Using (box.com) to create a class dropbox folder

Using (box.com) to create a class dropbox folder

Blackboard has tools for creating assignments and tests, but sometimes you might just want a folder for students to upload files.  Box has an upload widget to easily accept files from your students.

With the Upload Widget, you can create a dropbox that lets students upload files directly to your Box account.

Here’s how:

• Login to box. You can find it on the new Technology & Apps page at www.msoe.edu.

• Create a folder for students to upload files.  It can be anywhere in Box (perhaps in your class folder, named for the assignment).
• Click on the actions menu for this folder and select “Sharing” and “Upload Embed Widget.

1. Here you’ll see HTML code you can use as-is or customize.  Copy and paste this code onto your site and the Upload Widget is ready to go.

By pasting the HTML code into a Blackboard Item, students will be able to drop files to your designated folder.  As files are added, you will see them in your Box folder.  Your Upload Widget is secure, so students can only upload files. They won’t be able to view or access the contents of the folder.

To place the dropbox in Blackboard:

1. In Blackboard, create an “Item” under the Build Content menu.  This is generally located in “Content” or “Assignments.”

1. Name the “Item,” generally the name of your assignment or file submission requirement. Feel free to add textual instructions as well.  Click “HTML” to paste the code from Box.  Then click submit.

That’s it!  You now have an integrated Box dropbox in your Blackboard course.  Students can now submit files securely.

You can also use the embed functions in Box to embed video, audio, or other documents into your Blackboard courses.

Have a great quarter! And remember to contact your Instructional Designers with any questions or innovations you have for your courses. We look forward to working with you!