{"id":10601,"date":"2026-10-02T10:13:01","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T09:13:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/?p=10601"},"modified":"2026-10-02T10:13:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T09:13:03","slug":"whats-new-in-blackboard-september-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/2026\/10\/02\/whats-new-in-blackboard-september-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s new in Blackboard September 2026\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the\u202fSeptember update, we want to draw your attention\u202fto the following\u202fBlackboard enhancements:\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New Content Editor for Blackboard Documents\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Restrict accepted file types for assignment submissions\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Updated Blackboard Gradebook\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note: The September update was delayed by Blackboard to allow more time for testing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Content Editor for\u202fBlackboard\u202fDocuments&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blackboard has introduced a new content editor for Documents, giving staff a more modern and streamlined way to create content. The new editor offers a simpler editing experience, improved formatting tools and better accessibility. The key features are:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Simplified menus and a cleaner toolbar make editing easier.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enhanced list and table formatting provides greater flexibility.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improved keyboard navigation and accessibility features support a wider range of users.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The editor remains in beta stage until November and will continue receiving updates until then.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Instructors<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Staff can currently choose between the new and classic editor. The classic editor will remain available until December.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Image 1: The new Content Editor appears alongside the classic editor when adding Document blocks.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"903\" height=\"624\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10605\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4471153846153846;width:602px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-1.png 903w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-1-712x492.png 712w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-1-767x530.png 767w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-1-300x207.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 903px) 100vw, 903px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Image 2: The new Content Editor has a redesigned toolbar and menu structure.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"903\" height=\"207\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10604\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4.36231884057971;width:602px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-2.png 903w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-2-300x69.png 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-2-768x176.png 768w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-2-712x163.png 712w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 903px) 100vw, 903px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/help.anthology.com\/blackboard\/instructor\/en\/course-and-content-management\/add-content\/new-content-editor--beta-\/content-editor-comparison-table.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Content Editor Comparison Table<\/a> is available if you would like to see the differences between the two editors side by side.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the new editor became available for institutions to switch-on in August, Blackboard has already released several usability, accessibility, and functionality improvements based on feedback from early adopters. These can be seen below:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Paragraph indentation<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New indentation controls allow first-line or full-paragraph indentation directly within the editor, providing greater formatting flexibility.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Image 1: Instructors select\u202f<\/em><strong><em>Increase indent<\/em><\/strong><em>\u202for\u202f<\/em><strong><em>Decrease indent<\/em><\/strong><em>.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"903\" height=\"462\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10602\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4.426470588235294;width:602px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Responsive toolbar<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The toolbar now stays on a single row regardless of screen size. Less-used buttons are hidden on smaller screens, but all tools remain available through the menus.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Image 2: On small screens, less frequently used toolbar buttons are hidden.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"577\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-3-577x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10606\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.5634408602150538;width:524px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-3-577x1024.png 577w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-3-169x300.png 169w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-3-768x1363.png 768w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-3-712x1264.png 712w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-3.png 786w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 577px) 100vw, 577px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Keyboard shortcuts and navigation<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The\u202f<strong>Edit<\/strong>\u202fand\u202f<strong>Insert<\/strong>\u202fmenus now display more keyboard shortcuts next to common actions, making them easier to discover for keyboard users and anyone learning the editor.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Image 3: The\u202f<\/em><strong><em>Edit<\/em><\/strong><em>\u202fmenu displays keyboard shortcuts next to actions.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"903\" height=\"462\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10603\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.9545454545454546;width:602px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image.png 903w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-300x153.png 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-766x392.png 766w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-712x364.png 712w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 903px) 100vw, 903px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A new\u202f<strong>Keyboard Shortcuts<\/strong>\u202fbutton, located at the end of the toolbar, opens a centralised reference covering navigation between the Menu Bar, Toolbar, Inline Toolbar, and editor, as well as keyboard-based image resizing&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Image 4: A list of keyboard shortcuts appears when the keyboard shortcuts button on the toolbar is selected.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"903\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10608\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2.0337837837837838;width:602px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-4.png 903w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-4-300x148.png 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-4-712x350.png 712w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-4-767x377.png 767w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 903px) 100vw, 903px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Together, these updates make the editor&#8217;s full functionality easier to discover and use without a mouse.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Toolbar tooltips<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tooltips now appear below toolbar buttons, preventing them from obscuring menu options.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Image 5: The tooltip appears below the button.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"903\" height=\"456\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10607\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.980263157894737;width:602px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-5.png 903w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-5-300x151.png 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-5-712x360.png 712w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-5-766x387.png 766w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 903px) 100vw, 903px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Refreshed look and feel<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The editor has also received a visual refresh, bringing it more in line with Blackboard\u2019s wider design style.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image from URL<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Images added from a web address are now copied into the course rather than linked externally. This ensures images remain available even if the original source changes or is removed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Restrict accepted file types for assignment submissions&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instructors can now specify which file types they will accept for file submissions on assignments. Students are informed of any restrictions before submitting and receive a warning message if they attempt to upload a file type that is not permitted.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Instructors<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When configuring an assignment with file submission enabled, instructors can restrict accepted file types in two ways:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Select from a list of common permitted file types, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ZIP formats.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enter custom file extensions manually. <em>For the moment, to restrict according to PDF you will need to type in .pdf in the filter or add a custom extension box.<\/em>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instructors can modify file type restrictions after students have started submitting. Existing submissions remain gradable, and students with drafts in progress can still submit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Image 1: In the Permitted file types dropdown list, instructors can specify one or more file types allowed.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"903\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10609\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.7005649717514124;width:602px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-6.png 903w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-6-300x176.png 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-6-767x451.png 767w, https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/files\/2026\/10\/image-6-712x419.png 712w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 903px) 100vw, 903px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Students<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The expected file types for an assignment are displayed in the Details &amp; Actions section before submission. If a student attempts to upload a file type that is not permitted, a warning message should inform them that the file type is not accepted.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Updated Blackboard Gradebook&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the August update, we drew your attention to the restructured Gradebook grid view that has been rolled out by Blackboard. This is a reminder to take a look at our separate <a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/2026\/07\/30\/update-to-blackboard-gradebook-august-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Update to Blackboard Gradebook August 2026 blogpost<\/a> so that you can familiarise yourself with this new layout.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the\u202fSeptember update, we want to draw your attention\u202fto the following\u202fBlackboard enhancements:\u202f&nbsp; Note: The September update was delayed by Blackboard to allow more time for testing.&nbsp; New Content Editor for\u202fBlackboard\u202fDocuments&nbsp; Blackboard has introduced a new content editor for Documents, giving staff a more modern and streamlined way to create content. The new editor offers a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":108665,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[94,1198],"tags":[1261,1573,1245,1362],"class_list":["post-10601","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blackboard","category-montly-update","tag-assignments","tag-content-editor","tag-documents","tag-gradebook"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9XLJV-2KZ","jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10601","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/108665"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10601"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10601\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10610,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10601\/revisions\/10610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10601"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10601"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.aber.ac.uk\/e-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10601"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}