Inserting and Sizing Images in Blackboard

When writing discussion posts, blog posts, wiki entries, etc. in Blackboard, the means of inserting an image is always the same. Yet, the image needs to be sized, in addition to inserted. The result of an unsized image is an image that is bigger than the actual browser window itself. Images must be resized.

Purpose: These instructions will provide the steps for inserting and resizing images in Blackboard.

These instructions will use a discussion forum post. However, the word processing palette is the same for other writing media in Blackboard. If not done already, open the full word processing palette. Select a place to insert an image by either placing the "insertion point" with the curser or highlighting a word.
Look for the Insert Image icon. The icon looks like a sun rising over a mountain. Click the Insert Image icon.
NOTE: The insert button places the image on the document. In this way, the reader can see the image, while reading. Alternatively, the paperclip icon is for attaching files. If you attach a file, you will only generate a link in your text, rather than picturing the image.
When you click on the Insert Image icon, a dialog screen will open. The General tab is the default tab and is where you want to begin.  Locate and click the Browse My Computer button.
A window will open on your computer that will let you search for the image you want to insert. Use your computer's file folder structure to locate the image file. Click on Open to select the image.
The preview of the image will be so enormous that you will not even be able to see what it is. Click on the Appearance tab. The interface will change.
Locate the Dimensions of the image. The dimensions are measured by pixels (or px). The default pixel size of the image will read in this place. The example I am using has a 3264 X 2448 pixel size.
500 is a reasonable pixel width on Blackboard. Type 500 into the width field on the left. The Constrain Proportions button should be checked by default. It MUST be checked for this procedure to work.
Because Constrain Proportions is checked, when you click outside the width dimension field, the height  dimension field will automatically change to the proportional pixel height for you.
On the bottom of the interface's right side, are the Cancel and Insert buttons. Click the Insert button.
A dialog box will open. Blackboard wants to be sure you wish to upload, without an image description. Image description and Title are both fields under the General tab. While they are required for public websites, they are not necessary for classroom discussion posts. Click on the OK button.
The appropriately sized image is not inserted into your Blackboard document, so that all your peers can see.

All instructions and documentation written by:

Dr. Jason Lawrence, M.S., Ph.D.

Theory and Practice of Professional Communication

Artificial Intelligence writers, Internal Documentation, and Emergent Texts
Visit my Official Blog, my LinkedIn profile, or my Web Page.

Find a School: Southern Connecticut State University