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.

Grading Criteria:

This example shows 5 quizzes worth 100 points each, the lowest (minimum) quiz grade is dropped (100 possible points removed from total quiz points), and the final grade is the average of the 4 highest scores.

Mathematical Formula:

(sum{ [Q1] , [Q2] , [Q3] , [Q4] , [Q5] }) – (min{ [Q1] , [Q2] , [Q3] , [Q4] , [Q5] })* / 4

To create this formula in Blackboard Vista:

1. For the Final column, click the Actionlinks drop-down menu.
2. Select Edit Column Formula. The Edit Formula screen is displayed.
3. Click Left Parenthesis button.
4. Click the SUM button. “SUM{” is automatically displayed.
5. In the “Select a column to add to your formula” box, choose the first quiz.
6. Click the Enter Another Value button.
7. Repeat above two steps until the last quiz column is added.
8. Click the End Function button to end sum list. A right curly bracket, }, is added.
9. Click the Right Parenthesis button.
10. Click the Minus Sign button (-).
11. Click the Right Parenthesis button.
12. Click the MIN button. “MIN{” is displayed.
13. In the “Select a column to add to your formula” box, choose the first quiz.
14. Click the Enter Another Value button.
15. Repeat the above 2 steps until the last quiz column is added.
16. Click the End Function button. A right curly bracket, }, is added.
17. Click the Right Parenthesis button.
18. Click Divide button (/).
19. Click the number buttons to enter the total number of items being averaged. In this example, the number of items being averaged is 4.
20. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and click Save.