A banner graphic is a simple way to personalize your Bb course and make it look more unique. Banner graphics are .gif or .jpg images that are displayed at the top of some pages within the Bb course areas. It only takes a few moments to create one and adding it to your course is simple simple to do via the course's control panel.
 
From the Blackboard "My Institution" area:

• Click on the course you are teaching as listed under the "My Courses" menu.
• Once inside the course's Bb area, click on the gray "Control Panel" button on the left-hand menu.
• Under "Course Options," click on "Course Design".
• Click on "Course Banner"
• Click on the Browse button and locate and open your banner (image) file. The path to your banner image will appear in the box to the left of the Browse button.
• Click "Submit."
• Click "Ok"

To view your course banner, click on the course name in the navigation path at the top of the page. NOTE: If you do not see your banner, it may be because Announcements is not the first item in your course menu. Announcements is the only course tool that displays the course banner.
 
Banner specifications:

• Files should be .gif or .jpg graphic files. These are the most commonly used formats for Internet graphics and images.
• Banners should be no larger than 50k in size. Larger images take too long to load for many Internet users (students).
• Banner graphics should be no more that 600 pixels wide, e.g., 150px X 600px is a common banner size.

NOTE:  Make a banner with ease using PowerPoint in less than five minutes! Click here for a pdf document to show you how.

Recommended Graphics Programs:
To create your banner graphic, you could use any number of graphic tools and editors. Below are a few commonly used applications.

• Macromedia Fireworks
• Adobe Photo Elements
• Adobe Photoshop
• Microsoft Image Composer
    

Unfortunately, CPCC does not have a site license for a graphics program thus one is not freely available to all employees. Those who do not have access to these resources can also contact Instructional development (email idev@cpcc.edu) and request assistance. Just ask to have a banner created for your course(s) and an Instructional Developers will contact you to find out your banner preferences, e.g., colors, images, general look and feel, etc. Depending upon availability, you should have your banner ready within a day or two.