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Grade Book: Creating a Category Column (BbV)

Calculated columns display the numeric result of a formula that you create. By default the Blackboard Vista Grade Book has two calculated columns, Midterm and Final. These columns represent the computed Midterm and Final averages and cannot be deleted only hidden.

You can calculate many mathematical equations for the Final and Midterm columns. NOTE: Start by writing your calculation on paper and then use the various functions on the Edit Formula screen in Blackboard Vista.

You can create calculated columns to calculate a portion of a large formula such as quiz averages, homework totals or project percentages. Then, you can use the new calculated column in the Midterm or Final calculations.

Grading Criteria:

If part of the final grade consists of quiz percentages, create a calculated column named Quiz%. Let’s say you have 5 quizzes worth 25 points each, and the total quiz score is 10% of the total semester grade.

Mathematical Formula:

( ( sum { [Q1] , [Q2] , [Q3] , [Q4] , [Q5] } ) * 0.10 ) / 125

To create this formula in the Blackboard Vista:

  1. Create a new calculated column.
  2. For the new calculated column, click the Actionlinks drop-down menu.
  3. Select Edit Column Formula. The Edit Formula screen is displayed.
  4. Click the Left Parenthesis button twice.
  5. Click the Sum button. “SUM{” is displayed.
  6. In the “Select a column to add to your formula” box, choose the first quiz column. In this example, it is column Q1.
  7. Click the Add Another Value button. A comma (,) is displayed.
  8. In the “Select a column to add to your formula” box, choose the second quiz column. In this example, it is column Q2.
  9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 until all the quiz columns are added.
  10. Click the End Function button. A right curly bracket, }, is added.
  11. Click the Right Parenthesis button.
  12. Click the Multiply button (*).
  13. Click the number buttons to enter the percent of the total grade – 0.10 in this example.
  14. Click the Right Parenthesis button.
  15. Click Divide button (/).
  16. Click the number buttons to enter the total number of quiz points – 125 in this example.
  17. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and click Save.