Embedding external websites using HTML embed code
Some websites and online tools allow you to “embed” their content in places like Blackboard modules or blogs. Instead of a student clicking a link in a Blackboard module and being taken to an external website, the content you’re linking to is “embedded” and displayed inline within the module. This article describes how to find the embed code for Padlet and Microsoft Forms and how to embed them in Blackboard.
There are many online tools that allow us to create content, communicate and share information. Linking out to these tools from Blackboard is a great way to get students involved in an activity but it can take them away from the learning environment and in some cases cause a distraction. You can embed Microsoft Forms into a Blackboard module so that students don’t have to leave Blackboard to complete the task. Thousands of websites support embedding and once you’ve found the embed code the way to embed it is the same for each site.
Not all websites support the use of embedding, so you have to look at the options each site has to offer. If a website supports embedding you’ll probably find the information you need in sections called “Sharing”, “Embedding” or “Embed Code”. Look out for the following icons, you might see embedding options when you click on them: ⚙ ≡ ⋮
Embedding Padlet in Blackboard
- Log in to https://padlet.com and go to the wall you would like to embed in Blackboard
- Click the ⋯ icon in the top right and choose Share or embed
Choose Embed in your blog or your website
Select the embed code that is displayed and click Copy
Go to the module on Blackboard that you would like to embed the Padlet wall in, in a Content Area choose Build Content > Item
Enter a Name for the new item and click the HTML icon on the third row of the toolbar icons. If you don’t see three rows of icons use the double up arrow in the top right of the editor to Show More
Paste the embed code you copied into the editor window and click Update. You’ll see a yellow placeholder in the editor but you won’t see your embedded content yet. Click Submit to create the new item.
Your Padlet wall will now be embedded in your Blackboard module and students can interact with it without leaving Blackboard
Embedding Microsoft Forms in Blackboard
Log in to https://forms.office.com and go to the form you would like to embed in Blackboard
Click Share in the top right
Click on the Embed icon </>
Select the embed code that is displayed and click Copy
Go to the module on Blackboard that you would like to embed the form in, in a Content Area choose Build Content > Item
Enter a Name for the new item and click the HTML icon on the third row of the toolbar icons. If you don’t see three rows of icons use the double up arrow in the top right of the editor to Show More
Paste the embed code you copied into the editor window and click Update. You’ll see a yellow placeholder in the editor but you won’t see your embedded content yet. Click Submit to create the new item.
Your form will now be embedded in your Blackboard module and students can fill it out without leaving Blackboard
Double check your form permissions to be sure it is publically accessible.