Typing in Microsoft Word is a great way to save drafts of discussion board posts/other written assignments before adding them to your online course.  This is also a helpful tip for your students!  When copy and pasting from Microsoft Word, however, it is highly recommended to Clear Formatting first!  To do so, follow these simple instructions:

1. Create your Microsoft Word Document.
2. Hold down the “Ctrl” key and hit the “A” key to select all of the text.
3. Click “Clear Formatting”, under the “Home” tab, in the “Font” section.  Hint: The icon is an eraser.
4. Hold down the “Ctrl” key and hit the “C” key to copy the highlighted text.
5. Login to Blackboard at http://blackboard.sacredheart.edu and enter your course by clicking its title.
6. Navigate to a discussion board forum or an assignment.
7. Paste  the text you copied in “Text Editor”.
8. Click Submit.