Quick Reference Guide for Blackboard
Blackboard Message Tool
Messages are private and secure communication that occurs within the course and among course members. Although similar to
email, you must be logged into the course to read and send messages.
Using the Messages tool instead of the Email tool can also be more reliable.
Students are notified when a new message appears upon logging into Blackboard.
Both incoming and outgoing messages are saved in the Messages tool.
Messages are organized in folders, marked as Read or Unread, moved to other folders, or deleted. The Messages area has two folders, Inbox and Sent which you cannot rename or delete.
Messages are internal and stored within Blackboard and, at this time, any communications sent through the Messages cannot be forwarded outside of
the Blackboard system.
Accessing Blackboard Messages
The Message Center, is where all of your Blackboard
Messages will be collected.
Your Message Center
A. Create Message: Use the Create Message function to create new
messages.
 Messages are course-specific,
which means that if you send a
Message in one course, that Message cannot be viewed within any
other course.
 You can only access the Blackboard Messages tool from within
a course.
 Once inside click on the Messages tool from the Tools link on the
Course Menu or from a customized link to the Course Menu.
B. Create Folder: Use the Create Folder function to add a new folder.
You can use folders to organize course messages.
C. Inbox: The Inbox folder opens with a list of course messages received.
Note: As the instructor you have the option to remain this tool in
the course menu.
Note: While the course menu link may be called something different, the Messages page will be clearly labeled with the
name of the tool.
D. Sent: The Sent folder opens with a list of course messages that you
sent.
E. Delete Folder/Delete: The Delete Folder or Delete function in the
folder contextual menu removes the folder.
 To delete personal folders, select the check box next to
each folder to delete.
 Then, click Delete Folder on the action bar
 The folders, and any course messages in the folders, are
deleted.
F. Edit: The Edit function changes the name of a personal folder.
Note: It is not possible to modify the name of the Inbox folder or Sent
folder
El Paso Community College Distance Learning Support Services Department
Contact Distance Learning Support Services at dlss@epcc.edu or 915-831-3111
April 27, 2016
Composing and Sending a Message
There are four easy step to creating and sending a message
1.Clicked Create Message
2.Choose the recipients
3.Write the message
4.Submit
Note: Once you send a Message, a copy of the message will be placed in your sent folder.
Step 1: Recipients
1.
Select the Message recipients from among those
enrolled.
2.
Three fields are available to add recipients: To, Cc
(carbon copy), and Bcc (blind carbon copy).
Note: Recipients in the To and Cc fields appear in the
received message. Recipients in the Bcc field do
not appear.
Step 2: Typing your Message
1.
Add a subject to your message
Step 3: Attaching a File
1.
Click Attach a File to browse for files from your
computer.
2
3
Click the Browse button
Find the file and click Open
Note: In Messages, you can only attach one file per
message.
Note: In order to send multiple files, you will either
have to send multiple messages or send
them in a .zip format.
2. Type or record your message.
Step 4: Sending your Message
1. Click submit to send your message.
Note: To learn how to insert a video using the video everywhere please see the
hand-out call Video Everywhere
Best Practices Using Messages
Communicating with Messages is efficient and effective. Please be mindful of the following best practices when using this tool.




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Provide a greeting
Keep your message clear and concise
Use complete sentences
Check your spelling and grammar
Quote others when appropriate
El Paso Community College Distance Learning Support Services Department
Contact Distance Learning Support Services at dlss@epcc.edu or 915-831-3111
April 27, 2016