Blackboard Learn is a virtual learning environment and course management system adopted by institutions worldwide. As a student, it’s common to use Blackboard to submit assignments. Occasionally, you might submit an assignment prematurely or realize you’ve made a mistake after submission. Although Blackboard typically doesn’t allow a student to unsubmit or delete a submission once it’s been made, there are steps you can take to manage this situation. This guide will provide you with a better understanding of the submission process and advise you on how to proceed if you need to unsubmit an assignment.
Understanding Blackboard Submission Policies
Before attempting to unsubmit an assignment, it is crucial to know the policies that Blackboard has in place regarding submissions and how these can affect your course work.
Blackboard’s Assignment Submission Rules
Generally, once an assignment is submitted on Blackboard, it cannot be unsubmitted by the student. This policy is intended to prevent accidental loss of work and to maintain the integrity of submitted assignments. However, the actual ability to unsubmit or resubmit work might vary based on the settings your instructor has applied to the assignment.
Instructor-Defined Settings and Permissions
Instructors have the flexibility to set specific rules for each assignment. Instructors can decide if students are allowed multiple attempts. They can choose if students can override their submissions. Instructors can set a deadline after which they will not accept any further submissions. If you are unsure about an assignment’s settings, you should review the provided instructions. Or, for clarification, you should contact your instructor.
Identifying Your Options for Resubmission
If you’ve submitted an assignment and wish to make a change, there are several steps you can take to address the situation, depending on the instructor’s settings and the assignment’s configuration.
Checking for Multiple Attempts
Some assignments on Blackboard are configured to allow multiple attempts. If this is the case, you can simply submit your assignment again, and Blackboard will record each attempt. Your instructor will then choose which attempt to grade. To check if an assignment allows multiple attempts, look for this information in the assignment’s details before you submit.
Overwriting Previous Submissions
In cases where instructors allow overwrites, you can submit new files that will replace the previous submissions. This option is typically only available until the assignment’s due date or until the maximum number of attempts has been reached. Again, this information will be available in the assignment guidelines or by contacting your instructor directly.
Communicating with Your Instructor
If you’ve made a mistake with your submission and cannot resubmit it due to Blackboard’s restrictions, the best course of action is to promptly communicate with your instructor.
Explaining the Situation
Send an email to your instructor or use the course’s communication tools on Blackboard to explain that you have submitted the wrong file or that you have other reasons for needing to retract your submission. Be honest, concise, and polite in your message, and provide any necessary context that might be relevant to your situation.
Requesting a Reset
Ask your instructor if they would be willing to reset your assignment attempt. If they grant your request, they can clear your previous submission, enabling you to resubmit the correct file. Keep in mind that instructors are more likely to accommodate your request if you contact them as soon as possible after making the mistake.
Preventive Measures and Best Practices
To avoid the need to unsubmit an assignment on Blackboard, consider adopting some preventive measures and best practices when handling your course submissions.
Review and Verify Before Submitting
Always double-check your work before submitting it on Blackboard. Verify that you have attached the correct files and that your work meets all the assignment criteria. This habit can help you avoid common submission errors and eliminate the need to unsubmit or resubmit assignments.
Utilize Draft Submissions If Available
If your course settings allow it, make use of draft submissions to review how your assignment will appear once it’s submitted. This feature can give you an opportunity to preview and revise your work before making the final submission.