Blackboard Ally (accessibility tool)

Blackboard Ally works seamlessly with Blackboard to gauge the accessibility of your content. Ally provides guidance and tips for lasting improvements to your content accessibility.

• Receive feedback on the accessibility of your content\
• Improve content accessibility with Ally's step-by-step instructions

In addition to providing, you with insight into your content accessibility, Ally automatically creates alternative versions of your files. This allows students to choose the type of file they want that best suits their needs. While you're in the process of improving files, students still access alternative copies.

Visit Blackboard's Ally page or view the Blackboard Ally Overview video for more information and to get started with improving the accessibility of your course content.

Blackboard Mobile App

The Blackboard mobile application is based on the desktop website version of Blackboard. It comes equipped with the same features, allowing users to seamlessly move their learning experience from their desktop to mobile and back. This app also combines the formerly separate student and instructor applications into a single unified experience; all users may download the same app, then log in to see student or instructor specific content automatically.

See the Blackboard Mobile App KB page for more information.

Course Archival, Removal and Retention

Course Archiving - Archives (a complete copy of the course, including student interactions) of all semester-based courses are made at the end of the semester, the day after grades are due. Instructors can also create an archive of the course and save it for their own record retention.

Course Availability/Open - All semester-based courses are made unavailable/closed two weeks after grades are due for the semester. Instructors for the course can make the course available again, as needed.

Course Removal - Courses are removed from the Blackboard system one year and one semester after the course was taught. If instructors need a copy of their course once it is removed, they can submit and NDSU IT Services ticket with their information.

Course Retention - The archive copy of courses is retained in accordance with the NDUS Records Retention Policies.

To learn more please visit our NDSU LMS Archive & Retention Process KB page.