If you create an assignment, test, quiz, blog, etc. in Blackboard and give it a point value, Blackboard will automatically create the associated column in the Grade Center. However, columns can also be created in the Grade Center that are not tied to Blackboard assignments for a variety of uses, 0ne is in face-to-face classes so students can check their grades online. Additionally, you can create columns to perform calculations on other columns and create a custom total column that can reflect an average of other columns, set up different weights, a minimum/maximum column.
Manual Grade Columns
Blackboard Help has excellent instructions on creating a manual grade column.
Create Calculated Column
See this Blackboard Help article for details on creating calculated columns. If you would like to create a column with an Average, a Minimum/Maximum, a Total, or a Weighted Total select “Create Calculated Column”.
An Average column will allow you to select multiple columns and calculate the average of those columns. It is important that all columns have the same number of points possible when using this calculated column. For more information on creating average columns, see the Manually Create an Average Column page.
A Minimum/Maximum column will show the highest or lowest grades for a column.
This may be useful for professors who want to curve for grades or exams.
A Total column allows you to choose any number of columns or categories and total the points earned for those columns or categories. If you then set your Primary Display to Percentage, you’ll be able to see the average created by dividing the total number of points earned by the total number of points possible.
A Weighted column calculates and displays a grade using a selected number of columns based upon each column’s respective worth to the total grade.
When creating a Weighted column or Total column select NO to calculate as Running Total as this only includes items that students have completed or attempted and will omit columns with no entry. If you leave Running Total as YES make sure you enter “0” for students who do not complete the work or else the column will not be included in their calculations.