can see them.

Keywords:
blackboard, assignments, offline, submission, Ultra, assignment, assessment, test, grade, feedback, add, adding, grading 
Doc ID:
157383
Owned by:
Sharley K. in NDSU IT Knowledge Base
Created:
2025-12-11
Updated:
2025-12-12
Sites:
NDSU IT Knowledge Base