Items can be added to the gradebook to allow you to create column for many tasks not included with the basic course shell:

- Create a column to sort users
- Create custom grading schemes such as Pass/Fail
- Create a column for grades coming from outside the Blackboard course
- Create an attendance column

From the Gradebook page, click Add Item.

A form window will open to allow you to create a custom item for your gradebook.

NOTE: Please note that when the new item is created it will fall into the gradebook all the way over to the right. It you want to rearrange its' position, you can do so by clicking on the Manage Items link.

Item Information

Name the item with something that will be recognizable to your students when they look for their grades. Example: Test 1

NOTE: It is suggested that you do not use characters, such as the pound sign or roman numerials. Use only text and numbers.

Category

The category is important when using the Weights Grades feature in the gradebook. A good practice is to groups like items together for easy management.

Description and Date

Description is for your use only and the date is by default the day the item was created.

Points Possible

Post the number of points the item is worth in the course.

Display As

Select the way you would like the grade displayed to the students. Examples include: letter grade or numerical score. You can create a custom grading system by going to Gradebook Settings --> Manage Display Options.

Options

Click Yes if you want your students to see the gradebook item and No if not. Select Yes if you want the grade to be included in the gradebook calculations and No if not.

Click Submit to complete the process an add the item to the gradebook.