Virtual Classroom Issues

There is currently an issue with the Virtual Classroom and the version of Java we have on the campus network. We know about it, and we are working to upgrade the Java version. Before we can do that, though, the new version of Java has to be tested on campus to make sure that it does not conflict with anything we currently have on the network, so once that is determined then the new version can be put on the network.

In the meantime, the Virtual Classroom can be used OFF campus on machines that have the latest version of Java (1.06.02).

Eulogy for a Dropbox

"Alas poor Dropbox, I knew him Horatio." Blackboard is removing the digital dropbox and finally pushing people toward the more flexible Assignment manager.


The assignment manager was developed for Blackboard's 6.3 release and with the 7.3 release is finally filling its older sibling's shoes. The assignment manager offers a number of flexible user-friendly options that Ye Olde Digital Dropbox never gave.

To see how the assignment manager is more flexible than the dropbox and how it can work for you, be sure to visit our Blackboard Technology Tutorials page.

Blackboard Day Revisited

Blackboard Faculty, be sure to sign up for one of the training courses for Blackboard Day Revisited, where we will cover many of the areas we touched on during Blackboard Day.

The following is our training schedule for Blackboard in the last week of August:

• Test Creation Made Easy with Respondus 8.27 1-2pm CJC A111
• Adaptive Release and the Performance Dashboard 8.28 11am-12pm LDB 415
  
• Wikis, Blogs & Podcasting 8.30 1-2pm CJC A111
  
• What's New in 7.3 8.31 10-11am LDB 415
  

Something missing from your course?

Have you noticed then when you import content into the New Blackboard from the old, you aren't able to add some of the neat new tools from the Learning Units menu?

Have no fear, they are still there! When content is copied from 6.3 to 7.3, sometimes it results in content types being disabled from the course. To get the tools back:

1. Go to the Control Panel, and under the Course Options heading, choose Manage Tools.
2. Click the link for "Content Type Availability"
3. Check the box next to Blog, Wiki, Podcast Episode depending on which were missing.
4. Submit, and voila! The tool will appear in the Learning Units menu, and you can add away to your heart's content.
   

Moving from the Old Blackboard to the New

Out with the old and in with the new? How do you get from there to here? Since we are moving from one Blackboard Server to another, the Copy function that you are normally used to is not available. You will now need to Export from one server and Import to another. For instructions on how to export and import your courses, be sure to visit our "How do I move 6.3 course materials into 7.3?" page.

There are a couple of ways you can ensure that your import/export process runs smoothly.

• Only select the content areas you need.
• Be sure that if you want to bring over deployed assignments and tests that you export the gradebook items and settings
• Save your exported course file to your local computer C: drive or s: drive DO NOT SAVE IT TO THE DESKTOP.

If you follow these steps and use the guide, you will be well on your way to making a smooth transition from 6.3 - 7.3.

Blackboard Day Presentations

The Blackboard Day presentations are now available for download. So, if you missed Blackboard day or signed up too late to receive a USB, we've got you covered. We have the presentations available in powerpoint 2003 and 2007 format as well as some in Word and PDF (Adobe Acrobat).

• What's New in 7.3
  
• Wikis, Blogs & Podcasting
  
• Adaptive Release and the Performance Dashboard
  
• Can I post that? Copyright Issues
• Making the Leap, What do I need? (moving your course online)
• Test Creation Made Easy with Respondus
• In the trenches (Faculty Presentations)
  

See your courses as your students do.

Finally, you can see your Blackboard courses just as your students do. New with the Fall upgrade to 7.3 our Programming team has bundled into every course you teach, a student account accessible only by you that will allow you to view your courses as your students do.

If you see your name in the gradebook, don't worry it is not a mistake. It is just your student account showing up. Accessing your courses via your Blackboard "student" account is a snap! The following details how you will access your courses in the student view:

• username = username_std (ucs_jws_std or jfk004_std)
• password = INITIALS(uppercase) + last 3 digits of SamID (JWS###)
  
  *NOTE: if no middle initial, substitute an X (JXS###)
  

Welcome to the Blogboard!

The wait is over! The newest resource for Blackboard using Faculty and Staff is here. The Blogboard is the offcial Blackboard Faculty Support Blog at Sam Houston State University. Here we can post new best practices, podcasts of Blackboard training sessions, and even have guest posts from Faculty.

As the Blackboard team and you the Blackboard Faculty & Staff who are on the frontlines utilize and read this blog we are confident that we will be providing a valued resource that will equip Blackboard users all over campus!

Thanks,
The Blackboard Team