Is there a way to set up an extra credit column in the grade center that can be worked into the weighted total? Let's say I want there to be a possible 20 extra credit items, but I don't want to have more than 5% added to the weighted total. I've tried adding 5% above 100% for an extra credit category and then playing with the amount of points the column is worth and then played with the amount each item counts for and nothing seems to be giving me the results I'm looking for.
Christine,
If you want to add 5% bonus credit, the category will not help. You can add the 5% to the existing 100% (Weighted Total). To do this you need:
The problem is with the conversion. I know WebCT allows you to insert a simple formula in a column, and I don't see how Blackboard can accommodate this.
Jinsong
Ok, I am almost with you. What kind of calculated column do I need to make? Another weighted column? Also, the course grade column, what kind of column is that? Total?
You need a column to do the calculation. I may be wrong, but Blackboard does not seem have this function. As for the Course Grade column you neet a total column to add up your Weighted Total and the Extra Credit columns.
I tried what you suggest and got some really odd results. Most of which had the student's who earned extra credit have their averages reduced. Also, if I go back in to add a point the results change dramatically and not always in the direction one would think. If I change someone back down to 0 for points for extra credit, their average goes way down below the average with no extra credit added. I don't know if I'm still not doing something right, but it is not working. I'm going to keep the columns in there hidden from the students and see if by the end of the semester the numbers start looking right. I'm thinking perhaps since the weighted total is shown currently as a running total, that might make a difference, we'll see.
I'm sorry if I confused you. If really want to do it in Blackboard, you have to give EXTRA CREDIT in percent ( column C) rather than points (column D). Here is how you can try it in Excel.
By the way, I'm actually in favor of a flat total system. Jinsong
That pretty much looks like what I did. I think the running total is causing the problems. The only way to know for sure is to let the course run its course and see what happens. I've got it working in the grade center and am keeping it unavailable to students as I run my little experiment.