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Visual Text Box Editor [VTBE] How to & FAQ

What it is. 

Blackboard features a Visual Text Box Editor [VTBE]. The VTBE allows you to format text that you enter into Blackboard in much the same way you would format a Microsoft Word document. It also provides additional functionality to allow the uploading of various multimedia materials.

Implications for Teaching and Learning.

The VTBE is your main way to enter instructions, directions, content, etc. into your course. Learning to use the VTBE is one way to make sure that your content appears to students as you would like for it to appear. We have found that it is sometimes far easier to enter information via the editor than to import information from other documents. 

The upper formatting buttons area and the Path area can be hidden from view by using the Collapse/Expand toggle button on the left-hand side of the area. When an area is "expanded" (i.e. viewable), the toggle arrow points upward, and when the area is "collapsed" (i.e. hidden), the toggle arrows points downward.

When a text box is displayed in Blackboard it features a set of formatting buttons. The top row contains options for the user to set font type and size. Other buttons in the top row allow control of the font style, alignment, and list types. The second row features buttons to cut, copy, and paste text, as well as icons for inserting web links, tables, and mathematical equations. The second row also contains the HTML view button (this is a toggle feature to switch from text to HTML), and a spell-check feature. The final row (only available in compatible content areas) allows the user to insert attachments, pictures, macromedia flash objects, and compatible video files (mpeg, avi, and Quicktime). 

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Row 1

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Row 2

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Row 3

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For the experienced user, the VTBE is a versatile and much used tool for adding content in the form of text or multimedia to a course. However, for the novice instructor or student, the VTBE is often the focus of frustration. Faculty teaching entry level courses may wish to include some additional directions or links to helpful "how to" sheets for coping with common issues such as how to format text, upload files, or insert images. We've probably all encountered that seemingly insurmountable techno glitch that stops us cold in our tracks and makes us ready to throw our laptop out the window. Course building often includes anticipating problems, questions, and behaviors, and then, providing the information or tools to address them before students know these materials will be need.

Notes on Using the Visual Text Box Editor.

• The default spacing is double spaced when typing directly into the editor and hitting ENTER on your keyboard. To maintain single spacing, when you hit ENTER, hold down the SHIFT key, then press ENTER.
• The full VTBE does not appear in email textboxes, or in the Collaboration area.
• The VTBE third toolbar, which relates to adding media such as audio and video, does not appear in the Announcements area of Blackboard. Text can be copy/pasted from other software, such as MS Word, and will maintain some formatting. However some issues may occur and reformating in Blackboard may be necessary.
• When you use the editor for the first time, your web browser may pause for a short while. You may then be asked about a Java component. The first time you encounter one of these text boxes in a Blackboard session the warning appears. Do not be concerned about this. Simply make sure that Always trust content from this publisher is ticked and click on Run.
• The Visual Text Box Editor (WYSIWYG) is now cross-browser, cross-platform compliant.

Windows Compatibility:

 Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0

 Mozilla Firefox 1.0

 Netscape 8.0

Macintosh Compatibility:

Safari 2.0 (When run on Safari, the VTBE Lite Version appears.)

 Mozilla Firefox 1.0

Note: Firefox users will find they cannot use the Edit menu or Ctrl+v to paste into the VTBE editor. To accomplish this task, paste the text into a basic text editor, such as TextEdit or Notepad and then paste that text into the VTBE. A simple work-around is to paste the text using Shift+Insert.  

Attaching files in the Visual Text Box Editor.

Users have the option of attaching different types of files to the Visual Text Box Editor. Do not copy and paste a file from one text box to another; this will cause errors. The table below explains which button in the Third Row of the Visual Text Box Editor is used to add different file types.

Links for More Ideas. Note: This may take you to another section in this set of resources or to other TWU resources. 

Visual Text Box Editor - Disabling and Enabling

Blackboard Visual Text Box Editor Changes

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