Tip #75: Naming Files for Blackboard

Tip: You can reduce the number of error messages you and students receive when opening files by appropriately naming files uploaded to Blackboard.


How to do it:

There are several file name characters that may lead to error messages when instructors or students upload or download files. To reduce the occurrence of those errors, follow these naming conventions:

• Use only letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens in file names
• Use hyphens or underscores in place of spaces in file names
• Do not use periods in a file name, except before the file extension (e.g. “Name_test1.doc”)
• Do not use spaces, commas, pound signs (#), question marks, equal signs, ampersands (&), asterisks (*), or any other special characters in file names
• Keep file names under 60 characters in length

NOTE: You may recommend to students that they follow these same naming conventions. This is helpful when you are downloading multiple students’ files at once (E.g. downloading students’ completed assignments).

Tip #74: Copying Course Materials by Exporting and Importing

Tip: You can copy materials into a Blackboard 9 course from previous courses by Exporting and Importing (from BB7 to BB9 and from BB9 to BB9).

• NOTE: This process does not overwrite your Blackboard 9 course entirely but rather add the material you are importing into it. You may need to rearrange or remove some items after the import process has fully completed.

Here’s how to Export and Import:

Part I Export

1. Log into the source course from which you will be copying the material.


2. Go to Export/Archive page.
   
   • Blackboard 7: Click on Control Panel then on Export Course under the Course Options section
   
   
   • Blackboard 9: Click on the Packages and Utilities section of the Control Panel and then on Export/Archive Course
     


3. Click on the Export button and select all Course Materials that you would like to export.
   
   • NOTE: Do not select Settings as this will cause some parts of your Blackboard 9 course to be disabled.
   
   
   • NOTE: If you select any Assessments, Assignments, or graded Discussions, then you must also select Gradebook Items (Grade Center Columns in BB9).
     
     Likewise, if you select Gradebook Items (Grade Center Columns in BB9), then you must select Assessments, Assignments, and Discussions.


4. Click Submit. At this point, you should receive a message that states “This action has been successfully queued. An email will be sent when the process is complete.”
   
• NOTE: You should receive this email within 2-3 hours. If that does not happen, please contact Blackboard Support (blackboard@twu.edu).


5. Once you receive the confirmation email, return to the Export/Archive page then right-click and save the new Export file to a location where you can easily find it such as your desktop.

Part II Import

1. Log into the destination course.


2. Click on the Packages and Utilities section of the Control Panel and then on Import Package/View Logs.


3. Click on the Import Package button.


4. Under Select a Package, click on the Browse button, browse to where you saved the Export file on your computer, select the file, and click on Open.


5. Select all Course Materials that you would like to import.
   
   • NOTE: Do not select Settings as this will cause some parts of your Blackboard 9 course to be disabled.
   
   
   • NOTE: If you select any Assessments, Assignments, or graded Discussions, then you must also select Gradebook Items (Grade Center Columns in BB9).
     
     Likewise, if you select Gradebook Items (Grade Center Columns in BB9), then you must select Assessments, Assignments, and Discussions.


6. Click Submit. At this point, you should receive a message that states “Success: This action has been queued. An email will be sent when the process is complete.”
   
   • NOTE: You should receive this email within 2-3 hours. After you receive this email, it could take up to another 8 hours for the new content to fully display. If either part does not happen, please contact Blackboard Support (blackboard@twu.edu).

Tip #73: Copying Course Materials

Tip: You can copy materials into a Blackboard 9 course from previous courses by using Course Copy (from BB9 to BB9 only).

• NOTE: This process does not overwrite your Blackboard 9 course entirely but rather adds the material you are importing into it. You may need to rearrange or remove some items after the copy process has completed.

How to Course Copy:

1. Log into the course from which you will be copying the material.


2. Click on the Packages and Utilities section of the Control Panel and then on Course Copy.


3. Under Select Copy Options, click on the Browse button next to Destination Course ID. In the Course window that pops, select your destination course, and click Submit.


4. Select all the Course Materials that you would like to copy.
   
• NOTE: Do not select Settings if you are copying from a course which was formerly on BB7 as this will cause some parts of your new Blackboard 9 course to be disabled.
  
  
• NOTE: If you select Assessments, Assignments, or graded Discussions, then you must also select Grade Center Columns.
  
  Likewise, if you select Grade Center Columns, then you must select Assessments, Assignments, and Discussions.


5. Click Submit. At this point, you should receive a message that states “Success: Course copy action queued. An email will be sent when the process is complete.”
• NOTE: You should receive this email within 2-3 hours. After you receive this email, it could take up to another 8 hours for the new content to fully display. If either part does not happen, please contact Blackboard Support (blackboard@twu.edu).

Tip #72: Blackboard 9 Upgrade Frequently Asked Questions

Tip: We will begin using Blackboard 9 for all classes beginning June 2010. Summer, Summer 2 and Summer 3 classes will be available on the new version of Blackboard. Summer 1 (formerly Maymester) will be taught on the current version of Blackboard. Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about Blackboard 9

Can I see what BB9 looks like before summer?

The new Blackboard server is available at http://twupilot.blackboard.com. You are also invited to attend the BB9 classes being offered to faculty, staff, adjuncts and GA’s. See our upcoming classes.

When will we start using Blackboard 9?

Blackboard 9 will be used beginning in June with Summer, Summer 2 and Summer 3 courses.

When will all my old courses be moved from BB 7 to BB9?

Courses containing content from the following semesters have been moved and should be visible on the new server:

• 08SP
• 08SU – all terms including maymester
• 08FA
• 09SP
• 09SU – all terms including maymester
• 09FA

10SP courses have not been moved so that all content can be included and will be moved once grades have been submitted. They should be available by the end of May.

You should be able to view all these courses on the BB9 server (http://twupilot.blackboard.com). If you are not seeing courses please contact Blackboard Support at blackboard@twu.edu.

When will my Spring 2010 courses be moved to the BB9 server?

In order to ensure that your entire course is moved, Spring 2010 courses should be available to you by the end of May.

Is it possible to move my Spring 2010 class earlier?

You can use the Export function in the course to export your course and then use the Import function in Blackboard 9. For more complete directions see: http://www.twu.edu/downloads/blackboard/BB9_Importing_a_Course_from_Blackboard_7.pdf

Will I need to give this address (http://twupilot.blackboard.com) to my students?

No, on June 4 all existing links (http://twu.blackboard.com, http://online.twu.edu) to Blackboard will automatically go to the new server.

I usually send e-mails to my students before the semester starts. Can I still do this?

Yes, you can send an e-mail from your course in Blackboard 9 (http://twupilot.blackboard.com)

Will organizations be moved to Blackboard 9?

Yes, we are in the process of moving all organizations with content to Blackboard 9. All organizations should be available in BB9 by the end of May.

Will I still have access to Blackboard 7?

Yes, it will be available through the beginning of Fall 2010; the exact date will be announced via e-mail. We will send a link to the BB7 location in June.

When will students have access to the new Blackboard?

Students will have access to Blackboard 9 beginning June 4.